Experience Ulster County This Winter

The leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping and Old Man Winter is hobbling this way. Summer has left the building, so to speak, and cold weather is upon us.

In Ulster County, this doesn’t mean everyone retreats inside to their fireplaces for the next three months—quite the opposite. Here, the changing season can be a cause for celebration, even for outdoor enthusiasts.

A little nip in the wind or some snow on the ground isn’t going to stop us from soaking up the spectacular sights, sounds, and seasonal activities of this unassuming paradise, located just two hours north of NYC in the heart of the Mid-Hudson Valley.

Here are the best ways to experience the winter wonderland of Ulster County.

Hit the Slopes at Belleayre Mountain

Active adventurers flock to Ulster for the thrill of the challenging terrain. In spring and summer, that means hiking, biking, and climbing across cliff faces, steep mountain inclines, and winding forest trails.

During winter, adrenaline junkies trade in their bike shorts, wheels, and carabiners for salopettes, skis and snowboards. With 171 skiable acres, 50 trails, two parks, and eight lifts, Belleayre Mountain in Highmount is renowned for having some of the best skiing on the Eastern Seaboard, from challenging steeps for seasoned thrill-seekers to breezy cross-country trails suitable for all skill levels.

Another Belleayre attraction is the Catskill Thunder, a high-speed gondola. A pleasant main lodge features a roaring fireplace perfect for warming up after a long day on the slopes.

Explore Miles of Snowy Trails

Though serious snowsports of all kinds are popular throughout the winter, you don’t have to be an active adventurer to experience the awesome wonder of snow-covered rolling hills and perfectly dusted forest ridges. Snowshoeing, tubing, and hiking options abound across miles of trails.

Bundle up and get your morning aerobics in with a brisk snowshoeing jaunt across the Mohonk Preserve or Minnewaska State Park, or feel the soft crunch of powder under your boots with a hike along the Ashokan, Hurley, Hudson Valley, or Wallkill Valley Rail Trails.

If you have children, consider spending a weekend at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort’s Winter Fun Park in Highland, where they can tube, ski, ice skate, or ride horseback. We promise they won’t want to leave.

Lace Up Your Blades and Glide Across the Ice

Practice your spiral at one of Ulster County’s seasonal ice skating attractions. For those who prefer indoor ice skating, Kiwanis Ice Arena in Saugerties provides a well-maintained Olympic-size rink in a state-of-the-art arena. For outdoor ice skating, visitors can choose from several parks and pavilions, including Stoeckeler Memorial Park in Ellenville.

But anyone looking for a truly epic outdoor ice skating experience should consider paying a visit to the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. Besides its lodging, dining, and historic appeal, this 150-year-old mountain resort (known affectionately by locals as the “Castle in the Catskills”), boasts a massive open-air Victorian ice skating pavilion that’s open every season from November to March.

Enjoy Holiday Shopping in Kingston’s Historic Stockade District

Did you know that Kingston was the original capital of New York? It was only after the British burned the city during the Revolutionary War that the capital shifted to Albany. The fire was started in the stockade of Uptown Kingston, an area known today for its quaint storefronts, world-class dining and libations, and historic architecture—the makings of a stellar weekend itinerary and the perfect way to experience the heart of what makes Ulster County so special.

Stroll the streets and admire the Dutch-colonial architecture (be sure to swing by the Old Dutch Church on Wall Street), window shop for holiday gifts at one of the charming retail boutiques, and savor the innovative flavors crafted by acclaimed chefs and mixologists.

Go Sledding on Ulster County’s Best Hills

Ulster County has some of the best (and free) sledding hills around from popular community favorites like Kingston’s Hasbrouck Park and Woodstock’s Comeau property to hidden gems such as Snyder’s Farm Hill in Saugerties and the Ashokan Reservoir day-use area. Each location comes with its unique charm, scenic views, and the promise of post-sledding hot chocolate. Whether you're looking for gentle slopes for the little ones or more thrilling, steep hills for an adventurous ride, there’s something for everyone.

Unwind and Relax at the Spa

After a day on the slopes or a shopping adventure, you deserve to unwind and let the day go at one of Ulster County’s top spas. Whether you want to escape into the Catskills Mountains to a modern destination like Menla Retreat & Spa or relax at a cozy spa near the Hudson like Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, the perfect retreat is waiting for you.