By: Nicole Feliciano @MomTrends

A Sustainable and Cozy Getaway

What does it take to embrace winter and look forward to snow? It starts with early exposure to fun, low-impact family-friendly activities. Ulster County offers the perfect setting to foster a lifelong love of winter and the outdoors, but when it’s cold outside, the comforts of curling up indoors by a warm fire can be just as enticing.

Where to Stay For the Ultimate Getaway

Renting a home can create the perfect vacation atmosphere. Norsdale in Phoenicia offers an elevated experience for up to 18 people. This private getaway is situated on ten acres in the Catskill Mountains, just minutes from Belleayre and a variety of scenic winter hikes. The property features multiple gathering spaces, including a spacious kitchen and dining room, making home-cooked meals an easy and sustainable option. Preparing meals at home not only reduces expenses but also minimizes food waste and allows you to source local ingredients or bring some of your favorites from home.

Norsdale also offers cozy reading nooks by the fire, perfect for unplugging. In addition to the five bedrooms in the main house, four motel-style rooms in an adjacent building provide additional space. If you want to take in the night sky, enjoy a soak in the hot tub or gather around the fire pit you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors all winter long. Expect to pay about $1,200 per night for the entire property (with a two-night minimum; rates increase in the summer and fall).

Where to Find Adventure

Belleayre Mountain in Highmount is the largest ski area in Ulster County and is renowned for its top-tier skiing and riding. It offers all levels of lessons to help families build confidence on the slopes. Belleayre is celebrating 75 years of winter fun while implementing sustainable practices to protect the mountain for future generations.

Rocking Horse Ranch, an all-inclusive resort, features a Winter Fun Park, snow tubing and snowy horseback riding. This all-inclusive family resort has been welcoming guests since the 1950s, offering a dude-ranch-meets-ski-lodge experience with a focus on sustainable, car-free vacationing.

Guests of the Mohonk Mountain House or those with a Winter Day Pass can rent cross-country skis and snowshoes to explore 30 miles of groomed trails at the historic retreat. Mohonk also features a stunning open-air ice rink with a grand stone fireplace and twinkling fairy lights, making it an unforgettable place to skate under the stars.

Where to Refuel Your Family

Finding great places to eat is always part of the adventure, and in Ulster County, you won’t have to drive far to discover delicious options, many of which embrace the farm-to-table movement.

  • Phoenicia Diner: A staple for classic American comfort food, Phoenicia Diner serves hearty sandwiches, meatloaf, and pasta in a charming retro setting. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Wednesdays), it’s the perfect spot for a bowl of tomato soup and grilled cheese after a chilly day outdoors. The diner is committed to sustainability, working with local vendors and participating in composting initiatives. In 2024, they successfully diverted 6.7 tons of waste from landfills through recycling efforts.
  • Oliver's at Howland House: Located in a beautifully restored 1850s inn, Oliver’s offers a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. While waiting for their meals, kids can color by the fireplace or play a round of pool. On Wednesdays, the Noodle Shop pop-up features ramen and other pan-Asian dishes—ideal for warming up after a day on the slopes. The bar offers après-ski cocktails, as well as local New York State microbrews and natural wines made using organic growing methods.
  • Small Talk: For those seeking an adults-only evening, this tiny, glowing bar in Woodstock is the perfect stop. With an eclectic soundtrack and expertly crafted cocktails, Small Talk proves that a small footprint can make a big impression.
  • The Ridge Tea  + Spice Shop: If you’re picking up ski rentals in New Paltz, take a stroll downtown and stop by The Ridge. Offering a wide array of loose-leaf teas, spices, coffee, and baked goods, this cozy shop is a must-visit. Loose-leaf tea is a more sustainable choice, as it eliminates the waste associated with tea bags, strings, and adhesives.

Where to Unwind

After a day of outdoor adventures, a little relaxation is in order. The Emerson Resort & Spa in Mt. Tremper provides the perfect place to recharge. Opt for a deep tissue massage followed by a steam and a soak—it’s like hitting the reset button. The spa’s zen treatment area offers a serene escape from the everyday.

If you’re not looking for a full treatment, the Emerson Spa Wellness Pass ($45 per person) grants access to the fitness center, locker room, sauna, steam room, and outdoor hot tub on weekdays (excluding holidays). And for those driving electric vehicles, the resort offers eight complimentary Tesla charging stations in the Inn parking lot—another small way to make your trip more sustainable.

Where to Shop

Woodstock, NY, is a charming town perfect for exploring on foot, especially if you’re looking for gifts or toys that encourage unplugged play and an appreciation for nature.

  • Tinker Toys of Woodstock: This colorful store is packed with creative play options, from art supplies to building sets—activities that foster imagination without screens.
  • Golden Notebook: Book lovers will adore this independent bookstore. The downstairs features selections for adults and young adults, while the upstairs is a magical space dedicated to children’s books, complete with murals and cozy reading areas.
  • H. Houst & Sons: A classic small-town "everything store," H. Houst & Sons has been in business since 1932. Here, you can pick up a low-cost sled for the weekend or a puzzle to enjoy by the fireplace.

Where to Play Indoors

Sometimes, winter weather can bring a little too much of a good thing. If the snow is too deep or the temperatures too cold, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the season indoors like the Kiwanis Ice Arena. This full-sized rink in Saugerties offers skate rentals, sharpening, and repairs, along with a snack stand and a few arcade games. The arena also has a skate trade-in program and a full-service repair shop, helping to keep gear on the ice and out of landfills.

While indoor fun is always an option, the real magic of Ulster County lies in its outdoor adventures. Whether skiing, snowshoeing, or simply taking in the stunning winter landscapes, this region offers countless ways to enjoy the season. Plus, with its commitment to sustainability—through eco-friendly dining, locally sourced goods, and outdoor recreation—Ulster County is the perfect destination for families looking to embrace winter in a way that’s both fun and environmentally conscious.