Students having a snowball fight (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)
Winter weather lovers rejoice: it has officially arrived in Central New York (CNY), and there are so many fun things to do! Check out this list we have put together for you:
Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic
Address: 2 South Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Love hockey? Come out and support this tournament which combines the soul of a sport built upon cold winters with the warm spirit of a neighborhood. The goal is for players and spectators to experience a fun day of competitive pond hockey while enjoying an outdoor family-friendly event.
Syracuse Winter Fair
Address: New York State Fairgrounds Expo Center, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse
When: Friday, Feb. 2, 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, Feb 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Children 10 and under are free. For those 10+, tickets start at $3 and vary based on age. Advance sale tickets are available now online.
Details: It’s a taste of summer in the middle of winter. This is the fifth edition of this major community event featuring the food, rides, music and entertainment that people enjoy throughout the summer.
Waterfront Fireworks at The Syracuse Inner Harbor
Address: 328 West Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Feb. 16, 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Not something you often get to see in the winter, head down to the Inner Harbor to catch a beautiful fireworks display to kick off the Syracuse Winterfest happening that weekend.
Winterfest at the Syracuse Inner Harbor
Address: 720 Van Rensselaer St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Details: Fun for the whole family! Event includes live music, yard games, outdoor fire pits, family art classes, hot chocolate and s’mores bar with Cafe Blue, ice carving demonstrations, food trucks, dogsled races to benefit Helping Hounds Dog Rescue and much more!
Syracuse Inner Harbor Winterfest human dogsled race participants. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Inner Harbor)
Beaver Lake Nature Center
Address: 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville
Admission: $5/car
Details: Beaver Lake Nature Center is the perfect place for beginner and advanced snowshoers and cross-country skiers. During the winter, trails are specifically designated for snowshoeing and skiing and are opened as conditions allow. Visitors are welcome to bring their own snowshoes or rent a pair from the Visitor Center. Cross-country skis are not available for rent.
Highland Forest
Address: 1254 Highland Park Road, Fabius
Admission: $10; $5 child (15 and under)
Details: Highland boasts 40 miles of cross-country ski trails, 20 of which are groomed and track-set for all ability levels, and three skate ski loops. It is the ideal place for skiers, snowshoers and hikers who are looking to experience the pristine nature that Southern Onondaga County has to offer. Ski, boot and pole rentals are available.
Cross-country skiing
Camillus Ski Association
Address: 403 Blackmore Road, Camillus
Admission: $12
Details: Camillus Ski Association features two moderately sized slopes (beginner and intermediate) for skiing and snowboarding, served by two rope tows to the top.
Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center
Address: 8012 E Genesee St., Fayetteville
Admission: $25+
Details: Four Seasons offers a single chairlift and six trails with varying levels of difficulty.
Labrador Mountain
Address: 6935 Route 91, Truxton
Admission: Wide range of lift ticket options
Details: Labrador features four lifts and 23 trails with varying levels of difficulty.
Song Mountain
Address: 1 Song Mountain Road, Tully
Admission: Wide range of lift ticket options
Details: Song features five lifts and 24 trails with varying levels of difficulty.
Woods Valley Ski Resort
Address: 9100 NY-46, Westernville
Admission: $45+
Details: Customize your ski adventure with Woods Valley Ski Area’s lift tickets. Choose a four-hour, seven-hour or until close ticket to begin your adventure. Glide to new heights on their two double chairlifts and enjoy the convenience of their upgraded base lodge. With 21 Trails, ranging from Green Circles for beginners, Blue Squares for intermediate skiers and riders, and Black Diamonds for experts, as well as three terrain parks, they cater to all abilities and ages.
Woods Valley Ski Resort (Photo courtesy of Woods Valley Ski Resort’s Facebook)
Clinton Square Ice Rink
Address: 2 Clinton Square, Syracuse
Admission: $3+ (based on age) and $5 skate rentals
Details: Located in the heart of downtown Syracuse, the Clinton Square Ice Rink is one of the city’s most popular destinations for skaters to enjoy the open-air facility. A warming room is available for skaters to come inside and warm up. Concessions are available for purchase.
Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion
Address: 511 Skytop Road, Syracuse
Admission: Student admission is free. Faculty, staff, alumni, dependents and spouses can skate for $8 per person; skate rental is $4 per person.
Details: Get your skate on at the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion. Dates and times available for open skate are listed on the University’s events calendar.
A person ice skates in Tennity Ice Rink during open skate. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)
Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center
Address: 8012 E Genesee St., Fayetteville
Admission: $28 for two hours
Details: Open on Thursday and Friday from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Pass includes tube rental. Tubers must be at least 3 and 1/2 years old and 40 inches tall.
Camillus Ski Association
Address: 403 Blackmore Road, Camillus
Admission: $16 for three hours
Details: Open on the weekends. Check their website or call 315.487.2778 for the latest conditions. Pass includes tube rental.
Woods Valley Ski Resort
Address: 9100 NY-46, Westernville
Admission: $25 for two hours
Details: Open on the weekends. Riders must be big enough to get in and out of the tube on their own, clear the base area quickly and ride the Wonder Carpet without assistance. 42 inches tall is a general guideline.
Students tubing in snow (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)
For students, every weekend the wellness portal has a list of various outdoor adventures that are available to participate in during the winter!
Always keep an eye on the University’s events calendar for the latest happenings.
