Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, skating, and snow tubing are great snow sports to help shake the winter doldrums.
And while I wouldn’t normally consider walking a sport, it definitely presents a unique challenge in winter, leveling up your skill requirements for balance, flexibility, and resiliency similar to skiing.
Exposure to fresh air, exercise, and sunshine are key to staying healthy through the colder months, both physically and mentally.
Snow Sports To Try
1. Snowshoeing
If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors, try snowshoeing! There are a few places around Rochester to rent snowshoes and learn how to use them.
2. Skiing
Skiing around Rochester is as much winter recreation as it is a social experience, competition, and a tradition. A few of these destinations also offer cross country ski rentals.
3. Sledding
Monroe County Parks have the best sledding hills around Rochester! The great thing about sledding is that there are no barriers to entry.
4. Snow Tubing
It’s basically sledding without having to walk to the top of the hill!
Greystone Tubing Walworth
“Snow machines will be cranking out the powder, and groomed lanes guarantee a fast, smooth track for tubers of all ages. At the top of the hill, our staff monitors lane traffic and ensures safe spacing. When it’s your time to fly, get ready for a nearly one-minute adrenaline rush of a ride.”
Holiday Valley Ellicottville
“Snow tubing is fun for everyone; all you have to do is sit down, hang on and experience the exhilaration of pure winter fun! The Snow Tubing Park has up to 20 lanes including that are 900 feet long and drop 100 vertical feet, plus a conveyor lift to bring you back up the hill! A special Little Tubers area is available, weather permitting, for younger children at a cost of $5. A cozy warming hut is at the base of the hill with a snack bar, fireplace and restrooms. Or you can warm up and rest outside at the giant bonfire pit.”
Greek Peak Cortland
“The Outdoor Adventure Center features a gravity-fed Mountain Coaster, guided Zip Line Tour of 4 Dual Zip Lines (2 Lines November-March), a High Aerial Challenge Course (High Ropes – seasonal), a Eurobungy Trampoline (seasonal), a “Summer Kid Zone” featuring Bounce Houses and a Kiddie Climbing Wall, and an 18 lane Winter Tubing Center. We also offer custom team building programs by reservation for sports teams, organizations, corporate retreats & more!”
5. Ice Skating
There are several options when looking for ice skating rinks around Rochester. Even some of the outdoor rinks offer skate rentals.
6. Walking
There’s no need for any extra equipment to simply get outside and take a walk, except maybe some crampons if the trail is icy. Wander around the neighborhood on a sunny day, or pick a trail to explore.
Here are a few suggestions for a winter stroll:
30 Winter Walks Around Rochester
These ideas for winter walks should motivate you to step outside for some fresh air and, with any luck, sunshine. Bundle up!
First Day Hike: 10 NYS Parks to Visit January 1, 2021
Celebrate the New Year outdoors with a First Day Hike! Each of these local New York State parks offer a self-guided hike on January 1, 2021.
“Hit the Trail Passport” for the Rochester Area
Pick up your “Hit the Trail Passport” booklet at Wegmans, or print your own! You’ll have everything you need to start your hiking adventure.
If the temperatures have been below freezing for several days in a row, head to Letchworth and check out the ice volcano at the Glen Iris.
Taughannock Falls is the only gorge trail that remains open all year long, and is one of the most accessible waterfalls in New York State.
71 Hiking Trails Around Rochester
A few rustic trails around Rochester that will inspire you to take a hike. A diverse collection of rail, waterside, and inland trails.
49 New York State Parks Within a 2-hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them each unique!
Monroe County parks are free, so take advantage of 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical and geological experiences!
52 Nature Centers, Preserves, Refuges, and Observatories Around Rochester
Our nature centers, wildlife preserves, management areas, etc., all serve to protect and sustain life, while making nature accessible.
To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.
Aristotle
What are your favorite snow sports?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!