When the Weather Outside is Frightful
Staff | April 15, 2016 | Comment
Some of us expectantly count the days leading up to the season’s first snowstorm, while others gleefully pull out the craft projects we’d neglected during our summer days on the beach. Whether you’re itching to get back into winter sports or excited for an excuse to spend some time indoors, there’s always something to do in the Hudson Valley during the colder months.
HIT THE SLOPES
Between the Catskills and the Berkshires, the Hudson Valley is home to over 150 skiing trails, and their history runs deep. Did you know that Hunter Mountain Ski Resort pioneered summit-to-base snowmaking in the 1960s and was the first to achieve 100% snowmaking coverage twenty years later? Or that Catamount has been open for more than three quarters of a century? Together with Windham Mountain and Ski Butternut, these peaks deliver season-long access to trails of all difficulty levels with vertical drops of between 1,000 and 1,600 feet. You can come for the day or stay for the week, perfect your skiing or try snowboarding for the first time, spend an afternoon tubing with the kids, or just laze out at the lodge.
ICE CLIMBING
Ski slopes not vertical enough for you? Head to the Shawangunk Ridge for some world-class cliffs. Satisfy your inner thrill-seeker this winter by joining a team of expert guides for a day of ice climbing. No experience or equipment needed—Alpine Endeavors and Mountain Skills Climbing Guides both provide you with crampons, boots, and technical climbing tools.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
If as far as you can tell snow is only good for shoveling and griping about, consider taking advantage of one of the Valley’s signature indoor activities. Treat yourself to a cooking, wine, or baking class at the Culinary Institute of America and show off your new skills at the next holiday party. Inner muse feeling neglected? Sign up for a writing workshop or two with TMI Project, a local memoir-writing and live storytelling organization led by a team of all-star authors. Or grab the kids and head over to one of Fiberflame Studio’s workspaces. Walk-ins are always welcome! Just sit down, pick a craft, and let your creativity drive the cold away.