Bundle Up: Your Winter Sports Guide to the Capital-Saratoga Region

Why stay cooped up in the winter time? There’s plenty of opportunity to get outside in the Capital-Saratoga Region…even during the winter! We’ve compiled a list of spots you have to try if you like your great outdoors with a fresh blanket of snow!


Albany County

Albany Pine Bush Preserve | Albany

Don’t let cabin fever get you down! The wide trails at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. If a hike is more your speed, there are 20 miles of multi-use trails to choose from, with easy, moderate and challenging options to get your blood pumping. If you need to warm up from your winter activities, stop by The Discovery Center which is full of interactive exhibits that tell the story of the preserve’s geologic importance and explores the plants and animals that call the preserve home.

 

Fulton County 

Royal Mountain Ski Area | Caroga Lake

The friendly atmosphere at Royal Mountain makes it a must-stop on your winter itinerary, particularly if you’re traveling with children. Their Snowsports School offers lessons for beginners and the variety of trails will give thrills to skiers and riders of all levels. Discounted season passes are available for ski enthusiasts who plan to make multiple trips. Royal Mountain also hosts Renegade Racing’s snow drag races, if you’re looking to amp the adrenaline in your winter sports! 

 

Rensselaer County

Grafton Lakes State Park | Cropseyville

Hit the trails in at Grafton Lakes State Park, where cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular winter activities, as well as ice fishing and ice skating (weather permitting). Each winter, the park is the site of a popular event, Winterfest, that’s full of games, food and entertainment for the whole family.

 

Saratoga County

Saratoga Spa State Park | Saratoga Springs 

Saratoga Spa State Park is a winter wonderland and the perfect spot for a number of winter activities. There are 12 miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing, as well as ice rinks for skating and hockey. Keep an eye out for educational programming throughout the winter, including snowshoe hikes and other fun events!

 

Schenectady County

Maple Ski Ridge | Schenectady

Get ready for big winter fun at Maple Ski Ridge! The trails at this family-owned ski area are designed for all ages and abilities, whether you’re skiing or snowboarding. New to these sports? Maple Ski Ridge offers lessons with a friendly, experienced staff that will have you swishing down the slopes in no time! 

 

Washington County

Willard Mountain | Greenwich

Skiing, snowboarding AND tubing? Willard Mountain has it all, and with a variety of trails there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There are night skiing and riding passes available, perfect for enthusiasts who want to cram in a few runs after a day of enjoying the sights and flavors of Washington County. Bring the family for a fun-filled day of tubing, and get cozy with a hot beverage and delicious meal in the Thirst Aid Room.


Don’t let a little snow keep you from enjoying everything that #TheAdventureCapital has to offer! Hit the slopes and trails of the Capital-Saratoga Region for a full season of fun for the whole family!

Adirondack Cruise and Charter Company

Adirondack Cruise and Charter Company- Looking for that perfect afternoon noon on the lake without the hassle of renting and driving a boat? Let us do all the work so you can relax and play with your friends!!! #bacheloretteparty #girlsweekend #saratogalake #boating #saratogasprings #iloveny

A Dutch Stroll in Albany

The Albany Dutch are more than just tulips and wooden shoes!  Echoes of Albany’s Dutch roots can be felt throughout the City, from our street names to our architectural gems. A Dutch Stroll is a guided walking tour within the original perimeter of Beverwyck.  Learn how the tenacious Dutch adapted to the New World, formed relationships with the Native Americans and adjusted to English rule before the Revolution.

Cheese, Wine, & Beer Tour (Washington)

The annual Washington County Cheese, Wine, & Beer Tour is the perfect way to experience the bounty of incredible flavors in the county. Each September, this free, self-guided tour showcases a number of local cheese makers, as well as craft breweries and vineyards, for the ultimate foodie adventure. You’ll definitely want to bring your appetite!

Organized by The Washington County Cheese Makers, the tour highlights the tradition of cheese making in the area, which dates back to the 19th century. Sample delicious varieties from Chèvre to Camembert to Cheddar (and more!) and learn more about the process from farmers. The tour also showcases the picturesque landscape of Washington County, with its rolling hills and foliage just starting to change to its fiery fall colors. The featured farms on the tour are located within a 20 mile radius, making it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Cheese lovers, mark your calendars!

First Night Saratoga

First Night Saratoga is one of the oldest and largest celebrations of its kind in the country. Now in its 23 year, First Night Saratoga, is a Saratoga Springs tradition.  Every year, Saratoga Arts teams up with 30 partner venues, over 40 sponsors, 300+ artists, and 150 volunteers to present the largest New Year’s Eve celebration between New York City and Montreal.  First Night Saratoga has something for everybody – music in all genres, magic, mind arts, and more!

Saratoga Wine and Food Festival

The Saratoga Wine & Food Festival is a unique destination event based around culinary excellence and ethos, sustainable culinary practices, and cultural experiences — taking place in one of NY State’s most beautiful parks in September. The weekend destination event will celebrate the bounty and talent of the region from the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks with gourmet tastings from top chefs, a new farm-to-table dinner, art and performance, chef demonstrations on sustainability, and VIP experiences. To learn more, please visit Saratoga Wine & Food Festival.

Tulip Festival

Submerge yourself in a sea of more than 150,000 tulips at Albany’s historic Washington Park this Mother’s Day weekend for Albany’s Annual Tulip Festival. Historic events celebrating Albany’s rich, Dutch heritage combined with multiple stages of acclaimed live music, craft vendors, a fine arts show, children’s activities, and great food to make Tulip Festival a free, one-of-a-kind event for the whole family.

Empire State Plaza Tree Lighting

Glory in the grandeur of the lighting of the official New York State Holiday Tree, December 2, at the Empire State Plaza Tree Lighting and Fireworks Display. Taste of NY Holiday Market at New York State Museum and the Great Train Extravaganza are the same day. This is a full day of fun holiday-themed events that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

Troy Restaurant & Craft Beer Week

Unlike a traditional restaurant week, downtown Troy pairs with Craft Beer week each year to offer a wide selection of events, programs, discounts, course meals, dinner pairings, and more. There’s something for everyone so make your way downtown and enjoy troy!