Winter in the Sullivan Catskills is a magical time of the year—it is a perfect escape. Sitting by a cozy fire while sipping in a hot cocoa and watching the snow fall outside your window, makes you want to curl up with a warm blanket and hibernate until late spring. But how can you stay inside when an enchanted outside world of a snowy wonderland awaits? The irresistible sun beaming off the lustrous white terrain summons us to begin outdoor adventures filled with laughter, exploration, restoration, and fun—especially in the Sullivan Catskills where there are so many incredible adventures to have from December to March: skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, ice fishing, Bald Eagle Watching and so much more.
SKIING, TUBING, ICE SKATING
Racing down a snow-covered slope on skis, in a tube or sled are activities that the entire family will enjoy. Try winter at the Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center-they offer winter sports and activities like skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sledding, and ice skating at their ski chalet. Or try one of their packaged sleepover inclusive winter getaways for the entire family.
Holiday Mountain is another winter attraction where their slopes and trails are 100% covered with deep manmade bases and the latest grooming technology to provide skiers and snowboarders with the finest surface conditions. Seven slopes, and three skill level trails are open day and night. Sliding down the mountain in a tube is another option for those seeking exhilarating outdoor snow-filled adventures.
SNOWSHOEING & HIKING
For those seeking the serenity and beauty of nature, snowshoeing is one of the best ways to get outside and enjoy the season. The Sullivan Catskills has an abundance of trails and parks that you can explore. Before you head out, it is best to be prepared and equipped with the proper gear. We suggest that you visit Morgan Outdoors an adventure outfitter that will suit you up from head to toe, assess your ability, and direct you to the best spot. If you already have snowshoe gear or just want to take a quick hike, check out the best trails in the Sullivan Catskills at trailkeeper.org. This is an ideal site that gives you an overview of each trail, skill level, and location.
HORSEBACK RIDING
There is something romantic about horseback riding through a trail after a snowfall—especially in the Sullivan Catskills. You connect with nature at a whole different level, you see the world through the eyes of the four-legged friend who will guide you through snow-kissed forests and shimmering meadows with a breathtaking backdrop of the Catskill Mountains. Bridle Hill Farm and Rolling Stone Ranch offer Equestrian and Western Horseback riding year-round.
ICE FISHING
NO experience necessary to ice fish! It should be on everyone’s to-do bucket list. It is fun, gets you outside, and a socially distance adventure for the entire family.
Fishing is year-round in the Sullivan Catskills. We are known for the abundance of trout in our lakes and streams. Fishing does not stop with our lakes freeze. Our fish are always biting even under the ice.
All you need is 3 to 4 inches of solid ice, warm gear—from head to toe, fishing license, ice auger (you can rent), and any type of fisher poles and you are set to go!
Here are some websites to get you started
http://www.eregulations.com/newyork/fishing/sullivan-county/
www.dec.ny.gov
Since the Sullivan Catskills is a world renowned destination for fishing, we have some exceptional fishing outfitters that can assist you with equipment, bait, and anything else you may need for your ice fishing expedition.
Trout Town Flies
Fin, Fur and Feather Sport Shop
BALD EAGLE WILDLIFE WATCHING
Have you ever thought about Bald Eagle watching? This is an ideal winter activity that you can experience from December to March. From a safe distance, searching for eagles can be an exhilarating and memorable experience. With only a phone camera, you can document these majestic bird’s habitats and movements as they congregate around open water. They are most visible in cold weather when ice forms on the water—especially in January and February. It is ideal to watch them at planned observation sites. Based on documented observation from the New York State Department of Environment Conservation, the Upper Scenic Delaware River and Mongaup Valley in the Sullivan Catskills are one of the premier destinations for Eagle Watching.
For more information on Bald Eagle Wildlife Watching
Delaware Highlands Conservancy
Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River
DOVE TRAIL
50 Doves, 50 destinations, and 40 artists united to create a legacy Dove Trail, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Woodstock that has brought people from all over to explore the Sullivan Catskills. Families, friends, organizations, community groups …you name it, have visited each of these Doves and created a cult following. People return multiple times to see the amazing intricate artwork on each Dove– taking selfies and documenting their experiences on social media in personal diaries and scrapbooks. This interactive trail as brought our businesses and community together as we showcase our stories and history through art to the world. Take a selfie and #sullivancatskillsdovetrail on Facebook or Instagram and win a beautiful Dove poster. Dove Trail is accessible 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. To learn more about the trail and where each Dove is located, visit https://sullivancatskills.com/interactive-dove-map/
REJUVENATION
Winter is about the beginnings of rejuvenation and transformation awaiting the arrival of Spring. Recharge your batteries now at YO1 Heath Resort—the only one of its kind in the United States. You can spend time indoors as well as outdoors hiking and enjoying nature. At YO1, they achieve wellness through personalized health programs. Each one of its programs is specifically designed to support your body holistically and promote healing. Upon arrival, you will meet with a Health Counselor who will conduct a pulse assessment to determine your mind/body type, which helps create a customized program for you to follow during your stay https://www.yo1.com/health-programs.html
Come and visit us during winter and create memorable lifetime experiences.
Our great outdoors awaits your arrival. While you are exploring the Sullivan Catskills, dine at our Michelin quality farm to terrain restaurants, shop our main streets, or enjoy our craft beverage trail . Once here, you will never want to leave! Then, stay overnight at one of our award-winning accommodations. We are a legendary destination known for our hospitality and breath-taking vistas. The Sullivan Catskills is recognized throughout the globe as a must-see destination as noted by Fodor’s Travel, Lonely Planet, and Harpers Bazzaar. Come and see why we are the fastest-growing travel destination in the Northeast USA. Learn more at www.sullivancatskills.com.
