Your practical winter recreation guide for Orange County, N.Y.

1. Downhill skiing and tubing locations Local downhill ski areas and tubing hills in and near Orange County offer family-friendly runs and beginner slopes, with seasonal snowmaking at many facilities to extend the season.

Before you go, confirm open trails, lift and tubing schedules with the facility — operations shift with temperatures and staffing — and buy tickets or reservations online when offered to avoid long lines on peak weekends. These venues are important drivers of winter tourism and seasonal employment in towns across the county; plan for heavier traffic on Saturdays and holidays.

2. Ice skating rinks Public and private indoor rinks and community outdoor surfaces give you options for figure skating, pick-up hockey and casual family sessions during cold snaps.

Many town recreation departments run scheduled public-skate sessions and lesson programs; check municipal calendars for hours, skate rental availability and admission costs. Indoor rinks are especially valuable on frigid or stormy days and help keep recreation accessible to families who prefer not to hike or ski.

3. Snowshoe and cross-country trails Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are low-impact ways to explore frozen landscapes and remain open longer than many downhill facilities when storms hit.

Look for marked trail systems and groomed cross-country loops at parks and preserves; beginner loops are typically shorter and flatter, while advanced routes cover longer ridgelines and steeper terrain. Bring traction devices or snowshoes appropriate for conditions, and be prepared for harder-packed or icy sections in frequently used corridors.

4. Snow-friendly state parks and scenic winter hiking routes (Harriman State Park and Schunnemunk Mountain) Harriman State Park and Schunnemunk Mountain are two of the county’s most reliable winter destinations, offering ridge views, marked trails and options for both short walks and full-day hikes.

Harriman’s extensive network of interconnected trails yields opportunities for loop hikes and multi-mile winter treks; expect popular trailheads to see concentrated use, so consider arriving early or choosing less-traveled access points. Schunnemunk’s long ridgeline gives wide vistas when the trees are bare and can be wind-exposed, so layer accordingly and be aware of reduced daylight for return trips.

5. Family-friendly indoor options When weather or mobility makes outdoor activity difficult, Orange County’s libraries, recreation centers, community pools and museums provide warm, child-friendly alternatives that keep families active and engaged.

Look for drop-in programs, indoor play times and community skating lessons that many towns schedule through their recreation departments. These indoor venues also create reliable options for mixed-weather weekends and help local nonprofits and municipal services maintain steady winter programming.

6. Recommendations for warming-stop restaurants and lodging Local diners, taverns and inns along popular corridors play a key role in making winter outings comfortable and economically sustainable for residents and visitors alike.

Prioritize businesses that advertise stove-fired specials, seasonal soups and hot-drink menus, and consider making reservations on busy weekend afternoons. When overnighting, choose lodging with early check-in, secure gear storage and proximity to trailheads to minimize cold-weather hassles and reduce unnecessary vehicle trips on icy roads.

7. Safe winter practices Check trail and facility conditions before leaving home, dress in layers to manage body heat and moisture, and carry traction devices or snowshoes suited to the route.

Share your plan with someone, pack a map and headlamp, and keep a small emergency kit with extra gloves, a hat and a thermal blanket; winter rescues are more difficult and slower. On steep or exposed sections, move deliberately, watch for falling ice or hidden roots under snow, and turn back if conditions worsen — it’s better to have another outing than to risk a dangerous situation.

9. Who maintains trails and winter facilities (where to check) Trail and facility maintenance in Orange County is coordinated by a mix of state and local agencies plus volunteer groups; check these organizations for current closures and grooming reports: Orange County Parks Department, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, and municipal recreation departments or volunteer trail crews.

Contact these bodies for official alerts, grooming schedules, trail maps and permit requirements; subscribing to their updates is the fastest way to get route closures or parking advisories.