If you agree with Robert Frost when he said, "You can't get too much winter in the winter," you are probably gearing up for ski season--and the après-ski hour--right about now. Throw off the work clothes, slip on your ski pants, and head north to enjoy some powder rides and great discounted rates. Between the special deals during Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month (includes 26 participating mountains in New York) and the new Ski Vermont iPhone App, there's something for everyone.
From snow tubing to bobsledding, this is your ultimate guide to adventurous winter activities near NYC.
Best Snow Tubing Spots Near NYCWith winter just beginning, it's good to remember that there's an alternative to skiing, snowboarding, and making angels in the snow. Forget the boots, the goggles, the gear, and try your butt at snow tubing--because sitting is really all that's involved in this, err, sport. Bring some warm clothes and an untiring appetite for some fast-paced fun and you're good to go at these three cool snow tubing spots near New York City.
Where to Cross-Country Ski Near NYCIf the faster paced winter sports of skiing and snowboarding are not for you, consider cross-country skiing as a way to free yourself from the frosty concrete jungle of Manhattan. The beautiful white noise of open forests and snowboarder-free mountains are only a train or bus ride away. These cross-country skiing escapes near NYC are all close enough to be a day-trip, but just far enough to make you forget the city.
Where to Play Like a Winter Olympian Near NYCIn the spirit of the 1980 USA hockey team, Bob Costas' nicely coiffed toupee, and the 2,000 plus athletes who biathlon, luge, snowboard, and represent the country name on the front of their sweater, jersey, and jacket, here are six places near NYC to inspire your inner Olympian.
A Breath of Invincibility: Ice and Rock Climbing Near NYCNew Yorkers are always finding new creative ways to stay in shape when indoor workouts and morning routine jogs around Central Park become mundane. If you catch yourself getting a little distraught at someone for taking "your" treadmill out of the sea of machines available at the gym, it may be time to try a new approach to staying active. Instead of searching for the latest yoga and Tae Bo classes as an alternative, why not challenge yourself, breathe in some fresh mountain air and live life on the edge.
Mini Guide to Skiing & SnowboardingLet's face it. Winters in Manhattan can be a miserably frigid experience. Why not take advantage of the only redeeming quality of winter (snow) and enjoy a weekend of skiing or snowboarding? Fortunately for us, there are many winter resorts nearby, which we have featured below. And in traditional oM style, all of these mountains are accessible to you without a car. Next time you take a reluctant step into the cold and rainy streets, remember that it could be snowing at your favorite local mountain. Get out there and hit the slopes!
Where to Find Affordable Ski & Snowboard RatesThunder Ridge: Take the Metro North Ski Train $33.50 includes roundtrip transportation, free shuttle service and an all-day lift ticket.Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month: Get a lesson from one of 26 mountains in NY during January, and enjoy 20% off the lift ticket price or package. Ski Free in the Green Mountains: Visit skivermont.com for specials like the "First Timer" package, which includes a week-long beginner lift ticket or trail pass, a lesson, and rental equipment, all for free.
Read more at offManhattan.com