Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or quiet escapes, Discover the magic of winter in LivCo with unforgettable outdoor adventures. LivCo gets its fair share of snow in the winter months. A far cry from the green landscapes of summer, winter in LivCo is filled with snow-laden fields sparkling frozen lakes, and white-capped forests. It’s a stark contrast that’s beautiful — but also tons of fun, as all that snow and ice brings ample opportunities for activities you simply can’t enjoy any other time of year. Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, and sledding are all on tap. However, to get your fill, you’ll need to prepare properly.
Be sure to pack a full winter adventure-ready outfit ahead of your trip to LivCo, including a base layer and mid-layer to retain heat, a top layer to keep cold and wet out, and accessories that protect your face, hands, and feet. Thick socks, mittens, and a hat are a must, and snow pants and a jacket are recommended if you plan to be outdoors for long, such as when spending the day skiing. Think you’re ready to explore LivCo’s winter wonderland? Here are the top outdoor activities that you can’t miss during any winter trip to LivCo.
HIT THE SLOPES AT THE REGION’S RESORTS
Similar to other regions of New York State like the Catskills or Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes region offers plenty of skiing fun for the entire family, with slopes suitable for all skill levels. At Swain Ski Resort, you can explore 36 trails perfect for the whole family, including beginner and intermediate trails, accessible via five lifts. Book a lesson if you’re not quite comfortable on your skis just yet. And need a break during the day? Stop into the on-site Shawmut Grille in the ski lodge for a burger or pizza, or a warm drink by the fireplace.
Bristol Mountain is just a little larger, with 39 trails, six chair lifts, and two high-speed quads. Offering a 1,200-foot vertical drop, it’s the Finger Lakes region’s premier ski resort, with Nordic skiing in addition to alpine skiing, plus a snowsports school and tuning center (in case you packed your own skis), but if you didn’t, don’t worry — rentals are available. For a more exclusive environment, try Hunt Hollow Ski Club. While it is technically a private ski and snowboard resort, the mountains are open to the public during the week, so you can check out the trails that range from green runs to double black diamonds.
EXPERIENCE HIGH-SPEED SNOWY ADVENTURES
If you crave adrenaline-pumping activities, plan a snowmobile ride during your trip. Head out onto some of the snowmobile-friendly trails in the area including Genesee Valley Greenway State Park, Stony Brook State Park, MacKay Wildlife Preserve, or Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area. Throughout all the fun, though, don’t forget to follow safety precautions. Go slow in mixed-use areas and watch out for other recreators, such as those that might be snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Stick to the trails, wear a helmet, and wear glasses or goggles.
STRAP ON YOUR SKATES — INDOORS AND OUT!
You can find multiple options for ice skating throughout LivCo, whether you enjoy the amenities of an indoor rink or you like the feel of the crisp breeze on your face as you skate outside. Sulpher Springs Skating Rink is located at the Avon Driving Park and is open dawn until 10pm starting in early December. The lit, synthetic ice rink has free skates available.
At Al Lorenz County Park in Mount Morris, the basketball court transforms into a rink once the temperatures dip low enough. The free rink is open every day, 6am to 10pm. For the skaters who’d prefer to head indoors, there’s no better spot than the SUNY Geneseo Ira S. Wilson Ice Arena. General admission is only a few dollars, but you will need to bring your own skates.
SEE WHAT’S BITIN’ BENEATH THE ICE
Skating isn’t the only ice-based activity in LivCo during the winter. You can also head out onto our frozen waterways — Conesus Lake is a local favorite — to try your luck at catching the trout, pike, bass, and other fish that await beneath the icy surface. If you’ve never ice fished before, find a local outfitter to guide you through the process.
ZIP DOWN THE LOCAL SLEDDING HILL
One of the easiest, simplest, and most enjoyable wintertime activities in LivCo, is to just grab a sled and head out to a local sledding hill. There’s no learning curve and no expensive gear required, and everyone in the family is sure to love it. Some of our favorite hills to hit up after a big snowstorm? Try the hills on the south side of Letchworth State Park, near the Perry Entrance. Bonus: The Trailside Lodge offers hot chocolate and snacks that are perfect for when you’re finished. The Avon Driving Park boasts one of the biggest sledding hills in the area. If you’re in Leicester, stop at the corner of Main Street and York Road, and slide down Starr Hill.