If you’re excited about the prospect of playing in a winter wonderland, you’ve come to the right place. Despite the chill in the air, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in the snow in LivCo.
How to enjoy winter weather
If you’re not familiar with winter weather, come prepared. You’ll want to dress in layers to keep the cold out and the warm in.
- Base layer to keep the heat in
- Mid layer to keep you warm
- Top layer to keep the cold out
Thick socks, mittens, and ear coverings are also a must. Snowpants and a jacket are recommended, but rain pants and jackets can also work in a pinch, as long as you’re properly layered. A word to the wise: don’t brave the snow in jeans. Denim gets wet easily and stays wet, which will hold the cold in. Not fun!
Locals’ favorite sledding hills
Sledding is timeless winter fun and a perfect way to spend a snowy afternoon. Here’s where you’ll find LivCo locals.
Letchworth State Park: Use the Perry Entrance and head for the hills at the south side of the park. Once you’re done, warm up at the Trailside Lodge with hot cocoa and snacks for sale.
Avon Driving Park: Any hill will work, but if the conditions are right you can follow the crowds to the biggest and the best.
Starr Park: Located behind Leicester Presbyterian Church, Starr Park is on the corner of Main Street and York Road. You can park at top of the steep hill and sled down.
Ice skating
Head to Ira S Wilson Ice Area at SUNY Geneseo for a cost-effective way to have an afternoon of fun, when adults skate for $3 and kids skate for $2. Skate rentals are not available at the rink so if you need ice skates, check out the gear rentals at Trail Otter.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a great way to explore a different side of your favorite trails after winter works its magic. With skis, boots, and poles, you’ll be off in no time. If you need gear, head to Trail Otter, your one-stop shop for all things outdoor recreation.
Where To Go:
All trails on DEC land (Department of Environmental Conservation) are open to cross-country skiing as long as there’s snow.
Local Favorites:
Genesee Valley Greenway, Stony Brook State Park, Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, and MacKay Wildlife Preserve.
Trail Etiquette:
Don’t go your own way – follow directions. While some trails are two-day streets, others are one-way only. Make sure you look at the trail ahead of time so you don’t find yourself in a sticky situation. Downhill skiers (even in cross country) have the right of way. Move of out the way if someone behind you is moving faster than you. And if you fall (it happens!) make sure you smooth the snow back over the trail so no one else gets tripped up. As always, leave no trace.
Snowshoeing
If you enjoy hiking, you’ll love snowshoeing! With the addition of some funky footwear, walking through a winter wonderland goes from frustrating to magical. If you need to borrow snowshoes, head to Trail Otter to rent gear.
Where To Go:
All trails on DEC land are open to snowshoeing as long as there’s snow.
Local Favorites:
Genesee Valley Greenway, Stony Brook State Park, Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, and MacKay Wildlife Preserve.
Trail Etiquette:
Stay on designated hiking trails, and off of skiing trails. The sharp punctures of snowshoes aren’t helpful for skiers who need smooth powder. Uphill hikers have the right of way. And keep your snowshoes on- creating postholes is dangerous and unkind to others. As always, leave no trace.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is a beloved winter activity in the Genesee Valley. If you’re ready to hit the trails and get sleddin’, you’ve come to the right place.
Where To Go:
Explore trails at the Genesee Valley Greenway, Stony Brook State Park, Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, and MacKay Wildlife Preserve.
Trail Etiquette:
Slow down when passing through mixed-use areas. We know- hitting the gas and roaring through a field is part of the fun. But you have a machine where everyone else has only their legs, so slow down and be safe. Stay on designated snowmobile trails so you don’t rip up the smooth powder needed for cross-country skiing. As always, leave no trace.
Sweet Arts Bakery
Back to Top of ListHomegrown Coffee Bar
Back to Top of ListWhere: Dansville
Imagine if a bar served coffee, espresso, and delicious baked goods – that’s Homegrown Coffee Bar. Warm your fingers around a mug of your favorite blend, freshly roasted, and refuel with something sweet and carb loaded. Just because it’s a coffee bar doesn’t mean it’s not for the whole family – they also have a kid's menu!
Click here to explore Homegrown Coffee
