As the temperatures turn colder, an impressive assortment of seasonal activities across New York State will heat up any winter itinerary. New York has more ski areas than any other state, and another one will be added when a much-anticipated resort reopens for this season. A visit to Lake Placid to commemorate the 1980 Winter Olympic Miracle on Ice will add a historic nod to a winter getaway, while ice castles and prisms at winter festivals across the state will bring smiles and delight to all. Relaxation and creativity abound for winter travelers booking a new hotel, spending the day at the spa or learning a new craft.

I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “There is nothing like a winter getaway in New York State. The serene beauty of our snowcapped mountains makes skiing and snowboarding at over 50 ski areas an escape to treasure; main street shopping and festivals put visitors in the small-town winter spirit; and indoor waterparks, spas, museums and theater are perfect for those who prefer the warm and cozy side of winter. New York offers accommodations from all-inclusive hotels, to bed & breakfasts, to heated cabins – making for a winter to remember in New York State.”

See below for a preview of the amazing winter activities and getaways that visitors can find in New York State this season.

VISIT A (NEW) NEW YORK STATE SKI AREA

 Cockaigne Resort Reopens (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Skiing and snowboarding returns to Cockaigne Resort for the first time since 2011. The lodge was originally built as the Austrian Pavilion for the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City, and was moved to Cockaigne in 1966. The newly updated lodge has four-times the footprint with giant windows facing the bunny hill. An inviting atmosphere, expansive food menu and curated craft beverage list will keep visitors feeling cheerful this winter.

The renewed resort offers a 10-acre terrain park, 80 skiable acres, 10 trails, and five slopes with the longest measuring 3,600 feet. A new snowmobile adventure park and dedicated parking for trailers allows easy access to the section of Chautauqua County’s 400-mile trail system running through the Boutwell Hill Forest, which is also ideal for cross-country skiing. Before hitting the county-wide trails, be sure to check out one of the area’s tallest rideable hilltops.

After the slopes, be sure to visit nearby Jamestown and warm up with laughter at the National Comedy Center’s new Ernie Kovacs exhibit.

RELIVE A MIRACLE

The Miracle on Ice Turns 40 in Lake Placid (Adirondacks)
It was February 22, 1980 when the small town of Lake Placid became the stage for a sporting miracle. Forty years ago, the United States Men’s Ice Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union, the four-time defending world champions, in a medal-round game. As the final seconds ticked away, announcer Al Michaels famously asked, “Do you Believe in Miracles?” and a legacy was born. February 2020 will mark the 40^th anniversary of that moment and presents the perfect opportunity to visit the Adirondack town with a full slate of activities scheduled for February 13-23. From reliving the opening ceremonies to skating around the historic Olympic Oval, the Lake Placid Olympic sites will be on full display with events throughout the village and opportunities to meet Olympians.

NEW LODGINGS FOR A WINTER SLUMBER

Kenoza Hall (Catskills)
Foster Supply Hospitality, the creators of soulful and rurally independent hotels in the Western Catskills, will unveil their fifth property, Kenoza Hall in the town of Kenoza Lake. The 55-acre property started as a bustling Catskills summer retreat in the late 1800s is reborn for new guests eager to explore the beautiful region year-round. The 22 guest rooms, many with lake views and large soaking tubs, will be available for booking starting December 27. The award-winning culinary team will offer their well-known fine dining experience with outdoor lakeview seating and a full bar and common area complete with a fieldstone fireplace. Reminiscent of the area’s early Swiss and German settlers, the Hemlock Spa will offer a range of Kneipp-inspired body treatments along
with an outdoor sauna and hot tub, a movement studio and pool.

The Long Neck Inn (Catskills)
This environmentally sustainable inn, located on the grounds of the former Catskill Game Farm, in a meticulously-renovated giraffe barn tucked into more than 200 acres. Nestled into the Catskill Mountains, the property has five guest rooms named for animals who once called the farm home, as well as four campsites and a hot tub. The site includes over five miles of walkways and trails, connecting to more than 20 miles of maintained mountain bike/hiking trails featuring swimming holes, beautiful views and other local resorts to explore. Long Neck Inn donates a portion of every stay to various global conservation efforts.

WANDER THORUGH A WINTER FESTIVAL

Winter Light Festival (Finger Lakes)
A new festival will bring the power of light and sound to the streets of Downtown Ithaca from December 5-15. The festival will feature Prismatica, an art trail of 25 luminous and interactive prisms, brightening up the pedestrian mall on the Ithaca Commons. The prisms stand more than seven feet tall and reflect all the colors of the rainbow depending on the light view. The 11-day festival will also feature a special visit from Santa Claus, a family-fun silent disco, an Ice Bar and the 10^th annual Chowder Cook-off.

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival (Adirondacks)
Named one of the 10 Most Spectacular Cold-weather Festivals by Condé Nast Traveler, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is the longest-running event of its kind in the Eastern U.S. This winter’s festival takes place from January 31–February 9 and features a stunning Ice Palace where visitors can enter for exploration and pictures. Sporting events take place throughout the 10-day event including snowshoe softball, cross-country skiing, fry pan tossing and snow rugby. A gala, parade and fireworks display round out the festival.