Top Options for Affordable Wintertime Fun in Western New York
When it comes to making the most of opportunities for wintertime fun, Buffalo, NY, is tough to beat. Whether you’re into sledding, skiing, ice skating or just taking in the natural beauty of the region while it’s blanketed in snow, kissed by ice and graced with clear, blue, sunny skies much of the time, you’ll never lack for options. Learn about some of the best winter activities in Buffalo to ensure that you squeeze as much fun and excitement out of this cold but exhilarating time of year.
Sledding at Chestnut Ridge Park – Located about 20 miles south of Buffalo in Orchard Park, Chestnut Ridge Park’s 600-foot-long sledding hill is among the best in the region. The park also offers areas for cross-country skiing, and there are other hills that are designated for snowboards. The best part of all is that it’s completely free.
Ice Skating at Canalside – The massive ice skating rink at Canalside in downtown Buffalo has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The Ice at Canalside, as it’s called, is more than 35,000 square feet in size, which makes it bigger than two NHL rinks combined and four times bigger than the rink at Rockefeller Center in New York. There’s also a warming tent and a heated Winter Pavilion with food and merchandise vendors.
“Ice Sculptures” at Niagara Falls – If you’ve never experienced Niagara Falls during the winter, now is the time. Mist and spray from the falls is whipped around by the wind to create beautiful “ice sculptures” that are a lot of fun to explore.
Cross-Country Skiing at Erie County Parks – If you love cross-country skiing, you’ll be in seventh heaven in Buffalo. Erie County Parks offer free access to vast networks of cross-country skiing trails, so you will never run out of beautiful areas to explore. Parks are open daily from 10 a.m. until dusk.
Skiing at Kissing Bridge – With 36 slopes, nine lifts and more than 700 acres of wintry beauty, Kissing Bridge is a great place for skiing enthusiasts. Even when Buffalo doesn’t have much snow, Kissing Bridge’s location on the Colden Snowbelt, which receives more than 120 inches of snow per year, ensures fresh powder.
If you’re ready to visit the Buffalo area to partake in some unforgettable winter fun, Ellicott Hospitality offers several high-quality hotels throughout the region that can accommodate your needs perfectly. From our boutique hotel, The Giacomo at Niagara Falls, to Staybridge Suites properties in Amherst and Buffalo – along with several others in the area – we can help you make the most of the best winter activities in Buffalo. Visit our website to learn more.
