ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (Jan. 5, 2026) — Just one hour north of New York City, Orange County, N.Y., settles into a fresh state of mind each winter, offering a wide mix of outdoor adventures and cozy escapes. From downhill skiing and snow tubing to ice skating, snowshoeing and winter hiking, the county’s open landscapes and historic trails shine in the quieter months, when snow-dusted views stretch farther and the pace naturally slows.
Winter visitors can spend their days on the slopes, lace up skates beneath mountain scenery or explore forested trails where bare branches reveal sweeping vistas of the Hudson Highlands. Evenings invite a different kind of adventure –warming up by the fire at welcoming inns, hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, or gathering at local craft beverage destinations and a variety of restaurants after a day outdoors.
“Winter is a magical time in Orange County, N.Y.,” said Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism & Film. “It’s when our wide-open spaces feel even more expansive and our communities feel especially welcoming. Visitors can fill their days with winter activities, then slow down at night with good food, cozy lodging and a sense of calm you don’t always find closer to the city. We always encourage guests to check ahead with individual destinations to confirm weather and conditions.”
Winter Activities Across Orange County, N.Y.
Below is a sampling of places offering winter recreation throughout Orange County. A full list of attractions and accommodations can be found at pickocny.com.
51 Old Mount Peter Road, Warwick, N.Y.
Activities: downhill skiing, snow tubing, lessons
Why it stands out: Known as New York’s Family Mountain, Mount Peter is celebrating 90 years of winter fun, with enhanced snowmaking, expanded lesson areas and a 600-foot snow tubing run designed for all ages.
Learn more: Winter skiing and tubing at Mount Peter Ski Area
732 Victor Constant Road, West Point, N.Y.
Activities: Downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
Why it stands out: Open to the public at the United States Military Academy at West Point, this ski area welcomes beginners on a 650-foot bunny hill while offering advanced terrain, race hills and winter trails on the historic West Point Golf Course.
Learn more: Winter recreation at Victor Constant Ski Area
Route 9W North, Bear Mountain, N.Y.
Activities: Outdoor ice skating
Why it stands out: Skate against the scenic backdrop of Bear Mountain State Park, with skate rentals available and nearby dining at Restaurant 1915 and the Hiker’s Café.
Learn more: Ice skating at Bear Mountain Ice Rink
Route 17K, Montgomery, N.Y.
Activities: Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing (conditions permitting)
Why it stands out: A picturesque winter setting with a 40-acre lake, wooded trails and seasonal access for snowmobiling and ice fishing during daylight hours.
Learn more: Winter activities at Winding Hills Park
116 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, N.Y.
Activities: Winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
Why it stands out: Nearly 22,000 acres of protected forestland with deep-woods trails, historic iron industry remnants and lake views from the U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg Visitor Center.
Learn more: Winter exploration at Sterling Forest State Park
980 Route 6, Port Jervis, N.Y.
Activities: Winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
Why it stands out: Trails with elevated views of the Neversink River Valley connect to long-distance routes like the Shawangunk Ridge Trail and the Long Path, all just minutes from downtown Port Jervis.
Learn more: Winter trails at Huckleberry Ridge State Forest
New Windsor, Montgomery and Newburgh, N.Y.
Activities: Snowshoeing, winter hiking and snowmobiling (marked trails)
Why it stands out: Spanning 6,700 acres, the forest features wetlands, open fields and more than 22 miles of major trails that take on a quiet beauty in winter.
Learn more: Winter recreation at Stewart State Forest
Locations from the New Jersey border to the Hudson River
Activities: Winter hiking, snowshoeing
Why it stands out: Orange County is home to a 35-mile stretch of the iconic Appalachian Trail, where winter brings fewer crowds, expanded views of Greenwood Lake and a peaceful, snow-covered landscape — plus, no bugs.
Learn more: Hiking the Appalachian Trail in Orange County
About Orange County Tourism & Film
Orange County Tourism & Film, based in Goshen, N.Y., serves as the official tourism and film production office for Orange County and is a participant in the I LOVE NY program. Located in New York’s Hudson Valley, Orange County offers a diverse mix of outdoor recreation, history, craft food and beverage experiences, and small-town charm. A comprehensive listing of attractions, lodging, events and film resources is available at www.pickocny.com, where visitors can also download a free, 66-page travel guide.
Sleep in an architecturally significant B&B, or book a room at a nationally known hotel. Casual travelers as well as visitors looking for luxury will find a wide range of properties to consider. There are lodging options for everyone – Try our user-friendly lodging search below and come stay with us in Orange County, NY.
