When winter settles over New York’s Hudson Valley, Mohonk Mountain House becomes a destination for experiencing the season on foot, on skis and even on ice. The 1869 Victorian castle resort sits within 40,000 acres of forest, with 85 miles of trails that take on a different character under snow. Guests can explore by snowshoe or cross-country ski, join guided winter hikes equipped with micro-spikes, or simply venture into the landscape at a slower pace.

The season also brings a distinctly recreational side to the resort. Beginning in late November, the open-air pavilion becomes an outdoor ice-skating rink surrounded by snowy mountain scenery. Guests can also try snow tubing or take part in a leisurely game of curling, an Olympic winter sport, on the resort’s ice. Together, the activities create a winter experience that extends well beyond a traditional ski weekend, with the landscape itself providing the setting for both adventure and play.

The Curated Take: Mohonk’s strength in winter is its variety. Rather than requiring guests to choose between active outdoor pursuits and more leisurely seasonal pleasures, the resort makes both part of the experience. The result is a particularly appealing Hudson Valley winter escape for families and multigenerational groups, as well as travelers who want to experience the landscape without making downhill skiing the center of the trip.