Unique winter sports activities to try in upstate NY

This article was updated in December 2020 with information received. Please check on latest coronvirus guidelines before planning your trip.

Don’t just ‘like’ a picture of someone having winter fun on Instagram or Facebook! These unique winter sports activities can be found throughout New York State.

If you’ve watched the movie ‘Cool Runnings’, you’ve probably wondered what it’s like to try bobsledding. Now you can! Lake Placid, the home of the 1980 winter Olympics, offers bobsledding fun for people of all ages. You’ll be teamed with a professional driver and brakeman while you’re whisked down the speedy track. This is the ultimate winter activity experience. (Lake Placid, NY; Adults $95, Teens $90, Juniors $85) http://www.whiteface.com/activities/bobsled-experience

Did you know it’s possible to climb a frozen waterfall? Well, it is! And Lake Placid is home to the perfect winter landscape to try it. Whether you’re a professional rock climber feeling boredom in the winter season or a novice looking for some unique winter fun, ice climbing is the perfect winter activity for you. (Lake Placid, NY; $300 for full day guided instruction for up to 2 people) http://www.hpmountainguides.com/

Looking for a fun family-bonding winter sports activity? Look no further than Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic pond hockey tournament. Put on your jerseys and get on the ice in a 4 v 4 tournament to play a game of ice hockey the traditional way – on a frozen pond. (Saratoga Springs, NY; $400 per team of 4) http://saratogafrozenspringsclassic.com/

Be adventurous and try snowkiting this winter on Long Island. Ok, so this winter activity isn’t in upstate NY but it’s one of the most unique winter activities. As a seasonal cousin to kitesurfing, they say snowkiting is easier to learn. So, what are you waiting for? Strap on your board, grab onto your kite and lift off from the snow below. Take some beginner lessons and start flying! (Great South Bay, NY; $199.99 intro class) http://www.nykitecenter.com/pages/snow-kiting