Discovering Winter Wonder in the Finger Lakes
While it’s hard for us to pick our favorite season in the Finger Lakes, we are so enchanted by winter and all that it can offer. Yes, it’s the chilly season and yes, there may be snow on the ground from time to time, but you also get INCREDIBLE landscape views and chances to indulge in all things cozy. If you’ve thought about planning a trip to the Finger Lakes during this time of year, we’ve got you covered!
Here are some of our favorite winter activities and experiences that cater to your cozy vacation vibe. Whether you can’t wait to get out in a fresh blanket of snow or curl up by a warm fire with a glass of the region’s finest wines, there’s something for everyone. We’ll provide the ideal home base.
For Outdoor Adventurers
Hit the Slopes!
Did you know that the Finger Lakes have some great spots to ski or snowboard? Because of the region’s lake-effect snowfall, you can expect pristine powder throughout the winter season. Bristol Mountain in Canandaigua is about an hour from us and Greek Peak in Cortland (about an hour from us) offer trails for all skill levels. A bonus with Greek Peak is that it has an indoor waterpark too! Perhaps you love to snowshoe…there are so many parks around Seneca Lake that offer groomed trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, like Watkins Glen State Park (the outer trails are open during the winter -- not the Gorge Trail, though) and the Finger Lakes National Forest has so much land to explore.
Get Out on the Ice
Ice fishing is a popular winter sport when the conditions are right on Seneca Lake -- anglers can set their sights on lake trout and perch (some record-breaking sizes have come out of these waters!). Ice skating is another great way to enjoy the winter weather indoors or outdoors with family and friends -- Geneva Recreation Complex offers an indoor rink while many of our local parks have outdoor spots, like Clute Park in Watkins Glen. This rink is only 10-12 minutes from our properties too!
Go for a Stroll
While some hiking trails may be closed during the winter due to hazardous conditions, there are some areas that are open for winter hiking. For example, in nearby Ithaca, Taughannock Falls State Park offers gorgeous views of frozen falls and accessible trails that are open all year long. Keuka Lake Outlet Trail is another popular winter hiking spot to check out if you’re in the region!
For Cozy Lodge Dwellers
Taste the Region’s Best
If curling up with a nice glass of something delicious near a roaring fire is more your speed, then we highly recommend scheduling wine or cider tastings around the Finger Lakes at this time of year. With fewer tourists in the region in the winter, this is a perfect time to stop by tasting rooms that offer gorgeous views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hillsides. With less people, you’ll oftentimes get a more intimate and longer tasting experience in winter, and we love that. Or, you can always grab a bottle of something and take it back to your FLX Escape rental to enjoy under a warm blanket.
Find That Perfect Souvenir
The FLX is the ideal place for finding unique gifts and treasures, including artisan food and wine, crafts, antiques and other handmade finds. Besides stopping in at local wineries, Ithaca has an incredible shopping district as do nearby Geneva and Victor. Eastview Mall in Victor also offers some great deals and plenty of stores to choose from.
Enjoy Local Celebrations
Throughout the winter season, the Finger Lakes region also hosts a variety of cultural events that can make any stay even more special. Around the holidays, you can visit Seneca Falls for a celebration of the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” complete with horse-drawn carriage rides! In January, Canandaigua hosts a must-attend winter carnival and you’ll find the famous Fire & Ice Celebration in Watkins Glen in February.
The Finger Lakes in winter offer an enticing blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making it the perfect place to explore when the temperature drops. Whether you're hitting the slopes or sipping wine by a fire, there's something for everyone to enjoy.