Winter Fun Challenge

Make the Most of Winter

Take on the Tug Hill Winter Fun Challenge

patch

The Tug Hill Winter Fun Challenge

Snowshoe, XC Ski, Downhill Ski, Tube Sled, Fat Bike, Mush and more — there's an adventure to suit everyone!

Join our winter challenge and explore the magical snow-filled landscapes and wildlife habitats in the Tug Hill Region

Choose any of Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust's scheduled winter programs AND/OR choose to experience an activity on your own. They all qualify!

Take part in a minimum of 8 adventures from the large range of possibilities, then go to the Winter Fun Challenge form, list your sites, tell us about your experiences, and submit!

Once your challenge form is received, we'll send you your choice of a Winter Fun Challenge Patch or Decal to congratulate you on your accomplishment!

To document your experiences, upload photos or stories:

  • Nature shots
  • Wildlife you've spotted
  • Fun times with your family or pet
patch

Would you like to have more winter fun options?

Help us protect more important Tug Hill winter landscapes by donating to Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust! Any amount makes a difference.

Find An Experience

Check out the Tug Hill Recreation Guide Winter Fun Challenge maps and information links below. Look for a XC ski icon on the trail map indicating that winter activity is allowed.

NOTE: With the exception of BREIA and Winona Forest trails, sites in the Recreation Guide are generally marked, but not groomed, so be prepared to break trail. This includes NYS Parks and Forests.

XC

Hit the Trails

With 29 Trail Maps and a lot of local community information read the Tug Hill Recreation Guide 

Additional Sites to Experience

In addition to sites in the Tug Hill Recreation Guide, the following private facilities are also included in the Winter Fun Challenge.

Please note that most of these charge lift or trail use fees, and offer equipment rentals.

Click on the links or call the site directly for more info.

Do you want to snowmobile?

Start with the NYS Snowmobile Association.

Guided Snowshoe Outings with Great-Lot Camp

Great Lot Snowshoe Trips 2023

 

 

Jefferson County

Dry Hill Ski Area, Watertown
Downhill skiing, tubing
Dry Hill: A Family Ski Area

Lewis County

Tug Hill Estate, Lowville
Winery, vineyard, and more
XC ski/snowshoe on property – no marked trails or grooming
Tug Hill Estate

Maple Ridge Center, Lowville
Longest tubing run in the region
Maple Ridge Center: Cross Country Ski & Tubing Trails
Snow Ridge Ski Resort, Turin
Downhill skiing
Snow Ridge Ski Resort

Osceola Ski & Sport Resort, Osceola
XC ski/snowshoe – groomed trails
Osceola Ski & Sport Resort: New XC Skiing in The Tug Hill

Osceola Tug Hill XC Ski Center, Osceola
XC ski – groomed trails
Osceola Tug Hill XC Ski in Camden, NY

Oneida County

Verona Beach State Park, Verona Beach
Snowmobile, ice fish, XC ski, snowshoe
Verona Beach State Park

Tug Hill Outfitters, Williamstown
Trails open only for special events such as XC ski/snowshoe events, navigation courses, races, etc.
Tug Hill Outfitters: Guided kayak & canoe trips. Kayak lessons. Skiing & snowshoeing events.

Oswego County

Winona Forest Recreation Association offers a variety of winter events in the Winona State Forest
Check WFRA's event schedule before heading out
Snowmobile, snowshoe, XC ski, fat bike, mush
Trails groomed and marked
Winona Forest Recreation Association

Tug Hill is Wild... Be Prepared

While Tug Hill is not wilderness in a strict sense, its densely forested terrain can become confusing even to the most seasoned hiker and cross-country skier.

There are considerations you should keep in mind to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Cell phone coverage is limited, especially in the core area.

Make sure you have the proper clothing, maintained equipment, and emergency and first-aid supplies. The weather in the Tug Hill region can be very unpredictable, especially with lake-effect storms in the winter. The area is wet in the spring and summer, consideration should be given for mosquitos, deer flies, ticks and other pests.

winter snowmobile trail heading into the sunset
Kaiden Steria

COVID-19

How to Social Distance on the Trails

Responsible, respectful, local recreation outdoors is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with immediate household and family members and friends, and reduce stress and anxiety when practicing social distancing.

STAY LOCAL
Stay close to home. Keep visits short. Avoid high-traffic destinations.

BE SAFE
Avoid crowds and groups. Recreate only with members of your immediate household. Keep a distance of 6 feet or more from others. Alert others as you're about to pass or step aside to let people pass. Wear a mask when you cannot maintain social distancing.

BE READY
Move quickly through parking lots, trailheads, and scenic areas. If crowded, choose a different park, trail, or time to visit.

STAY HOME
If you're not feeling well, stay home. Anyone  with a compromised immune system should postpone their visit.

eNews

STAY CURRENT

Subscribe to eNews

I want to hear about project updates, conservation tips, breaking news, and events.

BE SOCIAL