Winter Activities Near Albany: Step Out of Your Apartment
Posted in Albany, New York
Winter in Albany, New York can be brutal. Often lasting slightly longer than other seasons, and with bitter cold days and early dark nights, it can be tempting to hole up inside your loft apartment. Though this may be the most comfortable option at times, half the joy of living in an apartment in downtown Albany is to get out and enjoy all the city and surrounding areas have to offer. With that in mind, let’s look at the top options for winter activities featuring both indoor and outdoor recreation.
Note: Did you get here out of season? Check out recreational opportunities for the spring, summer, or fall. Drive times listed are from downtown Albany.
Winter Sports Near Albany
Fresh snow and crisp smooth ice are the perfect stomping grounds for winter activities. Strap on the skates, skis, or snowshoes and earn that piping hot chocolate and delicious baked goods.
Ice Skating:
You don’t have to venture far to find a public skating rink in Albany. If you don’t have skates lying around the apartment, you are in luck, both Empire Skate Plaza Ice Rink, and Albany County Hockey Facility Rent skates!
- Empire State Plaza Ice Rink:
Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12210 (Drive Time: 2 minutes)
- Albany County Hockey Facility:
830 Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12211 (Drive Time: 16 minutes)
- Swinburne Skating Rink:
810 Clinton Avenue Albany, NY 12206 (Drive Time: 9 minutes)
Downhill Skiing:
Escape the bustle of downtown Albany and hit the slopes. With a range of options from beginner mountains like Maple Ski Ridge, to all skill level mountains like Gore Mountain there’s a trail for everyone.
- Maple Ski Ridge: 10 trails, 270 feet vertical drop
2725 Mariaville road, Schenectady, NY 12306 (Drive time: 28 minutes)
- West Mountain: 29 Trails, 1010 feet vertical drop
West Mountain Road, Queensbury, NY (Drive Time: 51 minutes)
- Gore Mountain: 103 trails, 2537 feet vertical drop
793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek, NY 12853 (Drive time: 1 hr and 27 minutes)
Cross-Country Skiing:
If hills aren’t your thing, then try your hand at Nordic Skiing. There are two main techniques, skating and classic. Though both styles have different requirements, skate skiing needing groomed trails and classic needing fresh powder or tracks, all the options listed work for both and are about 30 minutes from your Albany apartment.
- Capital Hills Golf Course: 6 miles of trails
65 O’Neil Road, Albany, Ny 12208 (Drive Time: 14 minutes)
- Pineridge Cross Country Ski Area: 22 miles of groomed trails
1463 Plank Road, Petersburg, NY 12138 (Drive Time: 30 minutes)
- Saratoga Spa State Park: 12 miles of trails
19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (Drive Time: 30 minutes)
Snowshoeing:
An essential tool for backcountry traveling in the winter, snowshoeing has gained popularity as a winter recreational activity and now finding a trail near Albany is almost as easy as walking out your apartment. A bonus for those who are lucky enough to live in a pet friendly apartment and have a furry friend who’s looking to get outdoors, most snowshoe trails allow your four legged friends. Dogs are allowed at all of the following trails:
- Albany Pine Bush Preserve: 20 miles of trails
195 new Karner Road #1 Albany, NY 12205 (Drive Time: 16 minutes)
- John Boyd Thacher State Park: 25 miles of trails
830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186 (Drive Time: 27 minutes)
- Tivoli Lake Preserve : 2.3 mile loop
Livingston Ave & Judson Street, Albany, NY 12206 (Drive Time: 7 minutes)
Igloo Dining Around Albany
What better way to hide from frigid wind while still enjoying winter’s beauty, then outdoor igloo dining? With unique lighting, clear views, and boastful heaters, they just might be the second most comfortable place after your luxury apartment. If you’re looking for other date night ideas, check out 10 Date Nights 10 At-Home Date Nights to Try This NY Winter.
3178 Lake Shore Drive Lake George, NY 12845 (Drive Time: 58 minutes)
88 Ridge Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 (Drive Time: 53 minutes)
4571 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton Landing, NY (Drive Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes)
Get Your Brew On
Get your adult beverage passport and hit Albany’s buzzing Capital Craft Beverage Trail. The trail goes throughout downtown Albany and expands south to Hudson, NY and north to Bolton, NY. Traverse this glorious trail and make stops at over 50 craft producers who specialize in wine, beer, mead, or cider. If that’s overwhelming, check out the Top Albany Area Breweries and Cideries.
Indoor Activities in Albany
Winter is the perfect excuse to stay indoors, but that doesn’t have to be your apartment. Wander into downtown Albany and explore some of the many unique museums, theaters, and entertainment venues the area has to offer.
- New York State Museum: Learn more about NY
222 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12230 (Drive Time: 3 min)
- New York State Capitol: Explore stunning architecture
State St. and, Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12224 (Drive Time: 2 min)
- Palace Theater: Enjoy comedy, live music, and more
19 Clinton Ave, Albany, NY 12207 (Drive Time: 2 min)
- MVP Arena: Take in a sports game, or rock out to a concert
51 S Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12207 (Drive Time: 2 min)
- The Egg: Listen to live music, watch a play, or dance performance
Agency Building 1 S mall Arterial, Albany, NY 12203 (Drive Time: 10 minutes)
Winter might be temperamental and can sometimes overstay, but with an overflowing list of winter activities near Albany, that might not be a bad thing!
Are you missing out on the excitement of living in downtown Albany, or looking to upgrade to a luxury apartment? Check out our floor plans and tour our available Albany Lofts today!
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