From snowy slopeside upgrades to cozy coffee shop openings, there’s always something new to discover in New York State! Embark on a peaceful winter stroll along the newly-completed Adirondack Rail Trail, spend the night in Hudson’s newest luxury boutique hotel, or watch the world’s top biathletes compete at Lake Placid’s first IBU Cup. Whether you’re planning a wonderful winter weekend getaway or just looking to make magical memories, be sure to add the Empire State’s latest and greatest to your winter must-do list. 

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New on the Slopes

New Lifts and Snowmaking Upgrades at Whiteface Mountain (Adirondacks)

Snow covered pine trees and trails seen from above on Whiteface mountainCredit: @steveaaronphoto on Instagram

If you’ve been waiting to plan a trip to Whiteface Mountain, now’s the time! Winter at this renowned ski resort means new upgrades to explore. Check out the new Little Whiteface and Mountain Run chair lifts, originally installed in the 1980s. The lifts will feature a new fixed grip double chairlift and provide service from Whiteface’s Legacy Lodge mid-station to the top of Little Whiteface with the option to unload at the top of Mountain Run. 

Whiteface is also adding 115 additional high efficiency snow guns to trails, bringing the mountain’s snowmaking coverage ratio to 90%. This includes 15 mobile units that can be used anywhere on the mountain and fixed guns on Hoyt’s High.

New Base Lodge at Gore Mountain (Adirondacks)

A person snowboards down a snowy Gore Mountain alongside other skiers while people ride in a lift overhead.Credit: @meetlakegeorge on Instagram

Check out the new base lodge at Gore Mountain’s North Creek Ski Bowl this winter! Opening just in time for ski season, this new lodge, called The Station, will include seating space, a retail shop, lockers, grab-and-go food options, as well as a year-round full-service restaurant and bar. Plus, The Station also features a deck and patio with amazing views of the historic North Creek Ski Bowl.

Discovery Lodge Expansion at Belleayre Mountain (Catskills)

Two people ski down a slope near a chair lift at Belleayre Mountain

Exciting things are on the way at family-friendly Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills! Check out the Discovery Lodge’s new 28,000-square-foot expansion with upgrades like a brand new Rossignol Experience Center Rental Shop, complete with over 1,200 Rossignol skis, 300 Burton snowboards, a Wintersteiger Jupiter tuning machine, and a fleet of demo equipment. Plus, you’ll get to experience an expanded and redesigned Marketplace cafeteria, additional seating, restrooms, lockers, and new food and beverage offerings, like a carved sandwich station and espresso bar. 

Out on the slopes, skiers can expect even higher quality snowmaking with the addition of 20 new HKD tower guns, an HKD fan gun, and 20,000 feet of new snowmaking. A new snowcat also joins the fleet, bringing more precision and reliability to trails and terrain parks.

New Attractions

Adirondack Rail Trail (Adirondacks)

Two snowmobiles drive on the snowy forest path on the Adirondack Rail Trail

Get ready to walk, run, bike, and roll on the newly-completed Adirondack Rail Trail! Built on the former New York Railroad line, this 34-mile trail runs from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake, passing through charming small towns like Saranac Lake and unbeatable Adirondack views. Walk, run, cycle, and birdwatch in the warmer months, and when the snow starts to fall, bundle up for a snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, fat biking, or snowshoeing adventure. The trail is also accessible for people with disabilities with various wheelchair access points, shallow grade, wide tread, and a firm surface of compacted stone dust or paved areas. 

Along the trail, local equipment rental shops like Bike Lake Placid, Sara-Placid Sled & Spoke, or High Peaks Cyclery are ready to gear you up with bikes, e-bikes, and snow sport equipment. If you want to experience a specific part of the trail or only have the energy for a one-way journey, new rail trail shuttle services are available through Bike ADK and St. Regis Canoe Outfitters and can accommodate passengers and bikes. 

The Studio Museum in Harlem (New York City)

A statue sits in the center of a bright exhibit space at the Studio Museum in Harlem

Warm up indoors with a visit to the newly-reopened Studio Museum in Harlem. Originally founded in 1968, this museum was the first in the country to be dedicated to art made by African Americans. Today, you can explore intriguing collections and exhibitions including From the Studio: Fifty-Eight Years of Artists in Residence (Now-February 15, 2026), showcasing the work of former visual artists of African or Afro-Latinx descent that were a part of the Studio Museum’s founding Artist-in-Residence program.

WUFO Black Radio History Museum (Greater Niagara)

The WUFO Black Radio History Collective is moving to Buffalo’s Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor in 2026! The museum is one of the first of its kind in the country, founded by station owner Sheila L. Brown, who is one of the few Black women station owners in the US. While there isn’t an official opening date for 2026 yet, you can get a sneak peak of what’s to come at the WUFO Radio Station’s new remote exhibit, which tells the story of Black radio in the US.

Kart Klash at RPM Raceway (Long Island)

Three go-kart drivers race down an illuminated track at RPM Raceway Long IslandCredit: RPM Raceway

Racers, start your engines! A new real-life racing game is coming to RPM Raceway in Farmingdale. Imagine playing your favorite racing game, but on a real go-kart track–that’s the thrill of Kart Klash! Drivers race with speed and strategy, using power-ups like turbos and shields, making RPM the perfect indoor spot for some family-friendly competition.

New Lodging

AC Hotel Saratoga Springs (Capital-Saratoga)

A new AC Hotel by Marriott location is coming to Saratoga Springs this December! Located within walking distance from downtown, the Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Spa State Park, and Saratoga Performing Art Center, this hotel is perfect for exploring this vibrant city. Expect sleek, minimalist rooms, European-inspired breakfast and handcrafted espresso from the AC Kitchen and cafe, and cocktail and tapas-style plates from the AC Lounge. The hotel officially opens for overnight stays starting December 16.

Spark by Hilton Vestal (Central New York)

Hilton’s newest hotel brand, Spark, has just opened a location in Vestal. Just minutes from the Binghamton University campus, Roberson Museum and Science Center, downtown Binghamton, and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Stadium, the Spark makes for a great homebase for getting to know the “Carousel Capital of the World.” Round out your stay with a trip to the indoor pool (opens January 31), complimentary breakfast from the bagel bar, or a workout at the fitness center (opens January 31).

Pocketbook Hudson (Hudson Valley)

The interior of a loft suite at Pocketbook Hudson Hotel and Baths in the Hudson Valley, NYCredit: Sean Davidson

A new luxury boutique hotel has arrived in Hudson, just in time for a cozy winter stay! Housed in a historic textile factory built in 1885, Pocketbook Hudson is home to 46 spacious guest rooms and suites with lofty ceilings, tasteful minimalist design, and comfortable beds. The hotel is also home to the Baths, a communal bathhouse, the Ambos restaurant, serving New Argentine cuisine cooked over live fire, a subterranean nightclub, casual cafe and bar, and more.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Long Island Farmingdale (Long Island)

A new hotel is coming to Farmingdale, just minutes from Farmingdale State College and Bethpage Black Golf Course, host of the 2025 Ryder Cup and 2019 PGA Championship. Settle into one of the 101 comfortable guest rooms at this newly-opened Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton. Relax year-round with amenities like an indoor heated pool, sunny outdoor patio, fitness center, and a Pour My Beer self-serve station offering beer and wine on tap.

Residence Inn by Marriott Melville (Long Island)

Planning an extended stay in Melville? Check out the newly-opened Residence Inn by Marriott! Conveniently located on the 110 Business Corridor in the heart of the Melville Metro area, each of the 143 suites in this upscale hotel are designed for comfort and convenience with separate work, living, and sleeping areas, and full kitchens. One and two-bedroom suites are available and amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor salt water pool, outdoor fire pit, and on-site restaurant, Gbar & Bistro. Plus, it’s just under five miles from Farmingdale State College and Bethpage Black Golf Course.

New Spas & Wellness

Halo Day Spa (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

This winter, treat yourself to a spa day at Halo Day Spa in Cuba! This newly-opened spa is sure to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit, offering services like a dry salt halogenated room, red light sauna, and immersive sound therapy. 

New Restaurants

Bear’s Cup Bakehouse (Capital-Saratoga)

Bear’s Cup Bakehouse is opening a brand new location in Saratoga Springs this December! Be sure to stop by this beloved bakery and coffee shop on your next visit to Saratoga for New York-style bagels, fresh-baked bread, delicious pastries, and hand-crafted coffee and teas. 

New Pours

The Cluckery Farm Brewery (Central New York)

A new family-owned and operated brewery is coming to Central New York later this year! After brewing their own beer for 10+ years, The Cluckery Farm Brewery will be officially opening a physical location in Windsor, just under 20 minutes outside of Binghamton, where you can sip amazing brews among scenic mountain views. 

Winederlust Wine Bar (Central New York)

Sip your way around the world from this brand new wine bar coming to Downtown Binghamton in December. Windederlust is the perfect place to unwine-d after a day spent exploring this city, with a warm and inviting atmosphere, robust wine menu, featuring selections from around the world, and tasty tapas and snacks to pair with your vino. Each month, Winederlust will also offer curated tasting events, where passionate experts take you on a guided journey through unique wines and pairings. 

Fence Road Farm Brewery (Hudson Valley)

Add Warwick's newest farm brewery to your next trip to the Hudson Valley. Fence Road Farm Brewery is a true farm-to-glass experience, offering artisan ales brewed with local ingredients, many of which are grown on-site in their 1.5-acre hops field! This taproom specializes in more than just beer; it’s also home to a disc golf course and serves delicious wood-fired pizza made from ingredients grown in their very own vegetable garden. 

Blue Duck Brewing Company (Hudson Valley)

A new family-run “brew-wing” company has arrived in Kingston! Sip on top-tier brews like lagers and pilsners made from local ingredients while you dig into Insta-worthy bites from the Phoenicia Diner Canteen. Revel in the inviting, community-focused atmosphere, and be sure to stop by for weekend brunch featuring Phoenicia Diner-famous pancakes. 

New Events

Twelfth Night! at Crailo State Historic Site (Capital-Saratoga)

🗓️When: January 3, 2026

interior of a historic room with replica furniture and items

Kick off America’s 250th anniversary year with a special evening at Crailo State Historic Site. Once an important fort for troops during the Revolutionary War, today, Crailo showcases the history of the colonial Dutch in the Hudson Valley. On January 3, join the site for Twelfth Night!, where you’ll celebrate Henry Knox’s 1775-1776 journey transporting artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, and revel in the holiday traditions of the past with live music, traditional fare, a bonfire and more. Afterward, take the celebration across the river to the Schuyler Mansion to learn even more about Knox’s story.

Knickerbocker Ice Festival (Hudson Valley)

🗓️When: January 23–25, 2026

After more than a decade, the Knickerbocker Ice Festival is back at Rockland Lake State Park! In the 1800s, Rockland Lake was home to the Knickerbocker Ice Company, whose crystal clear ice was shipped down the Hudson River to New York City and beyond. Celebrate the area’s history at this frozen festival with dazzling ice sculptures, carving competitions, igloos, live music, food, and plenty of family-friendly fun. 

Rochester Americans 70th Anniversary Games (Finger Lakes)

🗓️When: January 30, February 20, and April 17, 2026

Hockey players skating during a game

The Rochester Americans are celebrating 70 years in 2026! An AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, the Amerks are one of the league's cornerstone franchises. To celebrate this milestone anniversary year, the team will be wearing a series of jerseys from each decade of the team's history at select games throughout the season. Plus, after each game the jerseys will be auctioned off on DASH. Check the full schedule for even more themed nights, including sensory friendly games.

IBU Cup at Mt. Van Hoevenberg (Adirondacks)

🗓️When: February 26-March 1 and March 4-8, 2026

Watch the world’s top biathletes compete at Lake Placid’s first International Biathlon Union (IBU) Cup at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. Taking place just weeks after the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, keep the Olympic energy alive at this must-see event–it’s the only stop outside of Europe for the 2025-26 season and the second-highest level of international biathlon competition! 

ECAC Women’s Hockey Championship at the Herb Brooks Arena (Adirondacks)

🗓️When: March 6-7, 2026

Ice rink surrounded by red stadium seats at Olympic Center and Museum in Lake Placid.Credit: @mustumm on Instagram

For the first time ever, the ECAC Women’s Hockey Championship will take place at the historic 1980 Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid! Don’t miss out on the inaugural championship weekend set for March 6-7, 2026, where the top four women’s programs in the league will compete for the championship title and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. 

FIS Cross-Country World Cup Finals at Mt. Van Hoevenberg (Adirondacks)

🗓️When: March 19-22, 2026

Cross-country skiers race to the finish line

Catch the world’s fastest cross-country skiers at the first FIS Cross-Country World Cup Finals to be hosted by Lake Placid. Just a month after the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, experience the high-energy atmosphere and Olympic-level intensity for yourself from March 19-22, as athletes race to the finish line. 

New Shopping

Protagonist Books (Finger Lakes)

Find your next read at this newly-opened queer, women, and author-owned indie bookstore and coffee shop in Dryden! Grab a pastry and a warm beverage and peruse the curated selection of books from all genres.

Claybird Pottery Studio (Finger Lakes)

Start the new year with a new hobby at Claybird Pottery Studio. Embrace your inner artist with a winter pottery session, where you’ll learn essential pottery-making techniques from experts and get to take home your own creation. 

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