The Beat

Registration Waived for Out-of-State Snowmobilers for Promotional Weekends 

$4.2 Million for Snowmobile Trail Maintenance and Grooming Across New York State 

Governor Kathy Hochul today designated March 5-6 and March 12-13 for free snowmobiling by all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers. During these promotional weekends, the requirement to register in New York is waived for properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts wishing to explore New York's 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails. The Governor also announced up to $4.2 million for snowmobile trail maintenance and grooming will be distributed to local partners across New York State.

Hague, NY – February 7, 2022 – The Annual Town of Hague Winter Weekend and Polar Bear Plunge also known as “Freezin For A Reason” will be held Saturday, February 19^th and February 20^th, 2022 with a number of events taking place throughout the community.

Waterford, N.Y. – The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is inviting New Yorkers to take part in a special winter fitness challenge, the FEBRUARY 15 Canalway Challenge. Participants pledge to complete 15 miles by walking, running, hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing during the month of February to earn a 15-Miler badge. Participants can choose to log miles at national, state and local parks, on the Canalway Trail, or even in their own neighborhoods. Any location within the boundaries of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor counts. 

Lake George, N.Y. – The wait will soon be over for the debut of the most anticipated new winter attraction in New York. Ice Castles in Lake George will open to the public on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Tickets will go on sale at www.icecastles.com/new-york on Wednesday at 8pm ET.

Ice artisans are working around the clock to get the attraction at Festival Commons ready for Sunday’s grand opening. The interactive experience will feature ice-carved tunnels, fountains, slides, frozen thrones, and cascading towers of ice embedded with color-changing LED lights.

The Wild Center announces January & February programming

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center has added to its winter programming with free snowshoe and kicksled rentals, guided ice fishing on its Greenleaf Pond and ice sculptures. These experiences – and more – are available Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with timed ticket reservations. The Wild Center continues to host Wild Lights presented by Merrill L. Thomas, Inc. on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5-7 p.m. when the 115-acre campus is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of dazzling lights. 

Orange County, N.Y. (January 13, 2022) – Don’t let the winter pass without taking the opportunity to glide down snowy slopes or across an icy pond or rink in Orange County, N.Y. From gentle beginner slopes to thrilling expert black-diamond runs, mountains in the county offer fun for skiers, snowboarders and tubers of all levels. Skaters can take to the ice at an indoor or outdoor rink or, when conditions permit, on a frozen pond.

North Country Welcomes Elite Collegiate Winter Sports Athletes for the first time since 1972

Public Invited to Take Part in Activities Celebrating One-Year from Winter Edition of World University Games

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the official kick-off to the One-Year Out Celebration for the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games. The winter edition of the 11-day cultural exchange and sporting event returns to the United States and Lake Placid January 12-22, 2023, after a 50-year absence.

January 5, 2022

Long Lake, N.Y. – On Saturday, January 15th at noon, the 20^th Long Lake Winter Carnival will be held at Mt. Sabattis Recreation Center in Long Lake, NY.

Events begin with a coronation of the King and Queen of the Moonlighter’s Snowmobile Club followed by a slate of fun family friendly events. The Cardboard Sled Races start at 1p.m. with prizes awarded for speed and overall award for Best Decoration. Sleds can be made with cardboard, paint, wax and tape. Racing categories are for individuals and for teams. The ice skating rink and sledding hill will be open throughout the day.

Jamesville, N.Y. - The SKI NY Passport Program-Kids Ski Free* is back for the 2021-22 Season and is available now. Applications are being taken all season. This year the pass is valid 7 days a week except for holiday periods at certain ski areas as noted.

The program offers free skiing for your third and fourth graders with an adult purchase, it can be used up to two(2) times per participating ski area. A valid adult ticket purchase is one on the ski area website or at the ticket window and includes season passes as well. It does not include rentals or lessons.

At State Parks, Historic Sites, Wildlife Areas and Public Lands

11th Annual Event Offers More Than 75 Hikes for New Yorkers to Spend Jan. 1 Enjoying Nature with Friends and Family

Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New Yorkers to spend time in the outdoors this holiday season and celebrate the New Year at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across the Empire State on January 1, 2022. The variety of hikes offered include seal walks, fire tower treks, lakefront trails, boardwalks, towpaths, walks along waterfalls, historic estates, military forts and more.