Things to Do with the Family in New York’s Ithaca-Cortland Region This Winter

New York’s Ithaca-Cortland region is the perfect destination for family travelers looking for winter fun. Add these experiences to your list for an exciting winter getaway.

The region offers outdoor-loving family travelers an array of winter adventures. Cortland is home to three ski resorts, including Greek Peak Mountain Resort, the largest downhill skiing destination in central New York. The resort offers an Intro2Snow program for beginners.

Afterwards, warm up at Hope Lake Lodge’s Cascades Indoor Waterpark. Go on a winter hike in Ithaca and witness the region’s stunning waterfalls. Ithaca Falls and Taughannock Falls are can’t-miss spots. Explore 12 miles of trails at Lime Hollow Nature Center for hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. For a more leisurely experience, stroll the winter gardens at Cornell Botanic Gardens or go bird watching at Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s 425-acre nature preserve.

Visitors looking for a skillcation winter trip have plenty of options, too. Visit Poured Candle Bar in Ithaca to create your own one-of-a-kind candles, diffusers or perfumes. Learn more about the art of fragrance during a perfume-making workshop at Press Gurwitz Perfumerie. Take a ceramics class at Pottery Works Cortland. Hammerstone School offers a variety of single-day or multiday courses in carpentry and other craft trades, with a special focus on empowering women’s participation.

Add these experiences to your list for an exciting winter getaway.