Snow-dusted sidewalks, rosy cheeks, and that winter-in-the-city itch to escape—when NYC starts feeling extra chilly, there’s nothing sweeter than trading traffic noise for crunching snow and crackling fires.
Just 90 minutes north of NYC, Mohonk Mountain House offers a winter escape that feels worlds away from Rockefeller Center crowds. Set within a Victorian castle overlooking the Shawangunk Ridge, the resort’s outdoor skating pavilion is surrounded by snow-dusted forests and dramatic cliffs—creating a storybook setting for gliding across the ice.
Though our city is home to some of the world’s most iconic rinks, sometimes the most memorable skating experiences happen far beyond the city streets. By day, guests can lace up and glide beneath towering trees; by night, they can warm up by glowing campfires as stars peek through the branches—and if they’re lucky, spot some of the resort’s exotic wildlife wandering the property. Cozy, cinematic, and perfectly wintry, it’s the kind of weekend getaway that makes you forget the subway ever existed.
⛸️ What to expect
Guests can look forward to a mix of classic winter charm and outdoor activity framed by dramatic Hudson Valley scenery. Mohonk Mountain House’s outdoor skating rink sits in an open-air pavilion with views of the lake and cliffside forests—perfect for a scenic 90-minute session on the ice.
For overnight guests, ice skates are included with your stay and you can skate during open sessions without a separate day ticket. Day visitors can buy an Ice Skating Pass (typically around $35 on weekdays and $45 on weekends/holidays, including skate rentals and parking for a 90-minute session) and enjoy the rink with rental skates provided.
There’s also a Winter Sports Pass option (around $125) that bundles skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and trail access for the full day. In between skating, warm up by the rink’s big stone fireplace with hot drinks, soak in quiet forest views, or explore snowy trails around the property.
🗺️ What else to do nearby
- Explore nature & trails at Mohonk Preserve – With thousands of acres of forests, carriage roads and marked trails, the preserve offers winter hiking, snowshoeing and peace-filled outdoor adventure just steps from the resort
- Winter hiking around Mohonk – Trails like the Duck Pond, Lake Shore, Copes Lookout and Sky Top routes are scenic and accessible in snowy conditions (with microspikes/snowshoes, often complimentary with a stay)
- History & local culture at Historic Huguenot Street – Wander the preserved streets of this 17th-century settlement in nearby New Paltz for a dose of local history
- Natural wildlife and gardens – Check out spots like the Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary for a quieter walk and bird-watching, especially if snow blankets the landscape
- Visit the Mohonk Mountain House Barn Museum – Peek into the area’s past with artifacts and displays about the resort’s long history and Victorian era life
- Stroll downtown New Paltz – Quaint shops, cafes and local bakeries make for a fun post-skate snack or coffee stop
- Extend your adventure at nearby parks – Places like Minnewaska State Park (perfect for scenic walks around frozen lakes) are just a short drive from Mohonk and offer more winter landscape views
🚗 How to get there from NYC
- About a 90-minute drive north from Manhattan
- Take the NY State Thruway to New Paltz, then follow local roads to the resort
- No car? Take a train to Poughkeepsie and a short taxi ride from there
Snow, skates, and a castle in the woods—winter weekends don’t get much better than this. To learn more and plan a trip yourself, visit Mohonk Mountain House’s official website.