Time to bundle up, New Yorkers! With the coldest temperatures since February upon us and the Bryant Park fountain freezing, it’s no secret that winter has finally arrived—despite the city having yet to see many snowflakes this season.
Don’t let the bare sidewalks fool you. Snowy days are happening…just not exactly on your block yet.
That is set to change soon with the snowiest winter in years upon us. But for those who don’t want to wait to experience a winter wonderland, we have the perfect escape: New York’s snowiest town is only a road trip away—piled high with the cozy, sparkly, picture-perfect snow days the five boroughs are still waiting on.
So pack your coziest puffer for Sherman, New York! This tiny Chautauqua County town racks up a staggering 224.5 inches of snow a year, with January alone unloading more than 60 inches.
☃️ Record-breaking snowfall
Its all-time highlights read like a snow lover’s fantasy: 32 inches in a single day back in 1971, and a 35-inch snowpack in 1977. If you’re chasing the real-deal snow-globe experience, Sherman’s got it by the shovelful.
❄️ Where to enjoy the snow
The town has plenty of spots to soak in its winter wonderland, including the scenic Village Park, where a local hill turns into a go-to hub for sledding and tubing. Because, come on, with snowfall like that, it’s almost essential that you bring out your sled.
Outdoor lovers can hit the Rails to Trails path, a former railway turned 28-mile route perfect for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. The trail starts right in the village and winds toward nearby Brocton, serving up peaceful, wide-open countryside scenery along the way.
In the mood for holiday festivities? On Saturday, December 13th, the town will roll out its annual Lighted Tractor Parade, a beloved tradition where tractors decked in twinkling lights and festive decorations cruise through Sherman.
⛷️ Skiing and snowboarding
For those wanting to hit the slopes, Sherman is located under 20 minutes from Peak N’ Peak resort, a vibrant mountain that offers winter fun for every skill level with 26 ski and snowboard trails.
Guests can take advantage of equipment rentals, professional lessons, and terrain parks designed for freestyle riders looking to test their skills.
And if you’d rather your thrills come without skis or boards, the resort’s Snow Tubing Arena delivers nonstop fun with seven tubing lanes and a convenient Magic Carpet lift to whisk you back to the top.
After sunset, the excitement ramps up with Lunar Lights Tubing, an immersive experience featuring LED lights and music that turns the hill into a vibrant, glowing adventure.
Beyond the slopes, Peak’n Peak offers plenty of ways to relax and recharge. Guests can unwind at the resort’s spa, enjoy a variety of dining options, or simply take in the cozy winter atmosphere that makes it a perfect all-around getaway.
🚙 How to get there from NYC
By car, it’s about a 7 hour trip from NYC, with routes via I-80 W through Pennsylvania or I-86/I-90 W through upstate New York.
Flying is also an option, and the nearest airports are Buffalo (BUF) or Erie, PA (ERI), with Erie slightly closer. From either airport, you’ll need to rent a car or arrange ground transportation for the final 1.5–2 hour drive to Sherman.
It’s the perfect time of year to plan a winter escape, and what better place than New York’s snowiest town? Learn more about Sherman on their official website.