New York Ushers in Winter With Festive Experiences, Ski Upgrades, New Hotels, and More

New York State is inviting visitors to discover reimagined escapes, vibrant traditions and new inspired ways to experience the beauty of the winter season.

I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said in a statement, “Winter in New York State is where excitement meets relaxation. Every region offers something extraordinary, from world-class ski destinations and luxurious new hotels to charming small towns and unique seasonal events that warm the soul.”

He added, “From cozy spa experiences to snowy adventures, New York in winter is the perfect time for travelers to connect and enjoy everything they love, and it's only available in a New York winter.”

New Hotels and Reimagined Retreats

• Eastwind Hotel Windham (Catskills): The flagship Windham property has expanded Mountain House, introducing 12 new design-forward guestrooms elevating the property’s signature blend of Scandinavian minimalism and cozy mountain charm.  
• AC Hotel Saratoga Springs (Capital-Saratoga): Set to open December 2025, this sleek new addition to downtown Saratoga blends modern design with easy access to the city’s arts, dining and entertainment scene.  
• Pocketbook Hudson (Hudson Valley): The boutique hotel opened November 1, 2025, bringing new energy to downtown Hudson from a restored 1880s textile-mill turned factory campus.  

 

Elevating the Experience: Ski Upgrades

• Gore Mountain (Adirondacks): Brand-new lodge, The Station at North Creek Ski Bowl, marks the next milestone in Gore Mountain’s transformation into a four-season destination.
• Whiteface Mountain (Adirondacks): Enhancements include the addition of the new Little Whiteface Lift - a modern fixed-grip double chair replacing two 1980s-era lifts - and 15 high-efficiency snow guns upgrading the snowmaking process.  
• Belleayre Mountain (Catskills): A 28,000-square-foot addition to the Discovery Lodge includes a new rental shop and state-of-the-art tuning machine. Overlook Lodge continues a restoration blending historic charm with modern comforts.   
• Hunter Mountain (Catskills): The resort is rolling out a fresh look in the Main Lodge with updated interiors and redesigned food and beverage outlets.  
• Mount Peter Ski Area (Hudson Valley): Features a new 1,500-square-foot tubing lodge and all-weather snowmaking system for family fun.  

 

Celebrate the Season: Winter Events and Experiences

• Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend (Adirondacks): Takes over Lake Placid February 27 through March 1 with ski and skate adventures at Whiteface Mountain and the Olympic Oval and après-ski parties and immersive experiences at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum.
• Catskills Pride Ski Weekend (Catskills): From January 31 to February 1, the celebration at Belleayre Mountain brings together the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding and shared pride in the great outdoors.  
• International Biathlon Union Cup (Adirondacks): Lake Placid will host its first IBU Cup at Mt. Van Hoevenberg on February 26 through March 8 just after the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
• Lake Placid Winter Olympic Celebration (Adirondacks): Kicks off a month-long celebration in February as festivities begin February 5 at the opening ceremony of the Empire State Winter Games.  
• Catskill Winter Solstice Stroll (Catskills): On December 21, the Village of Catskill transforms Main and Bridge Streets into a twinkling pedestrian-only wonderland marking the longest night of the year.  
• Fire & Ice Winter Festival (Finger Lakes): Downtown Canandaigua comes alive on February 22 and 23 for the ninth annual celebration of winter, transforming Main Street into a lively showcase of fire, ice, and community spirit.  
• ROC Holiday Village (Finger Lakes): From December 5 through 28, downtown Rochester transforms into a holiday themed winter village filled with lights, music and seasonal magic.  
• LEGOLAND New York’s Holiday Bricktacular (Hudson Valley): The festive celebration runs November 29 through January 3 as LEGOLAND New York Resort becomes a dazzling winter wonderland filled with holiday spirit and family fun.  
• Radio City Rockettes Centennial Celebrations (New York City): Marking their 100th anniversary in 2025, the iconic dance troupe launches a milestone edition of the Christmas Spectacular, running from November 6 through January 4 at Radio City Music Hall.    

 

New Attractions: Culture and Recreation Redefined

• Studio Museum in Harlem (New York City): The seven-story, $160 million museum reopened on November 15 with twice the exhibition space, artist studios, classrooms, community rooms and a dramatic central staircase serving as a social hub and symbol of Harlem’s creative energy.  
• Destination KP Sports Park (Long Island): Scheduled to open in January 2026, the 44-acre, cutting-edge sports complex in Kings Park will feature outdoor athletic fields, a multi-level indoor sports facility and a variety of supporting amenities.

 

Fresh Flavors and Familiar Favorites: New Places to Drink and Dine

• Bear Cup Bakehouse (Capital-Saratoga): The beloved Bolton Landing bakery, opening in December expands to downtown Saratoga Springs with a second location on Broadway.  
• Pint Sized (Capital-Saratoga): Recently opened in Saratoga Springs this November, Pint Sized moved from 489 Broadway to 33 Phila Street, tripling its space.
• Dandies at Eastwind Hotel (Catskills): This newly opened restaurant marks the next chapter for Eastwind Hotel’s flagship Catskills property with a stylish new dining experience.

 

---

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore