Places to Ski
Updated September 21, 2026
Updated September 21, 2026
Snow and trail conditions can change quickly. Before heading out, check current conditions through the ski area's website, our Weather & Webcam Resources, or ask other members through the CNSC Google Group.
Keep in mind that many of our local ski destinations are ungroomed. Conditions can vary considerably depending on snowfall, temperature, trail use, and recent weather.
Groomed — trails are generally mechanically prepared when conditions allow.
Ungroomed — expect natural snow conditions; trails may be packed by other users or completely untracked.
Local Destinations
Black Diamond Trail (ungroomed) - Ithaca, NY
Coddington Valley Rail Trail (ungroomed) - Caroline, Brooktondale, Ithaca, NY
Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area (ungroomed) - Newfield, NY
Hammond Hill State Forest (ungroomed) - near Dryden, NY
Interloken Trail (ungroomed) - near Trumansburg, NY
Jim Schug Trail (ungroomed) - Dryden, NY
Kennedy State Forest (ungroomed) - Harford/Lapeer, NY
Finger Lakes National Forest (ungroomed) - near Ithaca, NY
The Roy H. Park Preserve South (Irish Settlement Road) - Slaterville Springs, NY
Six Mile Creek Natural Area (ungroomed) - Ithaca, NY
South Hill Rec Way (ungroomed) - Ithaca, NY
Tuller Hill State Forest (ungroomed) - Virgil, NY
Yellow Barn State Forest (ungroomed) - near Ithaca, NY
Bear Swamp State Forest (groomed and un-groomed) 33 miles from Ithaca
ADK Rail Trail (ungroomed) - runs from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake, NY 260 miles
Black River Environmental Improvement Association (BREIA) (groomed and un-groomed) - Boonville, NY 121 miles
Bristol Mountain Nordic (groomed) - Canandaigua, NY 75 miles
Cummings Nature Center (groomed) - Naples, NY 76 miles
Garnet Hill Outdoor Center (groomed) - North River, NY 204 miles
Greek Peak Nordic Center (groomed and ungroomed) - Virgil, NY 22 miles
Greenwood County Park (groomed and ungroomed) - Lisle, NY 32 miles
Highland Forest County Park (groomed and ungroomed) - Fabius, NY 50 miles
Jackrabbit Trail (ungroomed) - Keene Valley to Paul Smiths, NY 244 miles
Lapland Lake Nordic Center (groomed) - Benson, NY 166 miles
Lime Hollow Nature Center (ungroomed) - Cortland, NY 19 miles
Mt Van Hoevenburg (mostly groomed) - near Lake Placid, NY 260 miles
Oakley Corners State Forest (ungroomed) - Newark Valley, NY 34 miles
Osceola Ski and Sport (groomed) - Osceola, NY 113 miles
Osceola Tug Hill (groomed) - Osceola, NY 112 miles
Paul Smith's College VIC (Visitor Interpretative Center) (groomed and ungroomed) - Paul Smiths, NY 245 miles
Scotts Cobble Nordic Center (groomed) - Lake Placid, NY 260 miles
Stoney Pond State Forest (groomed and ungroomed) - Erieville, NY 58 miles
James C. Frenette Sr. Recreational Trails (groomed) - Tupper Lake, NY 224 miles
Winona State Forest (groomed and ungroomed) - in the Tug Hill Region, NY 110 miles
Whiteface Club Nordic Center (ungroomed) - Lake Placid, NY 260 miles
Trailforks can be another useful resource for finding potential cross-country ski routes. When using Trailforks, you may need to change the Activity Type to Nordic Ski to display relevant trails.
Remember that a trail appearing on a mapping app does not necessarily mean it is groomed or currently suitable for skiing. Always check local conditions and land-use rules before heading out.
When using Google Maps or another navigation app, take a few minutes to review the entire suggested route before leaving, especially when traveling north for better snow.
The shortest or fastest route isn't always the best choice in winter. A navigation app may direct you across higher elevations, rural back roads, or areas prone to lake-effect snow, where driving conditions can be significantly different from those along major highways.
Before heading out, check the weather and road conditions along your entire route, not just at your destination. Consider alternate routes that use major highways or avoid areas experiencing heavy snow, and be prepared to change your plans if conditions warrant.
Remember: the best route in summer may not be the best route in winter. ❄️🚗
BackcountrySOS will be discontinued at the end of 2026, with updates and active support ending after December 31, 2026.
If you currently use the app:
📱 Become familiar with the Emergency SOS and satellite communication features available on your smartphone or other satellite communication device.
🛰️ Know how to use your emergency communication tools before heading into areas with limited or no cell service.
🗺️ Always leave your trip plans with a family member or friend, including where you are going and when you expect to return.
Don’t wait for an emergency to learn how your communication tools work.