Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, New York, is another great place to ski or snow shoe. There are

Although I grew up down hill skiing in New Hampshire, and love the speed and thrill of it, I have come to prefer the more relaxing, but no less invigorating pleasures of snow shoeing and cross country skiing. You can better appreciate the peace and quiet of the country side, the only sound being that of the wind in the trees and perhaps some winter birds, and the sound your skis or snow shoes make against the snow.
My favorite place for this is Hilltop Orchards in Richmond, Mass. on Route 295, just 15 minutes from my Hillsdale, New York inn. This is also the home of Furnace Brook Winery, so after your trek through the orchards and into the woods, head back to the tasting room with its big stone fireplace to warm up and taste their wines and hard ciders. We can also arrange a guided hike or lessons for you. Hilltop has snow shoes available for rental.
Here in Columbia County, Art Omi (Omi International Art Center) in Ghent is a fabulous place to cross country ski. There is no charge to ski on their 2.5 miles of groomed trails which are open from dawn to dusk daily. On weekends from noon to 5 pm, you can also stop in at the visitor's center which has a little cafe. A small selection of cross country skis and snow shoes are available free of charge at the visitors center for your use. And you can see part of the 60 acre sculpture park from the visitor's center. Here I am in summer posing inside one of the large sculptures, but imagine how this one looks in the snow covered landscape!
Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, New York, is another great place to ski or snow shoe. There are 5 miles of carriage trails winding through the 250 acre property with fantastic views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. The grounds are open daily from 8 am to sunset. northwest airline flight schedules You can borrow our snow shoes. northwest airline flight schedules See my November 3, 2010 blog post about Olana for photos of the beautiful views.
Another Columbia County historic mansion, Clermont, (home of the politically and socially prominent Livingston family for more than 230 years) also offers beautiful northwest airline flight schedules grounds and a free place to ski and enjoy views of the Hudson and the Catskills, but down by the river's edge.
Last but not least on our list is the Copake Country Club on Copake Lake. This public golf course offers all the necessary equipment for rent (skis, boots, poles, bindings). The cost is $25 if you rent their equipment, and just $10 to ski if you bring your own skis. And their restaurant, The Greens, is great so be sure to plan to eat there after your outing. northwest airline flight schedules Trails of varying lengths are groomed and well marked and the views down to Copake Lake are lovely.