Frosty Fitness
Shake off the post-holiday doldrums by getting out and getting fit
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Feel invigorated with a nip of frigid air and the sparkle of sun on snow at a variety of sites in the area that are perfect for skating, skiing and snowshoeing. Keeping your winter recreation local can help you engage in it more regularly. Enjoy ice skating in Syracuse, Oswego, Auburn and other parts of CNY.
To find New York State Parks that permit ice skating, visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks and search for “Ice Skating” under the “Amenity” tab.
If you skate on a pond, play it safe. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, only trust solid ice that is at least three to four inches thick. This relates to walking on new, clear ice on non-running water. Ice thickness can vary depending upon many factors, including the distance from shore. Do not go skating on a pond alone.
Numerous venues in the area offer cross-country skiing/snowshoeing opportunities. These include:
• Highland Forest (www.onondagacountyparks.com/parks/highland-forest) in Fabius
• Osceola Tug Hill Cross Ski Center (www.uxcski.com) in Camden
• Green Lakes State Park (http://nysparks.com/parks/172/fees-rates.aspx)
• Beaver Lake Nature Center (www.onondagacountyparks.com/beaver) in Baldwinsville
• Oneida Shores Park (www.onondagacountyparks.com/oneida) in Brewerton
• Bear Swamp (https://dec.ny.gov/places/bear-swamp-state-forest) in Sempronius.
• Baltimore Woods Nature Center (www.baltimorewoods.org/) in Marcellus
• Winona Forest Recreation Area (www.winonaforest.com) in Boylston and Mannsville
• Montezuma Audubon Center (www.fws.gov/refuge/montezuma) in Seneca Falls and Savannah
• Great Bear Recreation Area (www.friendsofgreatbear.org) in Fulton
• Sterling Nature Center (www.cayugacounty.us/Community/Parks-and-Trails/Sterling) in Sterling
Check the New York State Parks website at https://parks.ny.gov/parks and search for “Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing” under “Amenity” to find many more places.
If downhill skiing is more your style, you don’t have to go to the Rockies or Vermont to get your fix. Try Camillus Ski Hill (https://camillusskihill.com/), Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center (www.fourseasonsgolfandski.com) in Fayetteville, Skaneateles Ski Club (www.skiskan.com), Cazenovia Ski Club (https://skicaz.com), Song Mountain Ski Resort (www.skicny.com/song/) in Tully, Labrador Mountain Ski Resort (www.skicny.com/) in Truxton, or Greek Peak Mountain Resort (https://www.greekpeak.net/) in Cortland.
With the right motivation, you can get moving more often this winter. Consider buying your own gear instead of renting it. You may feel more like strapping on skates, skis or snowshoes more frequently once you’ve invested in them.
Dress in warm layers and bring along a hot drink in a Thermos or stop for a coffee or hot chocolate afterwards. Plan a regular outing with a family member or friend who enjoys the same activity — or who is at least willing to give it a shot. Camaraderie can help you stay moving.