Ski Areas, Tubing and Ice Skating Rinks
The Capital District is ideally located for winter recreation, with easy access to a wide range of ski areas and skating rinks throughout eastern New York and nearby Vermont and Massachusetts. From local hills perfect for a nice evening on the slopes to larger mountain resorts within a short drive, the region offers excellent opportunities for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. In addition, numerous indoor and outdoor skating rinks throughout Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga, and surrounding communities make it easy to enjoy ice skating all winter long.
Below is a guide to ski areas and skating rinks located in and around the Capital District. Distances are approximate driving miles from Albany and can vary by route/start point. Always check each venue’s site for hours, conditions, and schedule changes.
Ski Areas (Downhill) — Local (about ≤70 miles)
Maple Ski Ridge
~20 mi
Where: Schenectady/Rotterdam area (2725 Mariaville Rd, Schenectady, NY)
Good for: Learn-to-ski, families, short local sessions
Website | Map
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
~29 mi
Where: Hancock, MA
Good for: Bigger-mountain day trip feel, resort amenities
Website | Map
Willard Mountain
~30 mi
Where: Greenwich, NY (77 Intervale Rd, Greenwich, NY 12834)
Good for: Lessons, affordable day/night skiing, tubing
Website | Map
Bousquet Mountain
~36 mii
Where: Pittsfield, MA
Good for: Berkshire day trip; tubing (seasonal)
Website | Map
Catamount Mountain Resort
~40 mi
Where: Hillsdale, NY / South Egremont, MA (NY–MA border)
Good for: Variety of terrain; easy Taconic/Berkshire day trip
Website | Map
West Mountain
~65 mi
Where: Queensbury, NY (59 West Mountain Rd, Queensbury, NY 12804)
Good for: Night skiing, lessons, tubing
Website | Map
Vermont Ski Areas (≤90 miles from Albany)
Mount Snow (VT)
~66 mi
Where: Dover/Wilmington area, VT
Good for: Big resort day trip; lots of terrain + amenities
Website | Map
Bromley Mountain (VT)
~67 mi
Where: Peru/Manchester area, VT
Good for: Classic Southern VT mountain; family-friendly vibe, snowboarding
Website | Map
Stratton Mountain (VT)
~76 mi
Where: Stratton Mountain, VT
Good for: Full resort experience; village + amenities
Website | Map
Magic Mountain (VT)
~77 mi
Where: Londonderry, VT
Good for: Independent/old-school feel, snowboarding, tubing
Website | Map
Vermont Nordic / XC (≤90 miles from Albany)
Prospect Mountain Nordic (VT)
~42 mi
Where: Woodford, VT (near Bennington)
Good for: Classic XC day trip close to Albany; rentals/lessons (seasonal) City & Local Guides
Website | Map
Viking Nordic Center (VT)
~77 mi
Where: Southern VT (near Danby/Pawlet)
Good for: XC skiing trails (conditions vary by season)
Website | Map
Wild Wings Ski Touring Center (VT)
~85 mi
Where: Wilmington, VT
Good for: XC touring center close to Mount Snow area
Website | Map
Note: XC conditions can vary a lot with weather/coverage. Check each site (or their socials) before driving.
Ice Skating Rinks
Empire State Plaza Ice Rink
Albany
Type: Outdoor seasonal rink (downtown)
Notes: Check hours/closures (weather/events)
Website | Map
Albany County Hockey Facility
Albany County
Type: Indoor rink facility
Notes: Public skating times vary
Facility Info | Map
Capital Arena
Clifton Park
Type: Indoor ice facility
Notes: Public skate times on schedule
Schedule | Map
Bethlehem YMCA Ice Rink
Delmar
Type: Indoor rink
Notes: Check public skate availability
Rink Info | Map
Saratoga Springs Ice Rinks (Weibel Ave)
Saratoga
Type: Indoor rinks
Notes: City posts public skating sessions + fees
Public Skating Schedule | Map
Knickerbacker Ice Arena
Troy
Type: Indoor rink
Notes: City lists admission + rentals
City Rink Info | Map
Schenectady County Ice Rink (Ray Wemple Memorial Rink)
Glenville
Type: Indoor county rink
Notes: Visitor info and fees posted by Town of Glenville Demographics
Rink Info | Map