Make the most of the season in Oneida County.
Winter in Oneida County brings a whole new lineup of things to see and do, both indoors and out.
From skiing and snowmobiling to snowshoeing at the Utica Zoo, winter rides aboard the Adirondack Railroad and ice fishing on Oneida Lake, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
Head north to the Adirondacks for snow-covered forests, cozy cabins and miles of scenic trails, perfect for a winter weekend getaway.
Prefer to stay warm? Explore local museums, catch a show or a game, try your hand at curling, discover a new restaurant or plan a relaxing winter getaway.
Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, family-friendly fun or a cozy escape, there's plenty to experience right here in Oneida County.
This winter, go All In.
Embrace The Snow
Fresh snow brings plenty of ways to enjoy winter in Oneida County!
Hit the slopes at Woods Valley Ski Area in Westernville for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing, with options for all experience levels.
In Utica, Val Bialas Ski Center offers skiing and snowboarding, while the nearby outdoor rink along Memorial Parkway is perfect for ice skating. Named after three-time Olympic speed skater and Utica native Valentine "Val" Bialas, it's a local winter favorite.
For a slower pace, explore the snowy trails at Delta Lake State Park in Rome with cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Whether you're carving down the slopes or enjoying a peaceful trail, there's no shortage of ways to get outside this winter.
Cozy Up & Dig In
Some of the best winter moments happen around the table. After a day of outdoor adventures, warm up at one of Oneida County's cozy restaurants, cafés or breweries.
Enjoy a memorable dinner at The Tailor and the Cook in Utica, Sugarbeets in Rome or The Black Stallion in Vernon. Explore the area's diverse food scene with Greek favorites at Symeon's in Yorkville or Bosnian-inspired dishes at Yummilicious Café & Bakery in Utica. And don't miss local staples like chicken riggies, Utica greens, tomato pie and half-moons!
For a warm drink or sweet treat, stop by Character Coffee in Utica or Sweet Life of a Baker in Sherrill. Prefer a local brew? Grab a pint at 7 Hamlets Brewing Company in Westmoreland.
Explore Places to Eat & Drink →
Take The Scenic Route
Some winter adventures are better enjoyed from a window seat.
Climb aboard the Adirondack Railroad and watch Central New York's winter landscape roll by. Seasonal train rides offer a completely different way to experience the region, trading hiking boots and skis for a relaxing ride through snow-covered scenery.
It's an easy addition to a winter getaway and an experience the whole family can enjoy.
Escape To The Adirondacks
Sometimes winter calls for slowing down and escaping to a cozy cabin surrounded by snow. Head north to White Lake, Otter Lake, and Woodgate for a peaceful Adirondack getaway filled with snowy scenery and outdoor adventure.
Stay at Matteson's Cabins, offering cozy accommodations with direct access to snowmobile trails, and stop by Matteson's Market for a local favorite.
For more winter adventure, explore the BREIA trail system near Boonville, featuring over 50 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, along with warming huts at select locations.
Feel The Energy
Winter sports aren't limited to the outdoors.
Head to downtown Utica and join the crowd for a Utica Comets hockey game at the Adirondack Bank Center, or experience the fast-paced action of Utica City FC. In Rome, cheer on the Copper City Chiefs as hockey takes the ice at Kennedy Arena.
Want to get in on the action yourself? Try something new at the Utica Curling Club, where opportunities to learn the sport make it easy for first-time curlers to get out on the ice.
The Utica University Nexus Center adds even more action downtown, with tournaments and sporting events bringing athletes and fans to Utica throughout the winter.
Come In From The Cold
Winter adventures don't always require snow boots!
Spend an afternoon exploring art and exhibitions at Munson in Utica. Traveling with kids? Visit the Utica Children's Museum, featuring more than 60 hands-on exhibits that bring creativity, science and play together, or discover the world of electricity and energy through interactive experiences at the New York Energy Zone.
For a different kind of indoor escape, head to Vernon Downs Casino Hotel for gaming, dining and entertainment.
Walk On The Wild Side
The Utica Zoo doesn't close up shop when the snow arrives. Winter brings a completely different way to experience it.
Bundle up and explore the zoo in the snow, or watch for opportunities to strap on a pair of snowshoes and make your way through the property during seasonal winter programming.
With crisp winter air and cold-weather animals right at home in the season, a winter zoo visit has a feel all its own.
Ride The Trails
When the snow starts falling, hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails across Oneida County come to life.
With nearly 600 miles of groomed trails, riders can travel through snow-covered forests, open countryside, and communities throughout the county, with trails stretching north into the Tug Hill Plateau and Adirondack Park.
Make a day of the ride with stops at local restaurants and taverns along the way, or build an entire winter weekend around exploring the trails.
Ready to ride? Find trail information, current conditions, maps, safety resources, registration information, and everything you need to plan your trip on our Snowmobile Trails page.
Explore Oneida County Snowmobile Trails →
Warm Up Your Way
Going All In on winter doesn't always mean bundling up.
At Turning Stone Resort Casino, you can turn a cold winter day into an entire getaway without worrying about the forecast. Trade the snow for some time on the indoor golf facilities at the Sportsplex, warm up with a treatment at Skana Spa, make reservations for dinner, catch a show or spend the evening exploring the nightlife at Exit 33.
Add gaming, entertainment and an overnight stay, or make Turning Stone the place you come back to after a day spent skiing, snowmobiling or exploring.
Whether your ideal winter escape means fresh powder, a round of golf, or a spa robe, there's room for all of it.
Get Out On The Ice
When the lakes freeze over, winter takes to the water in an entirely different way.
Ice fishing on Oneida Lake is a longtime winter tradition, drawing anglers onto the ice in search of walleye, perch and other catches. With access points around the lake, including the Sylvan Beach area and Verona Beach State Park, it's a favorite destination for winter fishing.
For another great spot, head to Delta Lake State Park in Rome, where anglers can enjoy ice fishing for walleye, perch and northern pike surrounded by peaceful winter scenery.
Before heading out, always check ice conditions, public access and local fishing regulations to ensure a safe day on the ice.
Take Your Seat
A winter night is even better when there's something worth going out for.
Step inside the historic Stanley Theatre in downtown Utica for Broadway productions, concerts, and live performances throughout the season. In Rome, the Capitol Theatre adds even more entertainment, from films and performances to special events.
Start with dinner, take in a show, and make a night of it.
However You Winter, Go All In.
Maybe your perfect winter day starts on the slopes and ends around a table with good food and even better company.
Maybe it's miles of snowmobile trails followed by a local brew. A few laps around the skating rink before dinner. Cross-country skiing followed by a night tucked into an Adirondack cabin. Learning how to curl for the first time. A snowy train ride and a show downtown. A museum afternoon followed by cocktails and chicken riggies. Or a weekend at Turning Stone where your plans involve a spa robe, dinner and a show.
That's the best part about winter in Oneida County. There's no one way to experience it.
Come for a day or stay for the weekend. Get outside. Come in from the cold. Try something new. Order something local. Make the most of the season while it's here.
However you winter, go All In.
