Even though it’s winter, there’s no need to spend all of your time indoors this season. To help combat cabin fever, here are some fun outdoor activities for those looking to brave the dropping winter temps. Whether you prefer snow tubing, spending time in an igloo, or ice skating, Hoboken and the surrounding areas have plenty of fun activities this season. Keep reading for a full list of fun outdoor winter activities in and near Hoboken + Jersey City.
In + Near Hoboken + Jersey City
Big SNOW at American Dream Mall | 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, New Jersey
While this activity isn’t technically considered outdoor, it is still a great option for family-friendly winter fun. Big SNOW at the American Dream Mall is the only snow dome in the country. This indoor spot provides skiing, Sno-Go bikes, tubing, and more. Big SNOW also has private lesson packages for anyone looking to learn a new winter sport. See here for more details.
Read More: A Guide to Fun Outdoor Activities in New Jersey for Any Season
Cross-Country Skiing at State Line Lookout | State Line Lookout, Closter, New Jersey
State Line Lookout is a scenic spot at the Palisades Interstate Park, which is approximately twelve miles long and half a mile wide. State Line Lookout provides five miles of cross-country ski trails, all varying in length and difficulty. This spot encourages skiers to wait until there is at least four inches of snow before skiing.
Ice Skating at Newport Skates | 95 River Drive South, Jersey City, New Jersey
Unleash your inner Tara Lipinski or Michelle Kwan and lace up your skates. Newport is home to Jersey City’s only outdoor skating rink, Newport Skates. Located at 95 River Drive South, skaters can enjoy an afternoon on the ice to get outside and get moving this winter. As per the business’s website, information about the opening date should be announced this November.
Skiing and Snow Tubing at Campgaw Mountain | 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, New Jersey
Photo credit: Campgaw Mountain
Located less than an hour away from Hoboken in Mahwah, Campgaw Mountain offers a variety of snow activities, including snow tubing and skiing. At Campgaw, riders can ride tubes not only down the slope but also up it. Different levels of rollers are also available for the more daring riders. See more about tubing at Campgaw here.
Skiing at Mountain Creek Resort | 200 NJ-94, Vernon Township, New Jersey
Photo Credit: Mountain Creek Resort
Whether you enjoy skiing or the après, this mountain is only an hour away from Hudson County. Mountain Creek Resort, located in Vernon, New Jersey, is home to over 30 different recreational trails. Despite being located outside of the more traditional northeast ski areas, the resort has everything from bunny slopes to black diamond level trails, long groomers, night skiing, and three terrain parks, which are sure to satisfy skiers and snowboarders of all levels. As an added bonus, Mountain Creek also features snow tubing and Sno-Go bikes, which are a bike/ski hybrid. For a winter weekend gateway, this spot also provides lodging. See more information about what Mountain Creek Resort offers here.
1.5 – 2 Hours away from Hoboken + Jersey City
Camelback Mountain Resort | 301 Resort Drive, Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Camelback Mountain Resort is a Poconos retreat suitable for all ages, whether you take a day trip or make it a long weekend. This resort, which is a little over two hours from Hoboken, is best known for its over 40 snow tubing lanes (it’s the biggest in the U.S.) and two magic carpet lifts that take riders up the mountain. Other winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and snowboarding while there, too.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snow-Shoeing at High Point Cross Country Ski Center | 1422 Grand Street, Sussex, New Jersey
Located just under 90 minutes from Hoboken in Sussex County, High Point Cross Country Ski Center has trails for winter athletes of all abilities. With over 1600 feet in elevation, this place is the snowiest spot in the New Jersey area, as per its website, making it a great cross-country skiing destination. High Point Cross Country Ski Center also has nearly five miles of trails exclusively available for snowshoeing. First-timers can stick to the flat terrain surrounding Lake Marcia. Those seeking a challenge can brave the center’s longest path, Monument Trail, which gives way to views of the Catskills and the Poconos.
Skiing and Snow Tubing at Montage Mountain Resort | 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton, Pennsylvania
This spot is approximately two and a half hours away from Hoboken and Jersey City and provides skiing, snow tubing, and more. Montage Mountain Resort also offers a wedding venue and a waterpark that is open for the summer season. See here for more about Montage Mountain Resort.
Skiing and Snow Tubing at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area | 01 Hollow Road, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
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Shawnee Mountain, about two hours away from Hudson County, provides everything from skiing, tubing, hiking trails, and lodging. Unless Mother Nature has other plans, this spot aims to open for all winter activities the day after Thanksgiving. In addition to day and season passes, Shawnee Mountain hosts different events throughout the season. See here for more on what this place provides.
Skiing at Belleayre Mountain Ski Center | 181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount, New York
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This ski spot is about two and a half hours from Hoboken, making it a great day trip destination. In addition to day passes, guests can also purchase season passes, which are now available for purchase for the 2024-2025 season, frequent skier passes, winter lift tickets, and more. This spot also provides lessons for children and private lessons. See here for more information about Belleayre Mountain Ski Center.
See More: 9 Ski Slopes to Visit in the New Jersey Area
Skiing at Hunter Mountain Resort | 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter, New York
Hunter Mountain Resort, which is about two and a half hours from Hoboken, is set to open soon for the winter season. This spot has been running for 65 seasons and offers all kinds of ski trails and terrain parks. For those wanting to turn their day trip into a weekend filled with winter fun, Hunter Mountain also provides lodging. See here for more information.