Find 4 Winter Sports Adventure in Central Park

New York City is known for getting some serious snow during the winter months. New York, in general, is known as a destination for adventurers and extreme winter sports enthusiasts.

However, visitors should know that you don’t have to leave the city to find extreme winter sports. NYC gets an average of 4.8 inches of snow in December, 7 inches in January, and around 8.8 inches of snow in February, marking a good 3 months season of snow related activities in the park. You might even see New York icons like YouTuber, Casey Neistat snowboarding around the city during blizzards.

Either way, if you are in NYC during the winter and have at least 6 inches of snow, then you should definitely go sledding in Central Park. There are two main hills: Pilgrim Hill and Cedar Hill, and you can find hills for beginners and more daring alike. It’s a great activity for the family and an awesome way to get the blood pumping.

When? When there is at least 6 inches of snow.

Where? Pilgrim Hill: Enter the park at 72nd and 5th Ave.

Where? Cedar Hill: Enter the park between 76th and 79th St. and 5th Ave.

While you may not consider ice skating to be an extreme sport, our sore rear-ends disagree! Ice skating is the perfect activity for families, couples, or folks looking to get some color in their cheeks before continuing on with their day. And, if you are like some of us and are less than proficient in the sport, they say practice makes perfect!

Where? Wollman Rink: Enter park at 59th and 6th Ave. or at 59th and 5th Ave.

When? Until February 28th; Monday & Tuesday: 10 am – 2:30 pm; Wednesday & Thursday: 10 am – 10 pm; Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 11 pm; Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm

Where? Lasker Rink: Enter park at 110th and Lenox Ave. or at 59th and 5th Ave.

When? Monday & Tuesday & Thursday: 9:30 am – 4 pm; Wednesday: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm; Saturday: 1 pm – 11 pm; Sunday: 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Some say that Central Park was meant to be viewed on the back of a horse. That’s not hard to believe with so many miles of paths in and around the park that are perfect for horses. Plus, the park is open year-round to horseback riding during regular park hours.

Where? Various operators
When? Year-round, 6 am – 1 am

If you have your own equipment, then bring it on down to Central Park. There is no fee for cross-country skiing in the park, and in fact there is some great landscape for the sport, such as Sheep Meadow or the Great Lawn, which offers 55 acres for you to ski around.

When? When there is enough snow, during regular park hours

Where? Sheep Meadow: On the West Side, from 66th to 69th Streets

Where? The Great Lawn: Mid-park, from 79th to 85th Streets

The Lombardy Hotel is located at a convenient 5 blocks from Central Park. If you are coming to New York City with the intention of adventuring in Central Park, shopping on 5th Avenue, or exploring the city, then Midtown Manhattan and The Lombardy Hotel is the place for you to stay.