What makes winter in Buffalo, New York so unique? Part of it is the legendary lake effect, which has been known to dump feet of snow throughout the forests and towns of Erie County and Western New York in just a few hours. But it’s also how Western New Yorkers respond to all that snow. There’s a sense of adventure and exploration comes with the territory; an understanding that each snow storm is an invitation to head outside, not crowd indoors. And that invitation extends to visitors across the country.
Winter Wandering
What to do with all that snow? As Fred Marshall, manager of Buffalo’s 42 North Brewery said, “If you don’t do anything outside, there’s no fun in it, but if you get out and try to adventure in the snow, you’re going to have a great winter.” You can do so within a snowball’s throw of downtown Buffalo at the Tifft Nature Preserve, a 264-acre sanctuary along the shores of Lake Erie. It’s only $5 to rent snowshoes and explore the five miles of trails through marshes, ponds, and woodlands.
Only 45 minutes south of downtown Buffalo, just opposite Kissing Bridge Ski Area, lies Sprague Brook Park, a mecca for winter activities of all kinds. It features multi-use trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and fat-tire mountain biking, as well as groomed cross-country ski tracks. There’s even a heated warming hut for post-adventure thawing.
Snowshoeing is the winter activity of choice in the land of lakes, and another favorite destination for locals is Knox Farm State Park. This former estate-turned-recreational playground hosts 42 North’s annual Brewski Event, in which your 2.5-mile hike, snowshoe, or ski includes stops to sample their incredible craft beer before heading back to the brewery for a special winter beer release.
An Icy Wonderland
Ice usually accompanies snow, but it doesn’t often take such spectacular forms as Lake Erie’s ice volcanoes. They’re formed as waves crash against the shore and find cracks in the rock, forcing water to “erupt” in sprays up to 20 feet high. The resulting ice cones can be seen at Evangola State Park, which offers ranger-guided snowshoe hikes to the volcanoes roughly once a month in the winter.
Then there’s the ice that’s been frozen in its tracks while cascading down cliffs and gorges. Like at the world famous Niagara Falls, whose frozen features—like its enormous ice bridges—can be seen up close and personal at Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls State Park. Eighteen Mile Creek in Hamburg is another such destination, offering over 25 icy ascents for ice climbers in the Buffalo area. These single-pitch routes scale the park’s 60-foot-deep gorge and range from W12 to W13 in difficulty. A permit from the Erie County Parks Department is required.
Family Fun
While some of Buffalo’s winter adventures lie off the beaten path, there are plenty of accessible and family-friendly activities closer to city streets and cozy restaurants, pubs, and breweries. The Ice at Canalside, located along the Buffalo Waterfront, has public skating and curling sessions nearly every night of the week, along with the always enjoyable ice bumper cars.
Then there’s 42 North’s annual Barrel Jam in East Aurora. It’s part barrel-aged beer fest, part ski and snowboard rail jam, and all party; and it’s not the only skiing in the region. Nearby Kissing Bridge Ski Area features over 20 miles of downhill trails for beginners, experts, and parkgoers alike. If you’re brand new to the sport, county parks like Emery and Chestnut Ridge also offer free rope-tow and magic carpet turns on easygoing terrain.
Skiing may be the second-most exciting way to slide at Chestnut Ridge, though, with the park’s iconic toboggan chutes taking the cake. Buffalo kids and families have been enjoying high-speed thrills here since the 1930s, and just like the snow that blesses Buffalo’s streets and shores, they keep coming back winter after winter. Find your new favorite season at Visitbuffalo.com.
Calling all Winterbuffs: Buffalo does winter right, inside and out. Hit snow-dusted trails, frozen waterfalls, and epic slopes, then warm up with wings and local brews by a roaring fire. Explore world-class art, cozy corner bars, and meet friendly Buffalonians who welcome you in. Plan your winter escape at visitbuffalo.com.
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