It may be cold out there, but that just means there’s a whole different selection of fun outdoor activities to choose from in the area. Whether you prefer snow tubing, spending time in an igloo, or ice skating, the surrounding Essex County area has plenty of fun activities this season. Keep reading for a full list of fun, outdoor winter activities to do in and near the Montclair area.
Sledding at Essex County Parks
Essex County is filled with beautiful and expansive public parks – many of which make great destinations for sledding with friends and family. For a list of recommended sledding spots like Mountainside Park, Canterbury Park, Essex Park, and Flood’s Hill, see here.
Snow Tubing at Campgaw | 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ
(Photo credit: @campgawskiarea)
Located less than an hour away in Mahwah, NJ, Campgaw offers a variety of snow activities including snow tubing. At Campgaw, riders can not only ride tubes down the slope, but they can also ride it up as well! Different levels of rollers are also available for the more daring riders.
Read More: These Are the Ski Slopes to Visit in the New Jersey Area
Skiing at Mountain Creek Resort | Vernon, NJ
(Photo credit: @mountaincreek)
Whether you enjoy skiing or the après, this mountain is only an hour away from Hudson County. Mountain Creek Resort, located in Vernon, NJ, 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.
Snow-Shoeing at High Point Cross Country Ski Center | 1422 Grand Street, Sussex, NJ
Located just under 90 minutes from Hoboken in Sussex County, NJ, High Point Cross Country Ski Center has trails for winter athletes of all abilities. Although High Point is best known as a cross-country skiing destination and hiking in the summer months, it also has nearly five miles of trails exclusively available for snowshoeing. First-timers can stick to the flat terrain surrounding Lake Marcia and those seeking a challenge can brave the center’s longest path, Monument Trail, which gives way to views of the Catskills and the Poconos.
See More: The Best Ice Skating Rinks in North Jersey + NYC
Camelback Mountain Resort | 301 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA
Whether you take a day trip or make it a long weekend, Camelback Mountain Resort is a Poconos retreat suitable for all ages. The resort 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.
