By Kate Bartlett
Winter offers a variety of activities in Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties. In addition to skiing and snowboarding at two world-renown resorts (HoliMont and Holiday Valley), winter holds a vast array of activities to explore and stay active during the colder months, including cross-county skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, ice fishing, wildlife and more.
Allegany State Park (ASP) offers a variety of outdoor activities throughout the winter season. Explore many miles of hiking, cross country, and snowshoe trails, or join in a guided winter walk with an experienced nature guide at the park. ASP and the WNY Mountain Biking Association offer 5–8-mile Fat Bike (mountain bike with extra-large tires to handle mud, sand and snow) rides throughout the park. The rides are fun for all levels and last 2 hours in duration (weather dependent). If there is no snow, any mountain bike is welcome on the ride, registration is not required, and bike borrowing is available, but limited (716-379-6939).
throughout the winter season. Explore many miles of hiking,
cross country, and snowshoe trails, or join in a guided
winter walk with an experienced nature guide at the park.
ASP and the WNY Mountain Biking Association offer 5–8-mile
Fat Bike (mountain bike with extra-large tires to handle mud,
sand and snow) rides throughout the park. The rides are fun
for all levels and last 2 hours in duration. If there is no snow,
any mountain bike is welcome.
Allegany State Park is also offering Winter Snowshoe Hikes on Tuesdays in January and Wednesdays in February at 4:30pm. Beginning January 6th, Park Environmental Education and Recreation staff will lead interpretive snowshoe treks, weather depending, or hikes if there is not enough snow. Show shoes are available to borrow (free) but must be reserved by noon the day of each hike. For more information contact the Environmental Education/Recreation Department at 716-354-6263.
Celebrate NYE with a New Gear’s Eve Bike ride on December 31 at 6pm, and kick off the New Year with a First Day Bike on January 1, 2026, at 11am. Both rides meet at Camp Allegany and pace and length will be moderate, and determined by the participants. Riders are reminded to bring lights, wear warm and reflective gear, and a helmet. Monthly Themed Fat Bike Rides will take place on Friday nights starting at 6:45pm (1/16, 2/13, 3/20). Contact Kristian Reiber at nextlevelmountainbiking@gmail.com or 716-785-2685 with questions and visit wnymba.org for more information.
HoliMont and Holiday Valley both offer world-class skiing and snowboarding on their meticulously groomed slopes, but guests will also find cross country trails for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and hiking. These resorts offer beautiful views during the winter seasons; the ultimate perspective of winter in the area. Portions of the HoliMont Mountain Bike Trail Network will be open for Fat Tire Biking when the natural snow and conditions align. Snow tubing is also available for all ages at Holiday Valley.
Celebrate the turning of the seasons with a Sunset Winter Solstice Ecstatic Dance at The Heron Farm & Event Center in Sherman on December 21. This event celebrates the longest night of the year and welcomes winter in a fire-lit ambiance with cacao, movement, and a communal potluck. Guests are invited to place small offerings in gratitude, setting intentions for the season ahead, then dance from sunset into darkness music by DJ Jimmy Wilson. A small potluck to close the evening in warmth and community. This event is outdoors, so guests are reminded to dress warm, and bring a small donation (suggested $10-20, though no one will be turned away).
While this is not a complete list, it’s a glimpse into the various activities to explore winter in the region. For more information, visit holidayvalley.com, holimont.com, visitanf.com, theheron.org, or call/email contacts above.