So many great ways to active outdoors during the winter. When snow blankets the ground and the temperatures dip, be sure to embrace the season and take advantage of these terrific opportunities to stay active, outdoors, in the City of Syracuse - cross country ski, ice skate, sled and snowshoe!
Did you know that Sunnycrest Park is home to more than 2.5 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails? When enough snow falls and conditions permit, the trails bring skiers along a loop that includes Sunnycrest Park Golf Course and some wooded areas.
When weather/conditions permits, December 1-February 28, the Winter Lodge at Sunnycrest Park is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. When the lodge is open, free rental equipment is available for use in the Park. Cross-country ski equipment in both youth and adult sizes may be reserved for free (supplies are limited). Rentals are available on a first come, first serve basis. There is also a set of adult and youth adaptive sit-skis and a push sled.
- Equipment Rental: Skis, boots, and poles available at Sunnycrest Park during Winter Lodge hours. Adaptive ski equipment available.
The Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs operates 3 skating rinks throughout the City of Syracuse: Clinton Square Ice Rink, John Dunn Ice Rink at Meachem Park, and Sunnycrest Park Ice Rink. We encourage you to visit all 3 rinks, as each rink has its own unique style and feel. Visit the Ice Skating page for rates, specials and open skate times.
Enjoy this age-old winter activity at two designated sledding hills in the city of Syracuse. The Burnet Park hill offers stunning views and a great workout!. Or, give the “bunny hill” a try in Sunnycrest Park for a family-friendly adventure. Please review our sledding guidelines before arriving and have fun!
- Equipment Rental: N/A - Bring your own sled.
Have you tried snowshoeing? There may be no better way to explore your City Parks on a clear, crisp winter day than on snow shoes. Snowshoeing is easy to learn, and can help improve aerobic fitness as well as strength and balance. Great form of exercise for the entire family!
When weather/conditions permits, December 1-February 28, the Winter Lodge at Sunnycrest Park is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. When the lodge is open, free rental equipment is available for use in the Park. Snowshoes in both youth and adult sizes may be reserved for free (supplies are limited). Rentals are available on a first come, first serve basis.
- Equipment Rental: Snowshoe rental available at Sunnycrest Park during Winter Lodge hours.
Pop up Snowshoe Walks in the Parks will be available at various parks on Saturdays and Sundays, December 1 - February 28, weather/conditions permitting. Reservations can be made at Syracuse.recdesk.com up to one week prior to each pop-up event and will continue until filled, or one hour before the start of each event. Staff will hand out reserved equipment and provide site maps. All rental reservations must be made online, in advance. A schedule of planned visits will be available soon. Follow us on Facebook @SyracuseParksRec for pop-up event announcements.