XC Skiing in the Heart of the Hudson Valley

     Let's hear it for NY State Parks!  They are affordable, here for the people, we pay for their operation and they are full of wonder!

     Fahnestock Winter Park is located within Clarence Fahnestock State Park in the town of Carmel New York, in Putnam County.  Approximately 50 miles north of New York City.  It affords 18 km of machine groomed trails for cross country within it's 1600 acres. There is also snow shoeing on a section of the Appalachian trail, the most popular is the Ojibwa trail.

      From the seasoned skier to the beginner, Fahnestock is an all purpose ski center suited to fit every ability. If you're a beginner or have never skied the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful about fitting you with the perfect pair of skis. You can also sign up for lessons, both ski and snowshoe. Rentals for the day are at a reasonable fee from adult to children sizes. They have a large inventory of selected ski names and brands. If you are not intrested in skiing or snow shoeing, they have a wonderful hill for a snow tubing. Complete with a set of stairs for an easy climb to the top.

      I have to say that Fahnestock Winter Park has the most beautiful trail system I have ever skied.  That's coming from someone who has skied many centers from Connecticut to Massachusetts, Southern Vermont,  the Catskills, Lake Placid area and west to the Tug Hill Plateau. The landscape at Fahnestock affords a perfect combination  of rolly polly hills, sharp uphills and fast steep downhills, but not always in combination. Many trails are very easy for the beginner and of course there are many that are spectacular for the expert.

     Open between December and March depending on the weather and if there is enough snow. It becomes very busy but is still a joy to ski.

     Originally this land of 2400 acres was donated in 1929 by Dr. Ernest Fahnestock in memory of his brother Clarence who died in the post World War I influenza epidemic while treating patients for the disease. Prior to that this land was an iron ore mining community.

 The newly renovated warming lodge is where the ski rentals are located.  Along with a food and beverage counter and cafe. Here you can buy homemade chili and cornbread ( made by a staff member!). Which by the way is delicious! Hot chocolate too. A large changing room and restroom including a gift shop plus cross country ski equipment and cold weather merchandise. There is also an outdoor picnic area with plenty of tables, ski racks and a fireplace that is always roaring and warm.

https://parks.ny.gov/parks/147/details.aspx