While Scandinavians have hygge (the Danish art of cozy comfort and warm, feel-good living) for cozy moments indoors, they rely on friluftsliv – the joyful practice of embracing fresh air and outdoor adventure, to carry them through winter. It’s a mindset that Westchester County captures effortlessly, with wide-open landscapes, snow-covered trails and cold-weather activities just north of New York City.
For travelers looking to reset, recharge and actually enjoy winter, Westchester offers an accessible, nature-rich playground where you can spend the season outside:
- Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: After a snowfall, County parks transform into quiet winter playgrounds. Favorites include the wide-open terrain of Croton Point Park (Croton-on-Hudson), the forested paths of Ward Pound Ridge (Pound Ridge) and the peaceful routes through Kitchawan Preserve (Ossissing).
- Winter Hiking & Nature Immersion: With nearly 15 miles of year-round trails, Teatown Lake Reservation (Ossissing) is a go-to for mindful winter wandering. Seasonal programming from “Snow Stories” to their Full Moon Hike series brings added magic to the colder months.
- Bedford Audubon’s Winter Sanctuaries & Wildlife Programs: Embodying friluftsliv at its core, Bedford Audubon offers 600+ acres of tranquil sanctuaries perfect for winter walks, birdwatching and quiet connection with nature. Their winter calendar includes expert-led birding outings, waterfowl workshops and family-friendly nature programs – ideal for travelers seeking peaceful, educational outdoor experiences.
- Ice Skating: When conditions allow, frozen lakes and ponds across Westchester offer classic winter charm, inviting visitors to lace up skates and glide across natural ice surrounded by snowy woodlands.
- Hudson River EagleFest: On February 7, 2026, the 21st Annual EagleFest returns to Croton Point Park (Croton-on-Hudson). Celebrate winter’s coolest visitors with live bird shows, guided eagle-spotting walks, heated tents, kids’ crafts, games, food trucks and more.
- Maple Sugaring: From January through March, nature centers across the county host hands-on demonstrations, tastings and tree-tapping workshops – a sweet, family-friendly way to welcome late winter.
Westchester’s winter friluftsliv offers an easy and restorative escape, pairing nature-rich adventures with cozy stays at places like Tarrytown House Estate, The Abbey Inn & Spa, The Opus and Bedford Post Inn.
