Enjoy winter in the Ithaca-Cortland region–a true winter paradise!

The Ithaca–Cortland region makes the perfect winter destination getaway for outdoor adventure lovers, culture seekers, families, and foodies alike. An easy drive from many major cities in the northeast, this destination ticks all of the winter getaway boxes: winter recreation (check!), great food (check!), amazing museums (check!), and affordable accommodations (check!). Stay in either Ithaca or Cortland and plan your own adventure.

 

Start building your ultimate winter getaway by choosing your home base:

Craft your perfect itinerary with our top 9 things to do in Ithaca-Cortland this winter:

1. Hit the slopes! Choose from one of Cortland’s three ski resorts including Greek Peak Mountain Resort – Central New York’s largest downhill skiing destination. Plus Greek Peak offers a learn-to-ski package which includes a lesson, lift ticket, and rentals all for only $59.
2. Take a hike! Ithaca’s gorges and frozen waterfalls are a whole other level of spectacular. Take an easy and flat hike to Taughannock Falls (the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies) while it’s dramatically frozen for the season – you won’t soon forget this stunning, frozen natural masterpiece!
3. Admire nature’s canvas as you hike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe through Lime Hollow Nature Center. This pristine preserve offers 12 miles of trails including the Art Meadow Trail which features interactive artwork and a variety of sculptures by different artists.
4. Unearth History with a visit to the Museum of the Earth to marvel at the wonders of our incredible planet and see the most complete Mastodon skeleton ever found and one of America’s largest fossil collections.
5. Savor the craft beverage scene with cozy visits to cideries, wineries, and breweries – experience the charm without the high-season crowds.
6. Make a splash at the Hope Lake Mountain Lodge’s Cascades Indoor waterpark.
7. Discover Wisdom in the newly-opened Dalai Lama Library and Learning Center at Namgyal Monastery, the official North American seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
8. Find serenity and take a peaceful stroll through the winter gardens at the Cornell Botanic Gardens to contemplate the quiet beauty of the season.
9. Immerse yourself in Ithaca’s charming downtown where you will browse the shops, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques in the Ithaca Commons (a four-block pedestrian shopping area downtown) and Press Bay Alley (the newest retail development with micro-retail spaces).