Visit the Ithaca-Cortland Region for the Perfect Winter Getaway Filled with Adventure and Inspiration!
Visit the Ithaca–Cortland region and discover a true winter wonderland, where outdoor adventure, cultural discoveries, and inspiring bites await around every snowy turn. Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, this stunning destination is surrounded by picturesque vistas, dramatic landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and charming downtowns. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip to experience the magic of winter, there’s something here for everyone during the cozy months.
Cortland, known as the “Eastern Gateway to the Finger Lakes,” offers an abundance of outdoor adventure paired with small-town charm. Home to three downhill ski resorts and welcoming downtowns, Cortland brings cozy winter vibes to a whole new level. Whether you’re seeking heart-pumping thrills or a peaceful escape, you’ll find scenic trails, award-winning breweries, and plenty of natural beauty to explore.
Planning a winter escape to the Ithaca–Cortland region is easy, with convenient driving distance from many major East Coast cities. Winter activities pair seamlessly with inspiring cultural experiences, rich culinary discoveries, and opportunities to learn something new. From hands-on classes and artistic workshops to culinary courses and educational experiences, you’ll find countless ways to enrich a winter getaway
Places to Stay in Cortland
Whether you're looking to conquer the slopes, tour the historic streets of the Crown City, or visit family at SUNY Cortland, finding the perfect place to recharge is part of the journey. In Cortland County, we believe your stay should be a memorable part of your getaway. From the cozy-chic luxury of a mountainside resort to the convenient comfort of our downtown hotels and the nostalgic charm of a historic railroad inn, we have a pillow for every preference. Dive into our selection of local stays and find the home base that fits your pace. For more information, visit this link.
May we suggest:
- Families & Adventure: Hope Lake Lodge & Greek Peak Mountain Resort
- Wine Lovers: Best Western Finger Lakes Inn & Suites
- Campus Visits: Hampton Inn Cortland
- History & Local Charm: Three Bear Inn
- Unique Retreat: Trinity Valley Farmhouse
Must-See Sports Stops for Your Itinerary
Winter in the Ithaca–Cortland region is the kind of getaway that balances fresh-air adrenaline with warm, artsy, small-town charm. If you’re building a weekend itinerary, or just want a few “worth the detour” ideas, start with these must-see spots.
- Take in a show at one of Central New York’s preeminent presenters of the arts, focused on community enrichment through world-class entertainment and arts education. While on-site, check out the art gallery featuring work of the region’s visual artists.
- Cross-country ski, snowshoe, or take a snowy winter hike at this 430-acre natural wonder. Packed with over 12 miles of hiking trails, glacial valleys, forests, streams, and ponds, the Lime Hollow Nordic Center is a prime spot for outdoor adventure.
- Winter adventure awaits with 24 snow-filled, downhill skiing trails, five lifts, night skiing, and access to an Inter-Mountain Passport to Labrador Mountain (for no additional cost) for double the action. For apres-ski, grab a bite at Heuga’s Alpine Restaurant.
- Adventure doesn’t stop with skiing and snowboarding at Greek Peak. Check out an abundance of family-friendly activities that will get your heart racing like the Mountain Coaster, Zip Line Tour, Outdoor Aerial Course, Eurobungy, and Snow Tubing!
- Take a tour of the Wickwire home located within the Historic Tompkins Street District, step back into the Gilded Age and marvel at the remarkably preserved Victorian opulence of this mansion built for inventor and industrialist Chester F. Wickwire.
- A can’t-miss waterfall hike in the Labrador Hollow Unique Area is a local favorite for good reason. The short, scenic hike leads to a dramatic 50-foot cascade you can walk behind — and an overlook trail rewards you with sweeping valley views if you're up for a climb.
- With 22 groomed trails and 6 lifts, skiers and boarders of all levels can enjoy the slopes. There are also 15+ lit trails, making Labrador a destination for Central New York night skiing. After working up an appetite, stop by The Puffin Bird for classic American pub fare.
- Nestled within a historic 150-year-old factory, Cinch Art Space at the Cortland Corset Building is the place to find exclusively handcrafted, entirely local fine art, unique gifts, and functional creations.
Looking for more ideas in the Ithaca-Cortland region?
Where can you pair endless winter outdoor adventures with charming downtowns, stunning frozen waterfalls, an exciting culinary scene, and inspiring cultural discoveries? In New York’s Finger Lakes, the Ithaca-Cortland Region. It’s a region that gives wintertime travelers more than just a standard winter getaway with an uncompromising combination of cozy culture and snowy thrills. For more inspiration, check out Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council’s guide to Winter in the Ithaca-Cortland Region.
Share your winter adventures with us! Snap a pic, tag @ExperienceCortland607, and use #ExperienceCortland so we can feature your snowy moments.