Tour Chautauqua

Dec 30

Proximity to Lake Erie and lake effect storms mean Chautauqua County is covered in a blanket of snow from December through March, usually averaging more than 200 inches annually! With the long winter and abundance of snow, Chautauqua County has become a destination for travelers interested in many types of winter activities.

For downhill and cross-country snow sports, head to Peek’n Peak Ski Resort and enjoy 26 slopes and trails, state-of-the-art snowmaking, eight chairlifts, five progressive terrain parks, and a renowned ski and snowboard school. There’s even a tubing area with 14 lanes and a “Magic Carpet” lift that transforms into a nighttime Lunar Lights Snow Tubing experience. The thrilling and mesmerizing atmosphere features an ever-changing light show produced by thousands of LED lights and projection lights. The lights pulse, fade and change in coordination with an immersive sound system. On select dates, the massive sound and light program will be operated by a live DJ. Another great place to hit the slopes in Chautauqua County is Cockaigne Resort, offering 10 slopes and trails as well as a snowmobile adventure park.

EXPLORE WINTER SPORTS

Cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and fat-tire bikers will also find opportunities on the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region’s multi-use trail systems including Long Point State Park on Chautauqua Lake, Lake Erie State Park, Boutwell Hill State Forest, the Eastside and Westside Overland Trails, Chautauqua Institution and the Jamestown Audubon Community Nature Center.

DISCOVER THE TRAILS

Winter is a great time to explore Chautauqua County on horsebac, too! Book a trail ride at Double D.A.B. Riding Stables. Winter horseback rides are also offered through the lower valley of Cockaigne Resort near Clear Creek. Or take in the picturesque winter wonderland view while enjoying a relaxing day of ice fishing on Chautauqua Lake.

Rental equipment information:

Rent Snowshoes:

• Evergreen Outfitters

• Peek’n Peak Resort (*To be used at Peek’n Peak only)

Rent Fat-Tire Bikes:

• Loud Performance Products

Rent Cross-Country Skis:

• Jamestown Cycle Shop

• Peek’n Peak Resort (*To be used at Peek’n Peak only)

Downhill Ski & Snowboard Rentals:

• Peek’n Peak Resort (*To be used at Peek’n Peak only)

• Jamestown Cycle Shop

• Cockaigne Resort (*To be used at Cockaigne only)

It’s never too late to start: Those interested in learning to ski or snowboard can look no farther than Cockaigne Resort or Peek’n Peak Resort; both employ trained snow sports instructors who can take the intimidation factor out of this beloved winter pastime, no matter your age! Peek’n Peak’s Snow Sports School specifically utilizes a proven five-step system called Terrain Based Learning. By shaping snow features to naturally teach speed control and body position, traditional fears and anxieties sometimes felt by new enthusiasts are quelled. Take your snow sports skills to the next level at Cockaigne Resort. Consider joining the Monday Night Race League, where members are guaranteed at least 8 weeks of coach-guided race training focusing on skills development. Thursday evenings are for the Freestyle Let’s Get Wild group. Learn freestyle techniques like grabs, airs, grinds, spins, plus general slope and terrain park etiquette. Snow Sport Lessons available.

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS & CRAFT BEVERAGES

Nothing warms the heart like laughter. The intuitive technology powering the National Comedy Center in Lucille Ball’s hometown, Jamestown, NY, takes guests on an interactive journey through comedy’s history. Named by TIME magazine as one of its “World’s Greatest Places” - and by People magazine as one of its”100 Reasons to Love America”, the National Comedy Center is a destination. Perform Comedy Karaoke, challenge friends to a Laugh Battle and explore more than 50 interactive exhibits and special collections. Dual admission to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum is available.

Experience other cultural attractions like the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, Robert H. Jackson Center,or Fenton History Center. In Westfield, the hometown of Welch’s, the Grape Discovery Center tells the story of the local grape industry through engaging exhibits and displays. Visitors have an opportunity to taste the flavor of the region by sampling local Lake Erie Wine Country wine and grape juice. Visit the museum store for grape-inspired art, artisanal food products, and local wine.

Tour Lake Erie Wine Country’s 23 wineries, each offering a unique guest experience. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region is also home to several craft breweries and distilleries including Southern Tier Brewing Co., Big Inlet Brewing, Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing, plus more.

Chautauqua County is a great place for a relaxing getaway. With many local accommodations offering special packages, winter is one of the best times of year to visit. To learn more about all the adventures you can have in Chautauqua County and to request a free visitors guide, head to tourchautauqua.org

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