Early snow in the  Catskills region which means that some of our winter activities  got an even earlier start this year.  A good number of our ski mountains are officially opening this week and we wanted to take this opportunity to list all the places you can enjoy the outdoors this season. Whether you ski, snowboard, snow tube or cross country ski, this area has something for everyone. Below you will find the ski mountains, resorts, and trails that you can make your own during this cold weather. Get those snow boots on and come spend some time with us in the Catskills and Cooperstown areas.   The Catskill Forest Preserve The Catskill Forest Preserve is replete with opportunities to go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on any foot trails, horse trails or snowmobile trails in the preserve. Trails developed and marked for cross-country skiing exit at Belleayre Mountain Ski Center (six miles), North/South Lake Campground (four miles), Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest (four miles) and Kenneth L. Wilson Campground) two miles.)   ULSTER COUNTY Belleayre Mountain Ski Center 181 Galli Curci Road Highmount, NY 12441 845-254-5600 Belleayre Mountain is located in the beautiful Catskill Mountains in the town of Highmount, NY. Belleayre Mountain has over 50 trails, parks and glades, 8 lifts, and so much more. If you don't have your own equipment, not to worry, skiers can rent boots, skis, helmets, poles and everything you need to have a great day hitting the slopes!   [caption id="attachment_581" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Courtesy of Belleayre Mountain[/caption]     Hudson Valley Resort & Spa 400 Granite Road Kerhonkson, NY12446 888-9HUDSON Enjoy the rolling hills of the resort's snow-covered grounds with tubing at the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa. Tubers can take advantage of the T-bar lift that brings riders up to the top after each run.   Hudson Valley Rail Trail Route 209 Hurley, NY 12443 Five-mile nature trail extending from Mid-Hudson Bridge in Highland to Route 299.  A perfect location for cross country skiing and snow shoeing!   Minnewaska State Park Preserve Rt 44/55 New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-0752 Located in the Shawangunk Mountains just outside of New Paltz. Minnewaska hosts winter nature programs, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowshoe rentals. Open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. Fees: $10/car; snowshoe rentals; $15/person.     SULLIVAN COUNTY Holiday Mountain Ski & Fun Resort 99 Holiday Mountain Road Monticello, NY 12701 845-796-3161 At Holiday Mountain, you are guaranteed to have a great weekend, and even if you think there wouldn't be enough snow, their 7 slopes and trails are 100% covered with deep manmade bases. The trails range from beginner to expert, and all of their slopes are lit up for night skiing and riding. You'll have no issue getting up to the top of the slopes by riding their high-capacity triple and double chair lifts, and carpet lift for those new to the sport. If you think you're more in the mood for a less intensive experience, you might want to consider tubing down the snow-covered mountain at their dedicated tubing facility!   Villa Roma Resort & Conference Center 356 Villa Roma Road Callicoon, NY 12723 845-887-4880 Enjoy ice skating, a chair lift, tube run, skiing, food, beverages and other winter activities.   [caption id="attachment_582" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Courtesy of Villa Roma Resort & Conference Center[/caption]   Parksville O & W Rail Trail Parksville, NY 12768 845-292-5111 Enjoy Sullivan County's rail trails this winter, which are perfect for cross country skiing and snow shoeing on what was once the Ontario & Western Railway's main line. You'll pass by a scenic waterfall, and travel alongside the Little Beaverkill trout stream.    Frost Valley YMCA 2000 Frost Valley Road Claryville, NY 12725 845-985-2291  Since 2017, Frost Valley YMCA has been offering some of the best cross-country skiing New York State has to offer. Set on 5,500 acres deep in the Catskill Mountains, Frost Valley YMCA offers over 25 kilometers of trails. Frost Valley also offers groomed and track set trails when conditions allow.   Walnut Mountain Park 73 Walnut Mountain Park Road Liberty, NY 12754 A public park featuring over 13 miles of premier snowshoeing, cross country skiing trails and amazing viewpoints in the town of Liberty, NY.   Morgan Outdoors 46 Main Street Livingston Manor, NY 12758 Outdoor store near miles of Catskill trails, streams and covered bridges, and is a perfect location to set off on a snowshoeing or skiing adventure!   DELAWARE COUNTY Plattekill Mountain 469 Plattekill Road Roxbury, NY 12474 607-326-3500 Plattekill Mountain is one of the hidden gems in the North Western Catskills. Plattekill is home to skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing fun. This privately-owned facility offers over 38 trails spanning 2 summits, lift serviced snowtubing, and a full catalog of ski equipment rentals to make sure you have everything you need.   [caption id="attachment_583" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photo by Torkil Stavdal[/caption]   Bear Spring Mountain Wild Life Management Area 512 E Trout Brook Road Downsville, NY 13755 Bear Spring Mountain Wild Life Management area consists of over 7,000 acres of upland that is interconnected with several series of trails all throughout the park that are perfect for snowshoeing and skiing. The trails are rustic, but the winter scenery in this Catskills setting is absolutely gorgeous.   Catskill Scenic Trail SR 10 at Feed Store Road Bloomville, NY 13739 The Catskill Scenic trail which is comprised of the historic rail route of the Ulster & Delaware Railroad, is a fantastic place to cross country ski and snowshoe and take in the beautiful scenery of the West Brach Delaware River Valley. The trail is approximately 26 miles long, beginning in Bloomville, NY and ending in Roxbury, NY.   The College Golf Course at Delhi 96 Scotch Mountain Road Delhi, NY 13753 607-746-4653 The beautiful Delhi College Golf Course is open to the public all winter long for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.   OTSEGO COUNTY Arnold Lake State Forest Arnold Lake Road Hartwick, NY 13348 607-547-4488 Arnold Lake State Forest trails lie on New York State and Otsego County lands surrounding Arnold Lake and is a great place to ski and snowshoe. The main trail is a 5.5 mile loop that crosses public highways at three places. Parking is available at each of these points, so hikes of different lengths can be arranged if two vehicles are used. The trail has several short, steep pitches but can be skied comfortably by cross-country skiers of modest ability.   Roseboom State Forest Roseboom Hill Road Cooperstown, NY 13326 607-652-7365 The 620-acre Roseboom State Forest features a mix of planted and natural tree species scattered across the landscape. The unit was purchased in the 1960's for conservation, reforestation, and the development of natural resources. There are no marked trails, but the wide, unmarked trails and well-maintained access roads are easily followed and offer easy snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.   Homer Folks State Forest Trailhead Hill Street Oneonta, NY 13829 One of the more hidden treasures in the historic hills of Oneonta is Homer Folks State Forest. This property has become a favorite spot for mountain bikers during the spring, summer and fall months, but is also a wonderful place for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.   Robert V. Riddell State Park Route 28 Exit Via I-88 Davenport, NY 13750 607-432-2114 Robert V. Riddell State Park is a perfect location for those who are wanting to learn how to cross country ski and snowshoe. The grounds are very level, and border the beautiful headwaters of the Susquehanna River.     GREENE COUNTY Hunter Mountain 64 Klein Ave Hunter, NY 12442 800-486-8376 Hunter Mountain Ski Resort is located in the beautiful town of Hunter, NY, which is surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in the Catskills. The resort currently features 67 trails with plans to build more, as well as 7 gladed areas, and 4 freestyle areas. In addition to skiing, Hunter Mountain also has some of the best snow tubing around, with 1,000 feet long tubing lanes, along with many wonderful amenities. The resort has a ski equipment rental station to fully equip you with what you need.   [caption id="attachment_584" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photo by Philip Kamrass[/caption]   Windham Mountain Resort 19 Resort Drive Windham, NY 12496 1-800-754-9463 Pairing small-town Catskills charm with 21^st century ambiance, Windham Mountain features 54 trails totaling 285 skiable acres. Visit the resort's ski shop to rent all of your equipment needs to enjoy your experience on the slopes. Windham Mountain also offers snow tubing with conveyor lift, ice skating, and kids' snowmobiles, for those looking for something a little different this winter!   Mountain Trails Cross Country 6198 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 518-589-5361 Ski or snowshoe with Mountain Trails Cross Country and explore one of the Catskill Mountains' most beautiful winter wonderlands. Catch a glimpse of timid woodland creatures on hemlock shaded-trails in the pine-scented forest. You'll love the over 35km of trails that is offered that stretches through forests, meadows, and terrain for every skill level.