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5 Easy Ways to Get Outside in New Haven this Winter

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Are you looking for ways to get your family outdoors this winter? While heading into the city and cross country skiing down Park Ave. may sound fun, there are easier ways to get outside in New Haven this winter. So head out to your New Haven storage unit and unpack your skis, snowboard, snowshoes, sleds, and winter gear. It’s time to make room for awesome!

What to Do

Living in the New York/New Haven area, you have access to the city as well as countless outdoor adventures in beautiful Connecticut. At StorQuest, we are champions of a more awesome life and suggest spending the winter outdoors to get the most out of this great season.

Snowshoeing

Some may consider snowshoeing “just a walk in the snow”, but there’s more to it than that.  Think of it as winter hiking. Take in a beautiful winter wonderland and a lot stunning natural scenery.

Where to Do It

East Rock Park - East Rock Park in Hamden consists of 427 acres. From higher elevations gaze out on views of New Haven, Long Island, and the Long Island Sound. East Rock Park is popular for snowshoeing in the winter months. The park can be reached by any bus that travels on State Street, Orange Street, or Whitney Avenue.

What You Need

  • Snowshoes
  • Insulated, waterproof boots
  • Wool or synthetic socks
  • Base layer, insulating mid-layer, and outer shell jacket
  • Hat, gloves, and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Snow pants

Skiing, Snowboarding, or Both!

Both snow sports offer participants a skill that can be used for a lifetime, which makes it incredibly valuable and fun. Riding down a mountain with one or two planks strapped to your feet provides a special kind of rush that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Where to Do It

Mount Southington Ski Area - With 14 trails and 7 lifts, you’ll be able to spend all day at the mountain and never duplicate the same run twice. From New Haven, take I-91 North to Exit 17. Follow signs to I-691 West. Take Exit 2 onto I-84 East. Get off at Exit 30, take a left and follow signs to Mount Southington Ski Area.

What You Need

  • Skis or snowboard (Rent if you don’t own)
  • Ski or snowboard boots
  • Helmet for safety
  • Goggles
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Warm socks
  • Waterproof snow pants
  • Layers and a winter ski jacket
  • Sunscreen

Tubing

What would winter in New Haven, or any snowy town, be without heading to the local sledding hill or tubing park? Sliding down an incline on a piece of plastic comes as a rite of passage for many children.

Where to Do It

Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort - Powder Ridge offers snow tubing in two or four-hour increments with tubes and helmets included. Reach high speeds on up to three tubing runs. From New Haven, take I-90 North and get off at Exit 15 to Route 68. Go about 2.6 miles and turn left on Route 157. After .2 miles take a left onto Powder Hill Road. In about 1.9 miles turn left into Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort.

What You Need

  • Waterproof snow pants
  • Warm hat
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Snow or hiking boots
  • Warm socks
  • Winter jacket

Sledding

What’s the difference between tubing and sledding? Sledding takes place on a sled rather than a tube and is free, unlike tubing which often requires a fee at a resort. Bundle up, grab a sled, and prepare for an easy way to get outside with the family this winter.

Where to Do It

Pine Rock Field - Located in nearby Hamden, Pine Rock Field has been named one of the top sledding hills in all of Connecticut. From Tower Parkway, turn right onto Dixwell Avenue. In 1.77 miles, turn left onto Arch Street/CT-10. Next, turn right onto Pine Rock Avenue. Pine Rock Field will be on the right.

Ice Skating

While younger family members may have a hard time ice skating (who are we kidding, everyone who isn’t a veteran ice skater may slip around a bit), it still brings the family together for fun in the winter.

Where to Do It

Ralph Walker Ice Skating Rink - If you grew up in or around New Haven, odds are you have been to Ralph Walker Ice Skating Rink. It has been a New Haven institution ever since 1969. From I-91 South, take Exit 6 and then a left. At the light, turn right onto State Street. From I-91 North, take Exit 5 and turn left onto State Street.

What You Need

  • Ice skates
  • Thick, warm socks
  • Winter jacket
  • Warm pants
  • Thermos of hot cocoa
  • Gloves and a warm hat

New Haven Winter Activities

When you’re looking for more space to store your snow gear, contact our New Haven storage facility near you. And remember, at StorQuest, whatever life has in store for you, we’re here to help you make room for it.

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