Tag: winter

An Ice Fishing Guide for the Winter

 ice fishing

As we enter ice fishing season, it is important to bear in mind that it can both be productive and challenging, especially with the weather dropping significantly.

The first thing you need to keep in mind is to acquire proper outdoor fishing attire (some labels you can keep in mind are Cabela’s Outfitter Fleece outerwear, WindShear, etc). There are several different options with WindShear, but in particular, check out The Berber Fleece because it is both comfortable and warm even in the coldest of temperatures.

While places in the U.S. such as the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest, and the Northeast/New England area dropping to record low temperatures, getting the best outdoor wear possible is essential if you plan on ice fishing for more than an hour or so at a time.

One great thing you can do this winter is to rent or borrow a permanent shelter on the ice (which are heated). Some people can even fish in short sleeves in the midst of freezing temperatures.

Midwinter can provide some outstanding ice fishing opportunities and this winter is the perfect time to explore the waters in your area. Please remember the following to ensure your safety.

  1. The minimum thickness for supporting a person for ice fishing is 4 inches of clear, solid ice.  If you happen to operating an ATV on the ice, be sure to double that number.
  2. Always fish with another person (especially when it comes to ice fishing). It is without a doubt one of the safest practices to participate in regardless of the amount of time you are outdoors.
  3. Ice picks should always be worn around your neck in case of a fall that could push you through thin ice (perhaps in Feb/March or early winter/late fall).
  4. Always be sure you have a long rope with you in case you need to help someone out of the ice.
  5. Always keep an eye out any color changes on the ice. If you are out on the ice for a few hours and temperatures rise a bit during that time, be cautious that the ice isn’t so thin that you can’t leave the area.

The Best Ski Mountains in New York

New York is known for a lot of things, many of them having to do with the massive city that just barely clings to the states south-eastern tip. The rest of the state has plenty to offer anyone willing to look, including tons of great places to ski and snowboard. Here are the top five best places to go downhill in NY.

 

Plattekill Mountain

Amanda Starbuck Plattekill mountain

The friendliest mountain in New York, if not the entire world, Plattekill mountain has a small mountain feel with big mountain terrain. It is a family oriented mountain that is itself family owned and operated. They offer slopes that will delight skiiers of all skill levels, from beginner to expert. Their hallmark slope is the famous “Powder Puff,” a 2 mile long cruiser with a gentle decline that will give beginners plenty of time to practice their moves. For the expert level skiers, they have one of the steepest trails in all of the Catskills. This trail, a double black diamond called “Blockbuster” has over 1,100 feet of continuous vertical drop! The mountain is a hidden gem and so the slopes are usually pretty clear of other skiers, just one more in a long line of great things about Plattekill Mountain!

 

Windham Mountain Resort

Amanda Starbuck Windham Mountain

Windham Mountain Resort is perhaps the largest mountain on this list. Its 53 trails span over 282 acres of skiable terrain and 97% of that is covered by the snowmaking team so you are guaranteed to have some good fresh powder on at least a few of the runs every day! There are slopes for beginners and experts and everyone in between. The main draw for intermediate skiers might be the Wanderer, a nice, smooth descent that seems to go on forever with a cool curve about a quarter of the way down. And, as it’s only 2.5 hours away from NYC, it is easily accessible without having to take a long weekend!

 

Hunter Mountain

Amanda Starbuck Hunter Mountain

There are slopes for beginners and experts alike on this mountain. It’s a great day trip spot with plenty of trails to keep you occupied. And, if you’d like to stay a little longer, Hunter Mountain offers a full complement of fantastic accommodations at almost every price point. They have a large selection of restaurants and bars on the mountain and have packages that will supply some of your meals for free if you stay! The lift tickets are reasonably priced and there is, as usual, a steep discount for younger riders. If you fall in love with the mountain, buy a Big Lift Card and ski for the whole season!

 

Belleayre Mountain

Amanda Starbuck Belleayre Mountain
The only state-run mountain on this list, Belleayre Mountain is a perfect stop for intermediate skiers. With 47 trails to choose from, skiers and boarders will both be pleased with the selection. Besides their basic downhill slopes, they have two more extreme parks packed with jumps and rails, and as an added bonus, they have over five miles of backwoods trails just begging to be explored on snowshoes or cross-country skis!