The Best 48-Hour Itinerary for a Snowy Winter Getaway in Albany, NY
Nothing compares to the sight of a region blanketed in beautiful white snow. It's one of the best parts of winter in Albany, along with all the activities associated with it, from downhill skiing to snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and beyond. If you love snowy winters too, then take a look at this 48-hour itinerary and discover how to make the most of a weekend getaway to Albany this season.
Friday Night: Check Into Your Ultra-Comfortable Guest Room & Get a Great Night's Sleep
Begin your winter getaway by settling into one of the Capital Region's most dependable lodging options. Travelers who enjoy a full-service hotel experience often choose Crowne Plaza Albany The Desmond Hotel near Albany International Airport. The hotel features spacious rooms, an inviting indoor courtyard, and a convenient location, just minutes from major highways and downtown Albany.
Another option located close to major shopping, dining, and entertainment is the Marriott Albany on Wolf Road. Guests will enjoy modern, well-appointed guest rooms with plush bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to premium amenities like a heated indoor pool and a fully equipped fitness center. There is also multiple dining options, such as the Market Restaurant and Chats Bar.
Visitors who want to base themselves slightly north of the city may prefer Courtyard by Marriott Albany in Clifton Park. Rooms feature amenities such as a flat-panel HDTV, a coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, and individual climate control. It's central location is great for exploring winter activities across the Capital Region, and easy access to restaurants and shops.
Each hotel provides a relaxing place to settle in before a full day of snowy adventures.
Saturday Morning & Afternoon: Experience a Fun & Exhilarating Day of Skiing or Snowboarding
Good morning! After having breakfast at your hotel or a local restaurant, it's time to gear up for a fun-filled day on the snowy slopes. Although the Capital Region and North Country are home to a variety of ski resorts, for this itinerary, we suggest you check out West Mountain in the Town of Queensbury. Located about an hour from Albany, West Mountain is a family-friendly, medium-sized ski area that offers well-groomed trails and 100% mounted snowmaking.
This is the perfect choice for everyone from beginners to skiers/snowboarders looking to try out new trails. West Mountain features 31 trails that you can access from the Main Lot or Northwest Base, and they offer equipment rentals, ski services, lessons, and more. To make your trip easier, you can purchase lift tickets and rentals in advance on West Mountain's website.
When you're ready to wind down or refuel for round 2 on the mountain, you can get lunch at the on-site West Express Cafe or West Mountain Bar & Eatery.
Discover other ski resorts in the region »
Saturday Late Afternoon: Enjoy a Winter Walk in Albany's Washington Park
Conveniently located near The Morgan State House (if you choose to stay there), Washington Park is a hotspot for outdoor activities, events, and entertainment.
After a day of skiing, it's a scenic place where you can go for a leisurely winter walk before dinner. Admission and parking are free, and Washington Park spans 89 acres in the heart of Albany.
As you walk through the park, you'll likely pass by some historic statues, such as the King Memorial Fountain, an 1893 bronze statue of Moses that's pictured above.
Saturday Night: Enjoy Dinner & Drinks at Top Local Shopping Destinations
For dinner after a snowy day, Crossgates Mall offers more than 180 retail stores alongside a wide range of dining options: 12 sit-down restaurants, 11 food-court venues, 2 fast-casual eateries and 16 snack outlets.
Crossgates has spots like Kazan BBQ, Ramen & Bar, a modern fusion of Korean BBQ, Japanese ramen and sushi, with a full bar and interactive tabletop grills.
Another strong choice is 110 Grill, located within the mall, which offers modern American cuisine including burgers, risottos and a thoughtful gluten-free menu.
Stuyvesant Plaza offers a neighborhood shopping and dining setting, slightly more intimate than the big-mall environment. Dining here spans from upscale-casual to cozy café fare.
Josie’s Table at Stuyvesant Plaza is a relaxed spot to end your Saturday, offering a farm-to-table menu made with local, seasonal ingredients. You’ll find a comfortable atmosphere along with natural wines, and cocktails made with local spirits.
With easy parking and a location just minutes from downtown, Stuyvesant Plaza is a great choice for dinner after a day out.
Sunday Morning: Start the Morning Off Right With a Hearty Breakfast
Can you believe it's Sunday already? We know the weekend has flown by thanks to these fun winter activities, but we're not done yet. Before moving on to the last activity, make sure you have breakfast: it is the most important meal of the day, after all!
Here in Albany, some recommended breakfast spots include Jack's Diner, a historic diner offering classic breakfast food, and Honest Weight Food Co-op, which specializes in breakfast sandwiches and smoothies.
Check out more breakfast spots >>
Sunday Late Morning & Early Afternoon: Explore the Beauty of Nature at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is located a short drive outside of downtown Albany, and it consists of over 3,200 acres of protected land, with more being added all the time. This vast nature preserve is a top spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as weather permits, and admission is completely free.
Whether you're sliding on skis or walking on snowshoes, the wide trails and snow-covered sand dunes are perfect for a wintry adventure. Be aware that rentals are unavailable (unless you sign up for a guided program), so you'll want to bring your own pair to the preserve. Over 20 miles of multi-use trails await, and because many skiers use them, you will typically see tracks to follow.
When you've completed your trip through the Pine Bush, you can stop at a local lunch spot in the Capital Region before returning home. You may be sad your weekend getaway is over, but you've also made so many new memories that you'll look back on fondly. And, you can start planning your next visit to the City of Albany!
Learn more about Albany's best winter activities >>
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