Snow Guide
Your perfect snow day in Central Park, from first flakes to last light.
When a fresh snowfall blankets Central Park, the Park becomes a winter playground like no other. From sledding down iconic hills to wandering through the hushed beauty of the North Woods, a snow day here feels nothing short of magical. Our Snow Guide has everything you need to plan an unforgettable winter adventure!
Ready, Set, Sled!
Grab your sled and enjoy a fresh layer of snow on the slopes of Central Park. But before you go, keep these tips in mind to help protect the Park—and make the most of your snow day.
- Wait for the right snow: Sledding is best after at least six inches of fresh snow, which helps protect the Park’s hillsides and makes for smoother runs.
- Start early: The magic—and the best sledding—happens early after a snowfall, before crowds arrive and tracks turn icy.
- Check Park conditions: Visit our website for the latest updates on snow conditions, hill availability, and winter alerts before heading out.
Central Park’s Best Sledding Hills
The Snow Day Continues
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on winter trails
The best places to snowshoe and ski are Sheep Meadow, the Great Lawn, and other large meadows in Central Park. In addition to these trekking spots, snowshoers and skiers can hit the trails of the bridle path, which the Conservancy leaves snow-covered in the winter to protect its soft surface. Please note that snowfall must be over six inches.
Where Snowpeople Come to Life
The Park is already filled with beautiful landscapes and architecture—all that's missing is your snowy sculpture! The next time it snows over six inches and conditions permit (are you sensing a theme here?), head out with your friends, family, or on your own for this classic snow-day activity. Smiley faces and acorn eyes encouraged.
Skate the Season at the Davis Center
When snow falls, head to the Gottesman Rink at the Davis Center for a classic winter adventure. Glide across the ice as flakes swirl overhead, with the Harlem Meer and snowy landscapes setting the scene. Whether you’re squeezing in a few laps or turning a snow day into a tradition, the rink is the perfect place to warm up, move, and savor the Park at its most magical.
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Support the Park
Central Park is particularly beautiful during and after a snowfall, but snow creates a great deal of extra responsibility for our Conservancy staff as we work to ensure the Park is accessible. Help us keep Park paths safe for visitors before, during, and after it snows, and please give our staff space when they are operating snow plows and shovels.