A typical Erie winter means snow is in the air and on the ground, transforming the region into a beautiful winter wonderland. It’s the ideal time to embrace the chilly temperatures and head outside to enjoy invigorating outdoor recreations. From skiing pristine slopes to hiking frosty landscapes, here are five places where you can make the most of an Erie winter.

Asbury Woods

Throughout winter, as long as there are at least 6 inches of snow on the ground, Asbury Woods allows visitors to snowshoe or cross-country ski across five different trails that wind through its scenic 216-acre property of native species, old-growth forests, and sprawling terrain. You can bring your own gear, or rent equipment located inside the Nature Center. If you’re new to either sport or are looking to brush up on your technique, Asbury Woods provides basic skills clinics on weekends during the winter months (weather permitting). Information on rentals and clinics is here. When there’s not enough snow, you can still enjoy outside fun with Asbury Woods’ free self-guided activities including a compass course and geocaching.

Peek 'n Peak

In addition to its 26 trails and slopes, the Peek boasts three progressive terrain parks and the Lunar Lights tubing experience. The terrain parks are transitional, allowing people to try out simpler obstacles, before moving on to the more complex turns, berms, bumps, and jumps. When the sun goes down, the Peek’s seven-lane snow tube arena becomes “Lunar Lights”, a spectacular light display produced by thousands of LED lights. Peek’n Peak offers an equipment rental and repair shop, lessons with professional instructors, and snacks such as hot cocoa to warm you up between runs.

Mount Pleasant of Edinboro

Nestled among the rolling hills of Edinboro, PA, Mount Pleasant of Edinboro is an intimately-sized ski resort with a family-friendly atmosphere. The resort’s mix of groomed and natural trails ranges from challenging to more straightforward, making it the perfect learning center for skiers and riders of all ages. If you’re new to tubing, this is the perfect place to give it a go. Mount Pleasant’s eight-lane, 600-foot tubing hill is a gradual slope versus a steep descent, plus they provide the tubes so all you have to do is choose a lane and launch yourself downhill. The resort also features a covered conveyor lift, tubing tow, a renovated clubhouse, equipment rentals, and a tuning shop.

Presque Isle State Park

Exploring Presque Isle’s natural beauty in winter reveals a tranquil landscape of snow-covered sand and frozen lagoons. The paved Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail is cleared of snow and kept open from the main entrance to the Public Safety building so visitors can negotiate the path with ease. The park also offers several natural trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking including the one-mile Long Pond Trail near the east pier and Fox Trail, a half-mile trail across from the Presque Isle Lighthouse. Ice fishing thrives in Presque Isle Bay, Misery Bay, and Horseshoe Pond, yielding catches of panfish, perch, and the occasional steelhead. If you’re eager to try this immersive activity or simply enhance your abilities, Fish USA has you covered with an abundance of equipment and resources.

Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park (LEAF)

With a picturesque backdrop of dormant trees and frost-kissed foliage, the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park (LEAF) is the perfect setting for a contemplative stroll or a moment of quiet reflection. The park’s assortment of paved, natural, and gravel paths are maintained during the winter and are suitable for hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. A peaceful quiet space in the northwest corner of the park is the Benjamin Winter Garden. Only the third of its kind in the country, the winter garden showcases plants that are at their best when most other plants are asleep such as winterberry, a holly plant with vibrant red berries. Photo by @Lake_Erie_Photo on Instagram.