Winter in Upstate New York means temperatures dropping to the negatives and having to brush off your car everyday; however, there are so many activities to do to make winter a little more bearable!

1. Snow

One of the nicest things about winter is that we actually get snow. Sometimes it's annoying when you have to go out and shovel the driveway, but it's always nice when you get to stay warm and cozy inside and watch snowflakes slowly drift down.

2. Skiing/Snowboarding

Once you get tired of sitting inside all day, you can go out and go skiing or snowboarding. It doesn't matter if you're advanced or just learning. You can go on double black diamonds, take beginner lessons on the bunny hill, or sit in the lodge.

3. Sledding

Whether it be in your backyard, or on a school hill, sledding is always a lot of fun. It's a requirement for every family in Upstate New York to own a sled.

4. Glacier Ridge Snow Tubing

If you want to more professional sledding experience you can go to a place like Glacier Ridge Snow Tubing. The hills are always steep, and you don't have to walk back up. They have a pulley system that attaches to your sled and slowly brings you back up the hill.

5. Playing in the snow

If going down a hill fast doesn't sound appealing to you their are other things that you can do like having a snowball fight, or making snow angels and snowmen, or any sculpture really.

6. Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

Speaking of building snow sculptures, Saranac Lake has a winter carnival every year since 1897 that features a giant ice castle. It's a 10-day festival that includes sporting events, performances, parades, exhibitions and fireworks.

7. Hockey

Hockey usually starts in October and ends in April, so that means that all throughout winter you can go to games and cheer for your favorite team.

8. Ice Skating

It doesn't matter if you're indoors or outdoors, or on hockey skates, or figure skates, going ice skating with your family or friends is always a lot of fun (especially if the people you are with keep falling down!)

9. Hot chocolate

After spending the whole day outside, it is nice to come back in and drink a warm cup of hot chocolate while sitting in front of the fireplace, or to stop at Tim Hortons to buy a warm drink on the way back from a long day of skiing.

10. Snow days

Every child's dream is to get a snow day during the winter. Remember to sleep with your pajamas inside out and with a spoon under your pillow. If your whole school does this, then you are guaranteed a snow day. They are a lot of fun because you get to enjoy the snow!