From skiing to ice skating to snowshoeing, the Finger Lakes region offers outdoor recreation made for the snow and fit to anyone's liking. In the midst of the current economic downturn, the snow has never been better.
Kevin Morrin, executive director of sales and marketing at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Virgil, N.Y., said he has seen one phenomenal weekend after another.
"Skiing and snowboarding is more of a lifestyle choice," he said. "It's not like fuel or food. It's something people choose to do. Nationally, ski visits have turned upwards in down times."
Greek Peak offers a wide range of activities at many prices. Snow tubing, for instance, costs $21 while a full-day lift ticket for skiing will cost you $58.
Morrin said the mountain has seen more visitors because fewer people are traveling west and choosing to vacation locally.
"We're booked solid every holiday and most weekends," he said. "Resorts out west are off their numbers by 50 percent."
James Sherrick, manager of Berger's Ski and Snowboard Shop in Binghamton, said sales at his business have been good.
"When you put the economy versus the snow, snow is the biggest dictator for our sport," he said. "Our sales have been really good because we've had good snow."
Sherrick said in addition to snowboard and ski sales, snowshoe and cross-country ski sales have risen because the snow has been favorable. Even as December, the store's busiest month, comes to an end Sherrick said people will still be shopping -- and getting outdoors.
"With the snow the way it is, everyone wants to get their stuff as soon as possible so they can go out and use it because the skiing is just phenomenal," he said.
Jessica Steele, director of outdoor education at the Cayuga Nature Center in Ithaca, said while winter is a slower season for the center, there are still plenty of activities for families and individuals to enjoy.
"You won't remember going to the movies because you do it all the time," she said. "But you remember things like this. It's unusual and different and an experience the family will enjoy."
The center offers snowshoes for rent as well as sleds, five miles of trails for cross-country skiing, and lounge areas for only a few dollars admission. Steele said renting snowshoeing equipment, for example, costs $5 for a day.
Morrin said businesses are not anticipating a lull in business between and after the holidays, especially because winter is looking quite white.
"Snow predictions look great," he said. "They look awesome for the next two weeks, so business will be good."