Keeping it Cool in the Cold: What to Do During Winter Break at UB Law
Published December 22, 2021
It’s true that Buffalo is a perennial contender for the Golden Snow Globe award, (the US city with the most snowfall each season), but that doesn’t keep the city from having fun—quite the opposite, actually! The greater Buffalo region embraces living in a winter wonderland, with many indoor and outdoor attractions and events for students to enjoy during the holiday season. We talked to some students, staff, and faculty about their favorite wintery pastimes and put together this list of ways to keep busy over the winter break.
So, whether you’re sticking around campus for the winter break, or want to cross a few items off the list before you head home, here are some of our favorite cold weather activities.
Hit the Slopes
For many, snowfall means the slopes at Holiday Valley and Kissing Bridge are in their prime for snowboarding, skiing and snowshoeing. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate snow-sports enthusiast, you can find a slope in Buffalo to enjoy to its fullest!
Ellicottville is a great day trip away! Just shy of an hour south, you'll find a lovely little ski town perfect for shopping, eating and hitting the slopes.
- Julia Merante '23
By far my favorite thing to do is ski and snowboard at Holiday Valley. I am also a volunteer for the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program. I help instruct students with virtually any disability—physical or cognitive—to ski. It truly is an amazing program to be a part of. Skiing is a sport that anyone can participate in and I always recommend you give it a try at least once! It also makes you not only tolerate snow but hope for it!
- Rachael Herbst, Admissions Coordinator
If you’re more comfortable with the cross-country variety of skiing than the alpine, there are options for you, as well. The Buffalo Nordic Ski Club lists dozens of nearby trails to take advantage of and even offers free lessons to members.
The final suggested item in the slopes category is for the kid in all of us: sledding! Whether you’re heading to a big park like Chestnut Ridge or staying local at the botanical gardens, there’s a hill size for everyone. So, grab a toboggan (or a saucer) and get moving!
Stake Out a Trail
Many Buffalonians also preach that hiking is better in winter. If the trails are open, you don’t have to worry about bugs or sweating in the heat, and can bask in the miles of fluffy snow. Embark on a true adventure locally by exploring frozen waterfalls at the Eternal Flame in Orchard Park, Glen Falls in Williamsville, and Akron Falls in Akron. If you want to venture even farther, there are 215 state parks throughout New York, including the world-renowned Adirondacks.
I have gone snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the Adirondacks, which was so much fun, and I know there are a few places in the Buffalo area that offer rentals for these activities as well.
- Paige Roseman '23
Niagara Falls itself can also be a spectacular view in the winter, with icicles-a-plenty half-covering the falls. Fun fact: Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the entire USA!
Venture to Downtown Buffalo
For those who love the city, Canalside has become a winter-attraction in itself, with an outdoor skating rink four-times the size of Rockefeller Center’s, including Bumper Cars, Ice Bikes, Igloos and more fun available every day. Only a jump away from Canalside is Riverworks, with pond hockey tournaments, ales & axes, a ropes course, curling and more.
I'm looking forward to enjoying some downtime with my family and friends. I am especially looking forward to partaking in some of the fun winter activities at Canalside downtown.
- Evan Gestwick '22
Over winter break, I recommend students go ice skating at Canalside. It’s a lot of fun!
- Katrin Rowan, Assistant Dean for International and Graduate Programs
If you can manage to squeeze in time before the holidays, Buffalo hosts a couple cute and quaint outdoor Christmas markets that help light up the city with some festive spirit. Artisan vendors range from arts and crafts, to food, to apparel and more. And if you want the Christmas spirit from the comfort of your car, take a cruise around to see light shows all across the city.
I love going to all of the Christmas Markets in Buffalo, and getting to see all of the wonderful Christmas lights. You can drive around just about anywhere and see them.
- Kimberly VanOpdorp '22
Keep It Cozy Indoors
If you are one to prefer the comforts of the indoors during the winter you may like the opportunity to get snug and warm in an outdoor igloo to dine with friends and family. If staying at home by the fire is more your speed, first take a trip to explore the ever-growing list of local book stores to pick up a good book.
I am looking forward to kicking off winter break by celebrating with good food and great friends at Tappo in their rooftop igloos.
- Shelby Mueller '23
UB Law does get a lot of questions about how much it snows and how cold it is during the winter semester. The truth is, the winter is all about what you make of it! Whether you’re a lifelong Buffalonian, or new to the area, there is always something new to do in the winter. Get out there and enjoy it—foggy breath and all!
