Winter sports in Bergen County NJ are alive and well. Bergen County has a County run ski center and uses its park system for other winter sports as well. Additionally, we have private facilities too.
While I did mention some of this in a previous article recently, I thought it makes sense to put it all together now. We have a lot to offer during the winter for outdoor fun. Downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, trail hikes and ice skating. There’s also winter outdoor events at several of our nature centers.
Campgaw Mountain
Campgaw Mountain is Bergen County’s ski resort. It’s located in Mahwah near the New York State border. Campgaw has been the place to go for decades here.
You can downhill ski, go tubing, snowboarding and get all the lessons you need to enjoy these active winter sports. Whether it’s nature’s snowfall or their snow making machines, Campgaw is open all winter long. Skis and snowboards can be rented; tubes are included. Their trail map gives you a great view of how things are sst up.
Tubing has become so popular here that you really have to reserve your time well in advance. Come to think of it, everything is popular here. Check out Campgaw’s website and make your reservation today!
Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Ramapo Valley County Reservation is truly one of the most spectacular parks in the County system. There are 4,000 acres in this amazing park where you feel as if you’re in another world while less than 1 hour to Manhattan.
Because this is primarily a nature preserve, you’ll find instructions on bear safety towards the bottom of it’s home page. I think this is due to the campsites used in warmer times. Bears are always attracted to food after all.
You can have fun cross country skiing and hiking through the woods on it’s many marked trails. The Reservation, as it’s commonly called, transports you into a natural world that’s light years away.
Ice Skating
There are several ice skating facilities in Bergen County. We have 1 County run ice rink and the rest are private facilities. Some open to the public and some not. Let’s take a look:
Van Saun Park – County run, this outdoor skating rink is available to all ages. Check out their website.
Mackay Ice Rink – This is really quite a success story. For years in disrepair, a grass roots campaign and Englewood’s determined City Government brought back this wonderful facility. Everything you need is on the their website.
Private Facilities – Cutting Edge Academy in Elmwood Park, Fritz Dietl Ice Skating Rink in Westwood, Inline Skating Club of America, Ice House in Hackensack. Several of these have had US Olympic ice skaters learn and practice on their ice. Also professional ice hockey players have practiced on some as well.
Tenafly Nature Center
There is nothing like the Tenafly Nature Center in Bergen County. They have ongoing programs year round. Winter is filled with learning sessions for children, adult hikes through it’s trails and special events like maple sugaring when winter is turning into spring. This extremely popular nature center is always sold out so go to their website and register right away for the program you want.
American Dream Mall
The American Dream Mall in East Rutherford is very possibly the most amazing shopping mall in New Jersey. They have year round indoor downhill skiing and snowboarding called Big Snow as well as The Rink for ice skating and hockey.
So there you have it – winter sports in Bergen County NJ. Go out and have fun this winter!
