It’s common behavior to dread the cold, desire to escape the tundras for a more tropical setting, and crave Vitamin D over frigid temperatures. However, for the chionophiles of the world, seeking out snowy destinations is only natural. If you’re a true winter fanatic, you’ll want to head to one of the snowiest cities in the United States to get your snowy fix.
Situated in central New York, Syracuse is frequently deemed the snowiest city in the country. This is largely due to the city’s proximity to the Great Lakes, which causes lake-effect snow. In 1993, Syracuse had a record-breaking estimated 207.9 inches of snow during winter. On average, Syracuse sees about 120 inches of snow in any given year. If you are a powder enthusiast and aren’t afraid of a little cold weather, it’s time to add Syracuse, one of the snowiest cities in the U.S., to your winter wonderland bucket list.
The perfect winter wonderland
If you choose to brave the tundras of Upstate New York in the winter, you’ll need to ensure you stay entertained. Luckily, this won’t be an issue in Syracuse. For a great family-friendly activity or even a date idea, take advantage of free ice skating at Sunnycrest Ice Rink every Wednesday. Further proving that Syracuse, like many upstate New York cities, is a great family-friendly destination, check out the Snow Leopard Days at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in January.
If you’re feeling festive, head to the enchanting light display at Lights on the Lake on Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool, where tickets are $10 per vehicle Monday through Thursday and $20 per vehicle Friday through Sunday. The Gingerbread Gallery at the Erie Canal Museum is another festive activity, attracting around 6,000 visitors a year.
Syracuse is a prime destination for snowmobile enthusiasts, offering dozens of backcountry trails that will make you forget you’re in a major city in Upstate New York. If snowmobiling is a little too adrenaline-inducing, try ice fishing in nearby Oneida Lake.
Know before you go
It goes without saying that it’s not for the faint of heart to visit the snowiest city in the United States during peak snow season. To ensure you’re properly prepared, you’ll need to pack properly. January is consistently the coldest month in Syracuse, with an average low of 14 degrees Fahrenheit and an average high of 31.4 degrees Fahrenheit, so whichever way you paint it, it will be freezing. Bundle up with a lot of layers, scarves, and mittens, and do not skip out on proper snow boots to avoid that sneaky black ice.
Luckily, getting to Syracuse from anywhere isn’t difficult since it’s home to Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). Airlines such as JetBlue, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, United, American, Allegiant, Sun Country, and Breeze offer direct routes to Syracuse. The city is also home to an Amtrak station, making it ideal for those who prefer train travel. While it’s highly recommended to have a rental car in Syracuse, Uber and the Centro bus public transit system are widely available.
