When snow hits here in New York City our parks become playgrounds for snow sports.
WHERE TO GO:
XC Ski Tracks in Central Park by Harlem resident Joe S.
Central Park
As long as there's at least 6 inches of snow cross country skiing is allowed meaning you can follow the bridal paths, snowshoe around Sheeps Meadow or explore the other 840+ acres in the middle of Manhattan.
Riverside Park
Riverside is a XC skiers paradise with a loop that extends the length of the park and is frequented by skiers on snowy days.
Palisades Interstate Park
Though not technically in New York City it's pretty darn close and offers quieter paths and stunning views. They even have designated cross-country skiing paths and designated 1 to 2 mile loops:
Prospect Park
Snowshoeing in Prospect Park is a fun option for anyone in Brooklyn. Grab a set and head in to explore the trails and the Great Lawn for gentle ups and downs for the beginner snowshoer.
Dan McSwiggen, a regular runner along Greenbelt trails, switches to skis when necessary
Staten Island Greenbelt
Staten Island remains the greenest borough of them all with miles and miles of trails along the Greenbelt. While all of the Greenbelts multi-use trails are open to skiers and snowshoers the La Tourette Golf Course is our recommendation for open terrain and rolling hills.
Van Cortlandt Park
For those with easy access to the 1 and 4 train (assuming the subways are running) Van Cortlandt park has 1000+ acres that, when covered in snow become a winter wonderland to rival any other.
Tyler Breuer of Smash Surf heads out to surf on a snowy winter day
Rockaway Beach
Finally, there's always the option of skiing on the beach...