Winter in Lewis County means snow, and lots of it! Our heavy snowfalls are the result of a weather condition called "lake effect." When westerly winds sweep across Lake Ontario and travel to the Tug Hill Plateau, the moisture from the lake becomes all the snow we need for skiing and snowmobiling. When other areas in the east have no snow, the Tug Hill Region often has an abundance, with an average of 200 to 300" each year!

SKIING
Snow Ridge Ski Area, located on Route 26 in Turin, is a complete ski center, with facilities that include seven lifts, 22 slopes and trails, terrain to suit all skiers from novice to expert, a PSIA certified ski school, a complete rental and repair shop, night skiing, National Ski Patrol, a cafeteria, a restaurant, and a lounge. Lewis County has a fine cross-country ski center, the Osceola Tug Hill X-Country Ski Center, Inc., located on Osceola Road in Camden. Lewis County offers many miles of cross country ski trails, snowboarding, and snowshoeing opportunities. Snow Ridge reportedly has the highest annual snowfall of any ski area East of the Rockies, and it also has the ability to make its own snow.

SNOWMOBILING
The terrain and abundant snow in Lewis County are ideal for snowmobilers. With 86 miles of scenic snowmobile trails in the Forest Preserve and over 600 miles of groomed trails, Lewis County is one of the best snowmobiling areas in the East.

OTHER WINTER SPORTS
Lewis County is excellent for other winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Trails at Otter Creek, Carpenter Road, Tug Hill, and Whetstone Gulf State Park offer a variety of terrain to match all experience levels. Ice-fishing enthusiasts will find the frozen rivers and lakes ideal for their sport. No matter what your winter hobby, you're bound to find terrific conditions and beautiful surroundings in which to enjoy yourself.