Winter Wonderland Snowshoe Adventure, Culinary Institute Lunch & Bonfire!

Escape the city for an unforgettable winter adventure in the beautiful Hudson Valley!

Join a small group of NYSN members and friends as we explore a spectacular winter wonderland on snowshoes, enjoy a delicious lunch at the Culinary Institute of America, and finish the day gathered around a roaring bonfire with hot drinks and s’mores!

Whether you’re new to snowshoeing or have tried it before, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, meet new people, and experience the beauty of the Hudson Valley in winter.

Never been snowshoeing? No problem! Snowshoes are specially designed to distribute your weight over the snow, allowing you to walk across snowy trails without sinking deeply into the surface. If you can hike, you can learn to snowshoe!

Our adventure takes us to Franny Reese State Park, a beautiful nature preserve overlooking the Hudson River. We’ll explore peaceful wooded trails, take in breathtaking winter scenery, and enjoy spectacular views of the river and surrounding valley.

******IF THERE IS NO SNOW YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US FOR A WINTER HIKE AT THE SAME LOCATION*****

How the Day Works

1. A Scenic Train Ride Along the Hudson River

Your adventure begins with a spectacular ride aboard Metro-North’s Hudson Line to Poughkeepsie, NY. This is one of the most scenic train rides in the Northeast, with beautiful views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains.

Prefer to drive? No problem! You can meet us at the Poughkeepsie train station, where our group will gather before heading out.

2. Lunch at the Culinary Institute of America

Before hitting the trails, we’ll visit the world-famous Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at the student cafeteria. It’s a great opportunity to relax, socialize, and get to know your fellow adventurers.

3. Snowshoeing at Franny Reese State Park

After lunch, we’ll head to Franny Reese State Park for our guided snowshoe adventure!

We’ll make our way along approximately 1.5 miles of beautiful wooded trails, enjoying fresh winter air, peaceful surroundings, and scenic overlooks of the Hudson River.

There will be plenty of opportunities to stop, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery. We’ll travel at a comfortable group pace, making this a fun experience for beginners and experienced hikers alike.

4. Bonfire, Hot Drinks & S’mores!

After our winter hike, we’ll head to our private campsite for a cozy gathering around a blazing bonfire!

Warm up, relax, and socialize with your new friends while enjoying:

• Hot chocolate
• Hot mulled wine
• Hot apple cider
• Delicious s’mores
• A roaring bonfire in a beautiful outdoor setting

It’s the perfect way to finish a wonderful winter day!

5. Return to Poughkeepsie

We’ll transport everyone back to the Poughkeepsie train station for the trip home. We anticipate having you on a return train by approximately 5:50 PM at the latest.

The Snowshoe Trail & Difficulty

Difficulty Level: 5 out of 10 — Beginners Welcome!

Our guided adventure will cover approximately 1.5 miles through a scenic nature preserve overlooking the Hudson River.

The trail is mostly manageable for those with reasonable fitness, although there are some inclines. The combined uphill effort may feel comparable to climbing approximately eight flights of stairs.

You do not need previous snowshoeing experience, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven, potentially snowy terrain.

Please note: The exact route and trail conditions will depend on the weather and snow conditions on the day of the event.

Cost & What’s Included

General Members: $150

VIP Members: $135

Your registration includes:

• Snowshoe rentals
• Guided snowshoe adventure
• Applicable hiking and park fees
• Lunch at the Culinary Institute of America
• Hot cocoa and the post-hike bonfire gathering
• Transportation between the Poughkeepsie train station and all scheduled activities
• Return transportation to the train station

Not Included: Round-trip Metro-North train fare.

What Should I Wear?

This is a winter outdoor adventure, so dressing appropriately is essential! Temperatures may be in the low 30s, but actual conditions can vary.

We recommend:

• Waterproof hiking boots or insulated snow boots
• Thermal underwear or warm base layers
• A warm winter jacket
• Insulated gloves
• A winter hat
• Warm socks
• Snow pants or water-resistant hiking pants
• Multiple layers that can be added or removed as needed

You can leave extra clothing or personal items in our vehicle during the hike.

Please check the local weather forecast for the New Paltz/Poughkeepsie area before the event.

A Small-Group Experience — Only 6 Spaces Available!

To make this a more personal and enjoyable adventure, we’re limiting this event to just 6 participants!

Our group will travel together in a comfortable 8-passenger SUV, allowing us to keep the experience friendly, flexible, and relaxed.

Space is extremely limited, so early registration is strongly recommended!

Can I Come Alone?

Absolutely! In fact, most NYSN members attend our events on their own!

Approximately 98% of participants at many of our events register individually, so you’ll be in great company.

Our friendly host will welcome you, introduce you to the other participants, and help everyone feel comfortable from the moment the group meets.

You’re also welcome to invite friends, coworkers, or nonmember guests. Just be sure to register for the total number of people attending.

Additional Event Details

Ages: 21 and over

Meeting Location: Poughkeepsie Metro-North Train Station (exact meeting instructions provided after registration)

Transportation: 8-passenger SUV

Group Size: Maximum of 6 participants

Dress Code: Warm, layered winter clothing appropriate for outdoor activity

How Will I Find the Group?

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with meeting instructions, contact information, and details about your host. We’ll also send additional reminders and updates as the event approaches.

Questions?

Contact Dave Cervini at dave@newyorksocialnetwork.com or call 212-873-2256, Monday–Friday, 10 AM–4 PM.

Cancellation Policy & Participant Responsibility

This event is nonrefundable unless canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.

By registering, you acknowledge that outdoor winter activities involve inherent risks, agree to take responsibility for your actions, and agree to follow the host’s instructions and conduct yourself appropriately throughout the event.

Don’t spend another winter weekend indoors! Join us for a memorable day of snowshoeing, spectacular Hudson Valley scenery, great food, new friends, and a cozy bonfire.

Only 6 spaces available — reserve your spot today!