Top 3 Things to Do in the Catskills in Winter When Not Everyone Skis
Ciao! I’m Adriano.
Ciao! I’m Adriano. I love skiing. Love it. Fresh snow, cold air, strong coffee after — bellissimo.
But when I travel to the Catskills with family or friends, here’s the truth: not everyone wants to ski all day. And you know what? That’s not a problem at all.
The Catskills are perfect for mixed groups — skiers, non-skiers, parents, kids, grandparents, everyone. Here’s how we keep everyone happy when only some of us are racing to the lifts.
When You Don’t Ski, You Spa
If you ask me, skiing hard means you earn a spa day — or at least someone in your group does.
The Emerson Resort & Spa is always a hit. While I’m out chasing turns, someone else is getting a massage with mountain views. Everybody wins. The spa is calm, beautiful, and exactly what you want when the idea of boots and poles sounds like torture.
Other favorites we love:
Menla Retreat & Spa (Phoenicia) – very peaceful, very zen, very good for the soul
Urban Cowboy Lodge Spa (Big Indian) – stylish, cozy, and feels like a special treat
Full Moon Resort – yoga, wellness, and total reset energy
This is perfect for rest days, non-skiers, or parents who deserve a little quiet.
Coffee, Wandering & Living La Dolce Vita in Margaretville
Some people don’t want adrenaline — they want coffee, a nice walk, and maybe a little shopping. Margaretville is perfect for that.
We love stopping for coffee in town, sitting for a while, talking, watching life go by.
Our go-to spot: Cafe Marguerite (746 Main St. Margaretville). Mmmmm, espresso, croissants and everything else you can only find in Europe.
After coffee, you wander. Little shops, bookstores, galleries. No rush. This is how vacations are supposed to feel.
Bearpen Mountain: Fun Without the Pressure
Now this one I really love for families.
Bearpen Mountain is fantastic if you want to be active without committing to a full ski day. The atmosphere is relaxed — no stress, no ego.
Things we enjoy there:
Snowshoeing
Sledding (kids love this, adults too, don’t lie)
Fat-tire biking when conditions are right
Easy cross-country skiing
It’s outdoors, it’s fun, and nobody feels like they’re “not good enough.”
Hot chocolate on tap included. Oh, and its Bring Your Own Bottle of nice wine to enjoy at one of the firepits.
But let me tell you something important: Not every day needs a schedule. Sometimes the best part of the Catskills is doing nothing — together.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or a Catskills regular, there is always something new to discover. We hope to see you at the Barnhouse soon.