Backcountry Sledding and Snowshoeing

Action-packed sledding adventure

Today we invite you to forget about your adult ideas, deadlines and worries as we take a step back in time for a classic sledding adventure in the woods. Throughout the course of the day, we will develop our own creative sledding paths, relax in a home-made base camp and discover the joys of playing like kids again in the winter wilderness.

Equipped with sleds, snowshoes and shovels, we will hike in a short distance to the base of an exciting hill with countless sledding options to choose from. You will be able to hike up and sled down at your own pace as we continue to pack down the trails, each run faster than the last. The bottom of the hill will be our base camp; here you can learn the art of building a snow angel, heckle your fellow sledders and stay warm with hot drinks courtesy of your intrepid Discover Outdoors guides.

Please see our Pack List above for what to wear and pack. Snowshoes, shovels, sleds and hot beverages are provided by Discover Outdoors.

Event Details

  • DEPARTURE AND RETURN LOCATION
  • Union Square: 4th Avenue between 14th and 15th Street in front of the Starbucks
  • DEPARTURE
  • 8:00 AM. Please arrive at 7:45 AM for check-in.
  • RETURN
  • Approximately 6:00 PM, same location.
  • BRING
  • Please click the pack list tab above for what to wear and pack; bring your own lunch and water.
  • INCLUDES
  • All sledding and snowshoe gear, guides and transportation.
  • INTENSITY LEVEL
  • This trip is Intensity Level 2-3. Read a full description of all levels.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.

Overview

Adventures at All Skill Levels

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

  • Activity

    How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

  • Distances

    You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

  • Surfaces

    What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

  • Elevation Change

    The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

  • Altitude

    The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.

Level 1

Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.

  • Activity

    You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.

  • Distances

    For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.

  • Surfaces

    You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.

  • Elevation Change

    There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.

  • Altitude

    Less than 3,000 feet.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.

Level 2

Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

  • Activity

    You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.

  • Distances

    Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.

  • Surfaces

    You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.

  • Elevation Change

    There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.

  • Altitude

    From sea level to 6,000 feet.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.

Level 3

Moderate — for Novices and Above

Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.

  • Activity

    We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.

  • Distances

    Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.

  • Surfaces

    We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.

  • Elevation Change

    There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.

  • Altitude

    From sea level to 10,000 feet.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.

Level 4

Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.

  • Activity

    You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.

  • Distances

    Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.

  • Surfaces

    These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.

  • Elevation Change

    There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.

  • Altitude

    From sea level to 14,000 feet.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.

Level 5

Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.

  • Activity

    You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.

  • Distances

    You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.

  • Surfaces

    On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.

  • Elevation Change

    There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.

  • Altitude

    Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.

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How to stay warm, dry and happy all day long

What’s Included

Sleds, snowshoes, shovels and hot beverages.

Bring

  • Backpack, lunch, water
  • Water bottle, two quarts. Soup or hot tea is a great thing to have in your thermos!

Wear

Be prepared to be out moving and standing outdoors in temperatures from 35 degrees to below freezing. We will be playing in the snow all day, so please wear winter hiking boots. No tennis shoes or inappropriate footwear. Keep in mind that in the winter “cotton kills.” Be sure to wear clothing made out of synthetic or wool materials.

Use a layering system that consists of the following:

  • A wicking first layer: capilene, bergaline, thermal dynamics, polypro, etc.
  • A midweight insulating layer, such as a fleece.
  • An insulated jacket
  • Two warm hats
  • Ski gloves or mittens, two pairs
  • Wool or synthetic socks. Bring an extra pair as well.
  • Sunglasses or goggles
  • Optional Gaiters to keep the snow out of your boots.
  • Optional Any personal medications you may need and a camera.

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Register

Backcountry Sledding and Snowshoeing

Base Price

$95

Departure Location: Union Square


Select Event Date


Bringing a Friend or Two?

Please be sure to enter the total number of people in the quantity box. In addition, be sure to include your friends’ names and cell-phone numbers on the final checkout page. The final discount price is the price per person, multiplied by the quantity you enter.

Reminder about Trip Conditions

We closely monitor snow, ice and related weather conditions before each trip. Lack of snow or similar, unsatisfactory weather/trail/river conditions may lead to changes to the trip or rescheduling or cancellation.

Please consult the individual trip description or Trip Calendar for notice of any such changes. Refer to our full Policies page for more information about reservations and cancellations.


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Testimonials

The Canopus Lake hike was beyond unbelievable. The exercise was wonderful and the views were breathtaking. Great hike for moderately fit first timers. This was my first hike and it was the perfect way to get into it. — Jane