The 203’s Local Guide to Fun Winter Experiences in Connecticut
Looking for some fun things to do in Connecticut this winter? Now is the perfect time to plan some exciting adventures! From gliding across the ice and cheering on live hockey games to bundling up for scenic snowy hikes, winter here is all about leaning into the season. Add in cozy spa days, ski and snowboard runs, and even tubing under the stars at night, and suddenly winter feels less like something to survive and more like something to savor. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, craving relaxation, or just looking for a new way to get out of the house, these fun winter adventures across Connecticut prove there’s plenty to do long after the temperature drops. Bundle up, get out there, and make the most of winter, CT style.
Snowy UTV Tour
If snowmobiling feels intimidating but hiking feels… cold, this is your sweet spot. Snowy UTV tours offer a high-energy winter adventure through back roads and trails, without needing any special skills. It’s private, guided, and feels wildly unexpected for Connecticut.
Snow Tubing
Snow tubing is the ultimate no-pressure winter activity - no lessons and no balance required! You can experience it at Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort which delivers big winter fun with zero intimidation factor. Powder Ridge’s Interstellar Nights take things up a notch with music, lights, and a high-energy atmosphere that feels more like a winter party than a traditional snow day.
Night Skiing & Snowboarding
Night skiing is one of Connecticut’s most underrated winter experiences. There’s something about carving under the lights that feels more relaxed, less crowded, and somehow way more fun than daytime laps. Local mountains like Mohawk Mountain, Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, Mount Southington, and Ski Sundown all offer night skiing, making it easy to squeeze in a few runs after work or turn a winter evening into an unexpected adventure.
Catch a Hockey Game
Looking for something fun and a little different this winter? Catch a live hockey game… right here in Connecticut. The Bridgeport Islanders and Hartford Wolf Pack bring high-energy, fast-paced action that’s exciting even if you don’t fully understand the rules (no judgment). You can also catch a college hockey game at Fairfield University or Sacred Heart University- a super fun, affordable option for a family-friendly winter outing.
Winter Spa Escapes
If winter makes you want to hibernate, this is your permission slip, Winvian Farm delivers the ultimate cozy-luxury reset with indulgent spa treatments, crackling fireplaces, and winter wellness vibes tucked away in the heart of the Litchfield Hills. For a refreshing hydrotherapy twist, Immerse HydroSpa And Massage in Glastonbury offers an invigorating circuit of sauna, steam, hot tub, and cold plunge sessions designed to leave you feeling completely restored from the inside out.
And if you’re craving a more traditional full-service spa day, The Spa at Norwich Inn blends expansive amenities - including pools, saunas, and steam rooms with personalized treatments for a classic, all-day escape.
Winter Hikes
Winter is one of the most underrated times to get outside in Connecticut. With fewer crowds and snow-dusted scenery, familiar spots feel completely different. Some of our favorite winter walks and hikes include… Gillette Castle in East Haddam for its castle views and river overlooks, Enders Falls in Granby when the waterfalls partially freeze, and Sleeping Giant State Park for a brisk climb with rewarding winter views. Devil’s Hopyard State Park is also a personal favorite and feels especially magical after a light snowfall.
Igloo Dining
From heated igloos to candle-lit greenhouses, these cozy cocoons are what winter dining dreams are made of. Stay tuned for our full igloo dining guide next week - insider tips, local favorites, and all the CT igloo intel coming your way.