Weekend Wanderer: Ski or Snowshoe the BREIA Trails in Boonville, New York
50 kilometers of groomed woodland trails—no fee and free loaner gear this weekend
Weekend Wanderer is where I share one place or activity each week—easy, low-pressure ideas for making the most of the weekend.
One place. One plan. One good day.
Here’s my pick for the weekend—a ski day at BREIA, where the trails are free, the lodge is warm, and it’s easy to invite a friend.
🎿 The Plan
Head to the Black River Environmental Improvement Association (BREIA) in Boonville for 50 kilometers of beautifully groomed wooded trails. Ski or snowshoe at your own pace — and this weekend, borrow gear for free.
BREIA is one of my favorite places to ski with friends. I try to go a few times each season—the varied terrain welcomes all levels, and you simply can’t beat their beautiful wooded trails and the price. My ski club comes to BREIA for our annual ski weekend.
📍 Where
Potato Hill Farm Trail System in Boonville, New York
Boonville is centrally located in upstate New York, just outside the Adirondack Park.
🌲 About Black River Environmental Improvement Association (BREIA)
Based in Boonville, BREIA is a volunteer-run nonprofit that maintains beautifully groomed winter trails—free and open to all, with community programs like its ski and snowshoe loan initiative. Funded by a private donor, all programs offered are free to the public.
⏱️ Time
As long (or as short) as you wish. The trail systems are open from dawn to dusk.
Free ski and snowshoe loan program available Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Questions? Call 📞 1 (315) 942-2299
🌲 Why this works now
Sometimes the best winter plans are the simplest ones: just show up, click in, and go. No trail fee. No complicated logistics. Just quiet forest miles and the sounds of your skis on the snow. Whether you’re easing into the season or need to seek solitude, BREIA makes winter feel accessible and welcoming.
🧭 Good to know
No trail fee
Free ski & snowshoe loans available Saturday and Sunday (10:30–3:30)
Warming lodges on site
Heated restrooms available (Potato Hill Farm Trail System only)
Trails are groomed and well-marked
Great for beginners through seasoned skiers
Link to BREIA website
🧣 Best for
Anyone who loves wooded trails and community energy — or anyone curious about trying cross-country skiing or snowshoeing without committing to gear.
🔥 Where to warm up afterward
Head into Boonville for a hot drink or bite to eat — or linger in the warming lodge and enjoy the simple satisfaction of a day spent outside. I like to bring a hot thermos of tea. Here are a few of my favorite places to stop in Boonville:
Broadway Cafe & Bakery (women-owned)
Capri Pizzeria (best pizza and Italian food in town)
Boonville Hotel (best place for home-made meals with fresh ingredients)
💬 What did you think of this plan? Let me know.
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I love when a spot has winter gear for visitors to borrow! Unlike a summer visit when you can go for a hike in most any pair of sneakers, winter often requires snowshoes, skis, or ice skates. And while you can often find a cheap pair used, most people just want to try out the winter activity before committing to one more thing they need to store in the closet or garage. The loaner gear makes it so much easier to encourage people to get outdoors in a season when they might otherwise feel stuck inside!
Wow, nice lodge! And FREE trails!