Seasons in New England are fleeting, which is part of what makes them so special. A Rhode Island winter can be many things: at its official start on December 21, the vibe is jovial with folks wishing for flurries, and by January, trees are bare and it’s cold. Mid-February is when actual snowfall and accumulations enter the chat, and March (through April) is a mixed bag of warm sunny days and blizzard warnings. If you are a chionophile (lover of cold weather and snow), the period of reveling in chilly air, gazing up at clear starry nights, and anticipation of snow is as precarious as waiting for the perfect beach day in July. Here is your field guide to a winter of fun in Rhode Island, so whatever the meteorologist says, you’re ready to go!
Embark on a brisk evening group walk to search for owls in their natural habitats at wildlife refuges across the state, join a naturalist for a mid-afternoon walk of beachcombing and bird watching at Moonstone, or go snowshoeing by the light of the full moon – all this and more awaits outdoor explorers thanks to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. ASRI.org
Through April, Save The Bay offers one-hour seal tours or two-hour seal and lighthouse tours. Both depart from Perrotti Park in Newport for adventures seeking seals resting on rocks. The longer tour includes a visit to Rose Island Lighthouse where passengers will disembark to explore the island and experience the
history firsthand. SaveBay.org
During the months of December, January, and February, rangers lead outdoor hikes throughout the Blackstone Valley. Explore scenic territory during the colder months, like Mercy Woods Preserve (December 28). Many hikes will cover uneven terrain like exposed roots, rocks, and mud, so dress for the weather, don orange for safety, and wear sturdy footwear. NPS.gov/thingstodo/winter-hikes.htm
Head to Weekapaug Inn in December for an indulgent and memorable outdoor theater experience. On Fridays, enjoy Date Night with cozy heated fur blankets, a boozy hot chocolate bar, and a specially curated Italian buffet while watching a holiday rom-com. On Saturdays, bring the whole gang for Family Night, featuring favorite holiday films, classic concession stand treats, and drive-in movie fare. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
Dress warmly for an evening of wandering Blithewold’s gardens and grounds all aglow as you collect scavenger hunt clues. Gather around cozy fires in the Enclosed Garden, grab a hot drink from RI Cruisin’ Cocktails, and follow illuminated paths throughout the grounds to discover stunning, newly expanded light displays, handmade bamboo lanterns, and fun photo ops with Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds. Add on a s’mores kit when you register for extra gooey fun. Select dates December 5-January 4, Bristol, Blithewold.org
Little Rhody’s only ski area is less than 15 minutes away from URI, and has bragging rights for once being described by the New York Times as the “coolest scene in snowboarding.” Yawgoo Valley Ski Area & Water Park boasts 36 acres of skiable terrain, with its longest trail measuring 2,200 feet. There are two double chair lifts and two rope tows, a snow sports school, first-aid station, ski patrol, cafeteria, and lounge. There is also a Pro Shop, lease equipment program, and equipment rental program. Watch for their opening date in early December for skiing, a bit later for tubing, open through March. Exeter, Yawgoo.com
No hills, no lifts – no problem. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers are ready to enjoy striding about snow-covered areas, of which Rhode Island has many. Noted choice spots for traversing include parks and areas like Pulaski Park in Glocester – where there are many miles of groomed trails – Lincoln Woods State Park, Colt State Park in Bristol, Rome Point in Narragansett, and others. Facebook: Rhode Island Cross-Country Skiing (RIXCSki)
If Santa brings you a snowmobile, you’re in luck because it’s permitted on the roadways in Arcadia, Burlingame, Wickaboxet, and Woody Hill Management Areas, Burlingame State Park and Campground, Lincoln Woods State Park, on open fields at Colt State Park, and George Washington Management Area. All snowmobiles must be registered by DEM’s Office of Licensing and Registration, located at 235 Promenade Street in Providence. RIParks.RI.gov
The event designed to lure folks into the dark of night returns to Providence with a month of illuminated attractions. If you were mesmerized by the rotating kaleidoscopes of Prismatica last year, you are sure to be equally delighted by the five monoliths collectively known as POP!, an interactive jack-in-the-box-style installation. There will also be music, local works of light-centered public art, ice and fire dancing by world-class figure skaters, and more. February 1-17, Providence, DowntownParks.org
The 37th annual event returns with 10 days of live music, foodie contests, kid-centric activities, and more. As New England’s largest winter extravaganza, check out over 150 events, from cook-offs to drink creation contests, ice sculpting, and costumed princess appearances. Highlights include the Silent Disco at OceanCliff Hotel, the Mac and Cheese Smackdown at the Newport Marriott Hotel, and Elton John tribute band Bennie and The Jets. February 14-23, NewportWinterFestival.com
Each year, around mid-January, the DEM stocks 11 freshwater ponds with Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Sebago Salmon. Anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts are reminded to protect themselves from hypothermia by dressing in layers and wearing a warm hat and gloves. Find info on fishing licenses, trout stamps, and stocking updates at DEM.RI.gov/fishing.
BankNewport City Center, Providence
Benny Magiera Ice Rink, West Warwick
Boss Ice Arena at the University of Rhode Island, South Kingstown
Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink
Dennis M. Lynch Arena, Pawtucket
June Rockwell Levy Rink, Burrillville
Smithfield Municipal Rink
Thayer Arena Ice Rink, Warwick
Whether you have a fancy toboggan, saucer, or plan to zoom the white stuff on a flattened cardboard box, we have scoured the state with the help of our readers to offer a list of the best sledding sites around. Remember, these are word-of-mouth places taken over for the day by enthusiasts so please use your best judgment, remember to always dress warmly in layers, and wear a hat, helmet, and gloves. Slide feet first, and when marching back up the hill, keep to the side. Oh, and hot cocoa afterwards from your favorite local cafe is always a good idea! Did we miss your favorite sledding spot? Email Marketing@heyrhody.com
1. Nayatt School
2. Rhode Island Country Club
3. St. Andrew’s Lacrosse/Soccer field
4. Columban Fathers
5. Colt State Park
6. Jenks Park
7. Pulaski State Park
8. Hugh B. Bain Middle School
9. Diamond Hill Park
10. Mercy Mount Country Day School
11. Goddard State Park
12. Larissa Park
13. Durfee Hill Management Area
14. Glocester Country Club
15. Arcadia Management Area
16. Fort Wetherill
17. Johnston Memorial Park
18. Chase Farm
19. Lincoln Woods State Park
20. Northern Lincoln Elementary School
21. Middletown High School
22. Wanumetonomy Golf and Country Club
23. Fort Adams State Park
24. St. George’s School
25. Wickford Elementary School
26. Captain Stephen Olney Memorial Park
27. Daggett Field
28. Middle School
29. India Point Park
30. Moses Brown School
31. Neutaconkanut Hill Conservatory
32. Roger Williams Park, Temple Hill
33. Silver Spring Golf Course
34. Scituate
35. Esek Hopkins Park
36. Deerfield Park (hill across from play area)
37. Village Green
38. Wakefield Elementary
39. Burr’s Hill Park
40. Gorton Junior High School
41. Salter Grove Memorial Park
42. Wilcox Park
43. Big River Management Area
44. Cass Park
45. Cold Spring Park
Go Bowling: Delish snack bar bites, a full bar, lane-side service, and Atomic Bowling under the blacklights on select nights are all part of the fun at this place hosting “good times since 1960!” Cranston, LangsBowlarama.com
View Art: Decor enthusiasts will enjoy marveling over salvaged wallpapers and related items from the 1700s and 1800s at The Art of French Wallpaper on display. Providence, RISDMuseum.org
Shop Small Indoors: Fridays and Sundays in December, and then resuming on Sundays in February, browse handmade goods and more at Farm Fresh RI on Sims Avenue. ProvidenceFlea.com
See a Movie: Skip the streaming and head to the big screen. Popcorn, snacks, and comfy seating awaits at places like South County Cinemas, South Kingstown, or CW Theaters in Lincoln.
Try New Things: Visit HeyRhody.com and click on the Must-Do’s tab for a list of curated activities each week, and sign up for our free twice-weekly e-newsletter.
1. Aidan’s Pub, Bristol
2. The Café, Westerly
3. The Chanler, Newport
4. Chapel Grille, Cranston
5. The Charlestown Rathskeller, Charlestown
6. Coast Guard House, Narragansett
7. DeWolf Tavern, Bristol
8. Felicia’s Coffee, East Greenwich
9. General Stanton Inn, Charlestown
10. George’s of Galilee, Narragansett
11. India Restaurant, Providence
12. Main Street Coffee, East Greenwich
13. Mare Rooftop, Providence
14. Pastiche, Providence
15. Poindexter Coffee, Providence
16. The Red Dory, Tiverton
17. Terrazza, Smithfield
18. Tree House Tavern, Warwick
19. The Vanderbilt, Newport
20. Wharf Tavern, Bristol
21. White Horse Tavern, Newport
By Alexandra Ashe
As the temperatures drop, don’t miss out on the chance to embrace the beauty of winter in the Ocean State. Break out your warmest gear and get outside into nature and discover Rhode Island’s hidden natural wonders.
Breakheart Pond Trail, Exeter
This gorgeous 44-acre pond flanked with tall white pine trees that mirror off the water is the epitome of winter beauty that’s sure to remind you of the holidays.
Browning Mill Pond Trail, Exeter
Located right across the road from Arcadia Management Area, follow the half-mile wooden trail that winds through thick woods past ponds, streams, and roaring brook falls.
George B. Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry
With miles of wooden pathways, bridges over glistening streams, and cascading waterfalls, the serene atmosphere and stunning landscape make for a perfect winter hike.
John H. Chafee Rome Point Preserve, North Kingstown
Pack a pair of binoculars, take a short mile-long hike down the path from the parking lot to Rome Point beach and play a little game of I-spy! During the winter season, you might just catch a glimpse of harbor seals chilling out on rocks offshore.
Mowry Conservation Area, Smithfield
Cross the wooden arch bridge over the rushing river and enter the quiet hemlock forest, and just like that, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into the pages of a fairytale!
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown
Get ready to see the coast in a new light by visiting this refuge during wintertime. The colder months bring colorful and diverse species of birds that will dazzle birdwatchers.
Weetamoo Woods & Pardon Gray Preserve, Tiverton
Pack your snowshoes and escape to five miles of lush trails. You’ll hear nothing but the sounds of whispering boughs of holly oak, gentle trickles of streams and snow crunching beneath your feet.
By Bob Curley
In the annals of winter sports lore there have been some decidedly odd ducks scattered among the Nordic gods of the slopes: the nervous catapultings of British ski jumper/human cannonball Eddie the Eagle, the iceless Jamaican bobsled team, and even the slow-motion halfpipe meanderings of putative Hungarian freestyle skier Elizabeth Swaney at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang come to mind. And then there’s Rhode Island’s own Yawgoons, the unlikely group of snowboarding superstars who honed their skills at Exeter’s Yawgoo Valley ski area — all 310 vertical feet of it – and ended up with a feature in the New York Times in 2016.
What sets the Yawgoons apart from some of these other powder hounds is ability. Despite the funny name, the Yawgoons are no joke. In fact, they’ve won international acclaim for their innovative tricks and techniques – captured and shared on video, of course – that incorporate every possible feature on Yawgoo’s modest set of ski runs.
Big mountain shredders, you can keep your halfpipes and funboxes: for the Yawgoons, the excitement comes from playing on the ski area’s buildings, idle snowcats, ice blocks, rocks, and even grass (there’s usually plenty of that at a resort that gets an average of less than three feet of natural snow each winter).
Rather than focusing on tricks or big air, the troupe is known for their slope-carving skills and quirky approach to constructing terrain park features, like a rail made from a boat anchor chain. “It’s a different aspect of snowboarding entirely,” says Brendan Gouin, who serves as the Yawgoons’ videographer when he’s not peering into mouths at work as a dentist in Charlestown. “We’re not jumping out of helicopters into the backcountry. We represent a style of snowboarding that’s more attainable for people: we’re riding at this dinky hill, but look at what you can do with this.”
The OG “Goons” – Gouin, Dylan Gamache, Marcus Rand, Mary Rand, and Brian Skorupski – all learned to snowboard at Yawgoo. The core members mostly remain after nearly a decade: Mary moved on to a successful career as a professional snowboarder, and Marcus relocated to Oregon, but the others continue to occasionally carve the slopes at Yawgoo. Over the years, the Yawgoons have shared their exploits on more than 20 videos as well as on sponsored trips as far away as Austria and Switzerland.
“Things have slowed down somewhat,” says Gouin — the Goons are all in their 40s now, after all — but the group still snowboards and films when they can. “We have not released a video in a few years, but have footage saved that will hopefully find its way into a new project.”
Gouin and company have spent nearly two decades redefining what constitutes “fun” in the world of snowboarding. Rhode Island and Yawgoo Valley may be a strange place to find snowboarding pioneers, but the Yawgoons say there’s nowhere else they’d rather be on a winter night than riding the Yawgoo tow rope and coming up with new ways to cut, carve, hit, and grind at Yawgoo. “You make the most of what you’ve got,” says Gouin.
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