Jan 16, 2026 - Things to Do
Where to sled, skate and hike in Pittsburgh this winter
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Hit the slopes at Boyce Park. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios
Winter in Pittsburgh doesn't have to mean hunkering down or heading for the hills.
Why it matters: We all have our go-to rural escapes, but there are plenty of blues-busting sledding slopes, skating rinks and trails closer to home.
🧊 Hit the ice
- PPG Place Ice Rink: The classic Downtown experience. Tickets are typically $11-12. Skate rentals are $4-$6. Reserve a spot here. Open through February.
- Schenley Park Skating Rink: A more low-key, neighborhood vibe with open skate, themed nights and lessons — great for families and date nights. Tickets are $3-$6. Skate rentals are $3. Reserve a spot here. Open through Feb. 20.
- South Park and North Park Ice Rinks: These county rinks offer public skate sessions and hockey programs. Tickets are $6-$10. Skate rentals are $4-$5. Reserve a spot here. Open through March.
🛷 Sled Pittsburgh's best hills
- Flagstaff Hill in Oakland: A crowd favorite with wide, social slopes across the street from Phipps Conservatory in Schenley Park.
- Sledding Hill in Squirrel Hill: Near Blue Slide Playground in Frick Park, the hill features a mix of mellow, kid-friendly sections and spots that pick up speed. Expect larger crowds when fresh snow falls.
- Sunny Slopes in South Park: Home to three sledding hills, the famed Sunny Slopes area has been a beloved winter hotspot for over a century. Visit the South Park Buffalo Preserve while you're there!
🥾 Hike snowy trails
- Falls Ravine Trail in Frick Park: Take the South Clayton Loop for an easy, just-over-2-mile stroll on a wide path that winds through peaceful parkland with wildlife spotting.
- Steve Faloon Memorial Trail in Schenley Park: This quiet, 1.5-mile trail starts near the George Westinghouse Memorial and lily pond and connects to busier trails like the Lower Panther Hollow.
- Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Fox Chapel: Meander through 3.5 miles of trails winding past fields, forests, ponds and streams — with plenty of chances to spot birds and other wildlife.
❄️ Go snowboarding or tubing
- The slopes at Boyce Park in Plum offer snow tubing, snowboarding, and skiing close to the city, with multiple lanes and magic carpet lifts open to all ages and skill levels. Find prices online.
⚪️ Bonus idea
- Go snowshoeing once snowfall hits Pennsylvania DCNR's recommended minimum of 4 inches. Popular spots near the city include Frick Park, Hays Woods, Boyce Park and White Oak Park.
- Tips for beginners.