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Posted by Eva Williams, guest blogger of lawnstarter.com

There aren’t a lot of things in life that you can truly count on — but one of those things is snow in Worcester in the winter. Worcester is one of the snowiest cities in Massachusetts. That means it’s a fabulous place to experience a natural winterscape — and all the activities that you can enjoy during the most frigid season of the year. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy nature in Worcester this winter.

Snowshoeing

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When Worcester gets a couple of feet of the snow, favorite hiking trails turn into favorite snowshoeing trails. Check out Nick’s Woods, part of the Greater Worcester Land Trust. This nearly 65-acre parcel runs along Grove Street and offers several trails to please any New England nature lover. You can also snowshoe at the Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Worcester’s best natural areas. You’ll work up a sweat in no time.

Winter Bird Watching

Not all birds head south for the winter. And some, like snowy owls and pintail ducks, can be spotted only in winter. You can bring your binoculars and go on your own, or join other Worcester bird lovers for planned excursions to wildlife areas to look for the birds.

Ice Skating

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You can enjoy a little bit of nature in downtown Worcester at ice skating on the Oval. It’s a 12,000-square-foot ice rink where you can enjoy the winter air, along with concessions, holiday lights, and skate rentals. While there are a number of professionally managed ice rinks around town, this one is outdoors, and the days and hours are subject to the whims of Mother Nature. You’ll only get to skate here when it’s cold enough!

Skiing, Snowboarding, and Tubing

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You don’t have to go far outside of Worcester to find some downhill action. Ski Ward and Wachusett Mountain are the two closest ski resorts. Both get plenty of snowfall! And since these are small, easily accessible ski resorts meant to make a day on the slopes affordable, it won’t damage your wallet like some of the big resort lift ticket prices. But you will enjoy all the winter fun here, whether you ski or snowboard.
If you prefer sitting while heading down the slopes, snow tubing is the perfect activity. Ski Ward has more than 200 tube runs for you and the kids.

Sleigh Ride

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Go dashing through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through Old Sturbridge Village and experience winter like it was in the good old days. Afterward, warm up in front of the bonfire in the center common. Tickets are reasonable, and kids 3 and under are free.
Winter in Worcester is no excuse to hibernate until April. With all the natural wonders of the season, there are plenty of fun things to see and do — and get closer to nature at the same time. In Central Massachusetts, freezing temperatures and a foot of snow is an invitation to come and play, not a good reason to stay indoors. So bundle up — don’t forget your hat — and come enjoy winter in Worcester.
Eva Williams loves the outdoors. She loves it with a campfire and s’mores, a hike, or apres ski in a nice lodge with a glass of wine, and has written about it for two decades.

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