Winter Activities
Winter Activities (Local, in-person, and virtual opportunities)
Check the CampusGroups Calendar of Events for many events happening during the winter months.
Embrace Winter
- Tips for surviving Ithaca winters
- Take a hike to a frozen waterfall
- Cornell University Sustainable Landscapes Trail (Hiking Guide)
- Cornell Outdoor Education Gear Rental - Ithaca’s most comprehensive outdoor gear rental center is now offering curbside service for everyone. We carry lots of camping gear sleeping bags, pads, tents, stoves, and backpacks - but with snow on the way, you might be most interested in our cross country skis and snowshoes. For information call 607-255-1807 or visit our website (above link).
- Check out Greek Peak Mountain Resort by having fun in the cascades pools, skiing, snowboarding, zip line tours, snow tubing and much more. Greek Peak is right outside Tompkins county and about 30mins from campus.
- Low or no cost winter Finger Lakes activities
- Visit a local museum. Check in advance to see hours and certain additional healthy and safety restrictions (Information on local museums).
- Birdwatching: Download Merlin Bird ID free app from the Lab of Ornithology and enjoy the spring bird migration.
- Stargazing: Have you looked up at the sky lately? These free stargazing apps can turn any night sky (even from inside) into a spectacular show of constellations.
Volunteer and Engagement
- The David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement maintains a diverse listing of volunteer opportunities, many of which are virtual. Needs include communicating with individuals who are isolated, undergoing chemotherapy, or need a helping hand; supporting digital work with the Smithsonian, data entry for nonprofits and a host of others. Visit here for more information.
- Volunteer with Loaves & Fishes on weekdays.
- IMPORTANT RULE: volunteers must be at least 25 years old and live alone or with no more than two other persons. This is a change from their regular volunteer requirements and is in response to the pandemic and advice from the health department.
- Those who would like to volunteer may sign up for a shift on the Loaves & Fishes website, under volunteer registration.
- The Cornell Club of Ithaca is organizing a Cornell Cares 'Month" in January 2021 On Cornell Cares Day, students and alumni around the world work together on service projects in their hometowns and build connections with fellow Cornellians. Looking for a way to participate safely this year? We've got you covered. For more information on ways to volunteer through the Cornell Club of Ithaca, please visit the volunteer page.
- Foundations of Community-Engaged Leadership
- Foundations of Community-Engaged Leadership
- Intensives are from 1/5-1/21 and 1/19-2/4
- Pre-registration is required
Entertainment, Creative Arts, and DIY
- Knit virtually by joining Cornell Minds Matter and knit during winter break! Come to learn how to knit, catch up on progress, get help, or just chat!
- January 2 - January 30, 2021 from 2pm-3pm Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Open to the entire Cornell Community. Click here to register for knitting class
- Create a 2021 vision board (How To Guide)
- 55 of the most anticipated books of 2021!
- Brainstorm YOUR OWN New Year’s Resolution(s)
- Step-by-step doodle time
- Coloring books depicting over 100 museums art collections
- Online art classes (15-20 minute sessions)
- 15 Broadway plays and musicals you can watch from home
- Already have Netflix? If so you can enjoy movies with friends/family anywhere with Netflix Party
- Journaling or Photo Journaling! We are living during unprecedented times. Journaling is a great outlet and useful opportunity to capture all the emotions and changes that are happening.
- Learn a new recipe with one of the many virtual cooking classes being offered online.
- Cornell Library video streaming service
- Explore Dubai's food and culture (a suggestion by Amelia and the Booklicious program - thank you to Amelia and her mother for finding and sharing this fun resource with others!)
Health and Wellness
- Open Recreation Hours in Barton Hall. Every day 4-8pm.
- Cornell Fitness Centers
- Lap swimming and bowling to students who are on campus
- Virtual Fitness Classes
- Meditation and calming music
If you find yourself struggling or in need of someone to talk to, know that you are not alone. The following resources are here to support you!
- Cornell Resources
- Cornell Health phone consultation (24/7): 607-255-5155
- Ithaca Resources (24/7)
- Ithaca Crisisline: 607-272-1616
- Advocacy Center (sexual/domestic violence): 607-277-5000
- National Talk-Lines (24/7)
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
- Trevor Project hotline (LGBTQ+): 866-488-7386
- LGBT+ National Hotline: 888-843-4564
- TransLifeline: 877-565-8860
- National Text/Chat Services
- National Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
- Steve Fund crisis text line: Text STEVE to 741741 (connects you to a counselor of color)
- Trevor Project text line (LGBTQ+): Text START to 678678
- National Suicide Prevention "Lifeline CHAT" service: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat