YES, THERE'S CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IN BROOKLYN, NY
Brooklyn residents don't have to travel to Vermont to put some miles on those Nordic skis. Just head outdoors to Brooklyn parks and golf courses. There are no groomed trails. And you can't rent cross-country skis or get instructions, either. But for the DIY cross-country skier, there are few great places for outdoor fun.
Truth is, you can cross-country ski in just about any Brooklyn park. And, you can probably cross-country ski just about anywhere you might normally jog in Brooklyn. That said, here are some favorite places in Brooklyn for cross-country skiing.
1. CROSS COUNTRY SKI IN REDHOOK NEAR IKEA: GREAT VISTAS BUT NEED A CAR (OR SKIS!)
There are lots of wide open spaces, not to mention spectacular vistas, in Red Hook. You can ski in huge circles in the five ball fields that belong to the Red Hook Recreation Center, and then ski over to Fairway for a hot coffee and snack. Or, head to IKEA for some cafeteria food. You'll need a car to get there — unless, or course, you ski.2. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IN BROOKLYN HEIGHTS: SHORT, SWEET & WINDY
The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is short, wind-swept, and offers gorgeous views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and NY Harbor. It's less than a half-mile long, so you won't exactly get a huge work out. But it's pretty — and afterwards you can treat yourself to hot chocolate on Montague Street.
3. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IN PROSPECT PARK: PRETTY VISTAS, PLENTY OF ROOM
It's gorgeous to cross country ski in Prospect Park. You can explore almost all of the 500-plus acre park on skis. Just make sure you know where you want to get out, as the park is large. Enter at any point, and cut your own trail. There are always a few cross-country skiers out (though more sledders than skiers).Prospect Park is near to several neighborhoods: Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Windsor Terrace, Prospect Park South, and Flatbush among others. It's bounded by Prospect Park West, Flatbush Avenue, Parkside Avenue and Ocean Avenue.
There are several year-round bathrooms in Prospect Park. They're located near the Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue entrances, at the Picnic House and Third Street playground.
4. CROSS-COUNTRY SKI ON CONEY ISLAND BOARDWALK OR BEACH: COLD & IFFY, BUT FUN
Adventurous souls can hop on the subway, cross country skis and all, and head toward Coney Island for a refreshing Atlantic Ocean-side route down the boardwalk. But do this at your own risk; you have to get there before the plows do! After, warm up with a pizza or hot dog, or ski right down to Brighton Beach for a strudel or bowl of borscht.5. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IN BAY RIDGE: WATERSIDE VIEWS, TWO MILES
Happen to live in Bay Ridge? Grab your skis and head toward Shore Park Promenade. Beloved by bikers and joggers in nice weather, it's a long narrow band that stretches along the waterfront on Brooklyn's westernmost edge. You can ski under the Verrazano Bridge. Use the footbridge that crosses the Belt Parkway t0 69th Street. This strip runs from 100th Street to 69th Street.
There are three year-round bathroom areas dotted through Shore Park.
