It’s no secret that winter in Pittsburgh can sometimes put us to the test. Yet the winters here can also be quite enjoyable, and if you’re looking to get outside, then southwestern Pennsylvania offers an abundance of entertaining places to explore. Thanks to reasonably mild temperatures and snowfall tendencies, paired with plenty of sunshine, it’s easy to get moving and take advantage of the outdoor activities during a winter in the ‘burgh.

Between the urban lights of downtown and the beautiful countryside landscapes right outside the city, when the temperatures start dropping, Pittsburgh comes to life as a literal winter wonderland. These are just a few of our outdoor favorites to discover in the coming months.

Ice Skating

From November 19 through February 27, the Plaza between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue transforms into The UPMC Rink at PPG Place, a spectacular one-of-a-kind outdoor ice skating rink. The ice rink first opened in December 2001, and it’s actually 67 percent larger than the Rockefeller Center ice rink in New York City! Admission starts at $10, and skate rentals are available for as low as $6. Be sure to check for ½-Price Student Nights on select Wednesdays as well.

Skiing, Snow Tubes & More

Within Allegheny County, Boyce Park is your go-to destination for affordable and easily accessible outdoor winter sports. Offering both alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and dining and lodging, Bryce Park might just be the cure for whatever winter things are ailing you. The short drive into Plum, PA is only about 30 minutes east of Pittsburgh. Tickets start at $15 for resident lift tickets and $17 for resident tubing passes.

If you’re game for a quick day-trip or weekend away, then consider a visit to Hidden Valley Resort in Laurel Highlands, just 72 miles east of Pittsburgh. There, you’ll find beginner to intermediate alpine skiing and snowboarding, plus a fabulously fun snow tube hill (with a convenient lift to bring you back up) that’s open until 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Rates for adults (age 12 and up) start at just $29 for a three-hour session.

See the Frozen Rivers

As a City of Bridges, there’s nothing quite like seeing the snow-capped rivers of Pittsburgh during a deep freeze (whenever temperatures hover around 10 degrees or below for several days). Although this activity technically doesn’t require you to be outside, the picturesque views might tempt you to do some open-air photography for the best skyline views. From iconic views of Mount Washington via the Duquesne Incline and the fountain at Point State Park to the Warhol Bridge or the Fort Pitt Bridge, you’ll want to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery and city lights. For more ideas and specific photo opp spots, check out this post from Discovertheburgh.com.

At George Moving & Storage, we’re committed to providing quality service for our customers. When you need to find movers in Pittsburgh, throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia or eastern Ohio, we’d love to talk! We offer free estimates — either in-person or virtual, depending on your schedule. Just visit our website or give us a call today at 800-810-2635.