It's a winter wonderland in the Hudson Valley

But that doesn't confine you to a winter of baked potatos and couch potatos.

There's plenty to do in the winter months in the Hudson Valley, both indoors and out.

Skiers will find paradise just off exits 19 and 20 on the New York State Thruway. In the Catskills, there are several resorts ... including Hunter Mountain and Ski Wyndham ... that cater to the single person as well as families. In addition, the resorts have started bus service from New York City as part of a package deal.

If downhill skiing doesn't give you the workout you seek, try cross country skiing at a number of sites in the region, including Bowdoin Park in Poughkeepsie, Boyce Park in Wingdale and Mills-Norrie State Park in Staatsburg.

Several of these ski areas also offer snowboarding and snowmobiling.

Back indoors, the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie has a year-round ice rink in Mair Hall. The rink not only has open skate times, but it also offers a competitive men's league. The Civic Center also offers ice skating lessons.

Men and women, boys and girls of all ages can enjoy basketball in the winter as well. For the kids, the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) has an extensive league throughout all of New York. Check with your local parish. For the adults, give a call to your local YMCA or town hall to see who's sponsoring leagues this season.