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Snowed in? Snow problem.
The Big Apple is due to be pummeled by Winter Storm Fern, thanks to an Arctic front moving in over the weekend. But New Yorkers aren’t about to let a little precipitation — or a lot! — trap them indoors on their days off.
So what if the storm will reportedly plunge temps into the single digits, dump up to 16 inches of snow in the city — the most since 2021 — and spark a winter storm watch for the tri-state area from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon. Can’t stand the cold? Get out of Hell’s Kitchen.
Sure, you’ll need to be careful. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told the Post that the weather will “get worse before it gets better.” So if you’re headed out, you’ll definitely want to bundle up and limit your exposure to subzero temps.
But with the necessary precautions, there’s going to be a whole, snowy world out there — waiting for you to explore.
From outdoor fun to cozy indoor activities, here’s your guide to surviving NYC’s coming, predicted snowpocalypse.
Tough sledding
If you’ve never been in Central Park, mid-snowstorm, you’re missing out — because New York never looked this good. Those looking for a memorable ride should grab the nearest sled, or sled-like implement, and head to Pilgrim Hill, located just south of Conservatory Water on the Upper East Side.
This urban luge-scape is known for its steep slopes and rock-free rides, although this spot’s not exactly a secret, so be prepared to brave some crowds.
Want to slide in relative solitude? Head a few blocks north to Cedar Hill, which provides a mellower descent and more space. Upper West Siders can try their luck at Great Hill, the park’s third-highest natural point, situated between W. 103rd and W. 107th Streets.
Those who prefer a more remote run should head to Inwood Hill Park in far upper Manhattan, which affords scenic views of the city and a super sharp incline for those looking for some serious speed.
Out in Brooklyn, Prospect Park’s Long Meadow is the best stretch of sleddable ground. At nearly a mile long, it’s the U.S.’s longest continuous segment of urban park meadow — ripe for a nice, long run.
Ice, ice, baby
NYC is chockablock with picturesque rinks — most of which are inundated with skaters of varying degrees of skill.
In accordance, hardwater die-hards should skip the overcrowded Central Park and Rockefeller rinks, especially since the latter was named the most overcrowded holiday attraction, anywhere.
Instead, icecapaders seeking a more ice-olated experience should lace their skates and hit the ice at Skate At Domino on the Williamsburg Waterfront ($18 for a 75-minute session for out of towners and $12 for locals) or at Roebling Rink in DUMBO ($14.84 for two hours), which offers glaze gliders unparalleled views of the Brooklyn Bridge and NYC skyline.
Blow off steam
Spa culture is booming in NYC this winter — and if the ferry’s not stuck in the terminal due to Winter Storm Fern, one of the best seasonal shvitzes can be had at the year-round QC Spa on Governor’s Island, where you’ll be able to make like a snow monkey and unwind in outdoor heated pools with stunning skyline views.
The sprawling wellness complex boasts a truly unique setting, situated in the island’s abandoned Army barracks and officers’ family quarters. Pay $158 and get the spa for the day with no time limit.
And while flights to the tropics could well be grounded, you’re just a train ride away from the next best thing — a visit to the Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, an indoor eden where it’s always summer.
The garden is currently gearing up for the annual orchid show, but there’s plenty of jungle (and other warm climate) to enjoy in this sprawling, historic indoor paradise. Passes to the garden, including Conservatory access, are $35 a day.
Carbo load
There’s no better way to fortify one’s system on a frigid NYC day than with a plate of one of the Big Apple’s best dishes — pasta.
Avid noodlists can get the proper insulation they need to brave stormy weather with a meal at one of the city’s top Italian restaurants, from Chef Stefano Secchi’s Rezdora in the Flatiron district, to the Forma Pasta Factory in Brooklyn, recently named “America’s Favorite Italian Restaurant for Delivery” by Doordash, or Ciao Samo, Yelp’s top-ranked restaurant in the US for 2026. Get the Rigatoni Alla Gricia, fans say ($30).
Just looking for sheer volume? Bundle up and head over to Carmine’s in Times Square, or on the Upper West Side, for a massive platter of spaghetti and meatballs ($29.99) that feeds multiple people — if you feel like sharing.
Get toasty warm
Turn up your body temperature with an array of beverages that put the haute in hot drinks. For thick and rich hot chocolate with a homemade marshmallow, it has to be Frenchette Bakery, which experts call one of the best cups in the city.
Want a Java jolt with that? Order the painstakingly made Hickory Smoked S’mores Latte at Felix Roasting Co.’s chic Midtown cafe — a childhood campfire in a cup, complete with a toasted marshmallow aroma and a specter of hickory smoke ($15).
If it’s booze you need, sidle over to the Richardson in Williamsburg for their hearthlike hot toddy ($14) — which is infused with honey, cinnamon, clove, lemon, and hot water and angostura and whacked with 101-proof bourbon.
The stay after tomorrow
Can’t get out of town? Book a daycation to remember. Sure, holing up in a hotel during a snowstorm might give “The Shining” vibes, but the historic Algonquin near Bryant Park is hardly the stuff of a horror movie — though it is wonderfully atmospheric and historic.
Here, rooms can cost upwards of $250 a night, but those just looking for a few-hour stay can book a room for $199, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday — the perfect time for a romantic, room service brunch and some quiet time alone.
If downtown is more of your scene, that same price will get you in at the chic Walker Hotel in Greenwich Village from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Find these and dozens more city hotels on popular booking sites like Dayuse — which are bringing the idea of hourly rentals out of the vintage, no-tell zone into the modern era.
So book a hotel, order brunch, and let the snow fall.
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