FUN IN THE SNOW

When snowflakes fall this winter, the place to be is Northwest Connecticut where there are so many ways to play in the snow. Here are eight great suggestions:

1. HEAD FOR THE SLOPES
Take your pick of three ski areas with guaranteed snowmaking and scenic surroundings. All three areas offer lessons for all abilities and night skiing.
Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall, Connecticut's oldest and largest area, can provide plenty of challenge with five chairlifts and 23 trails across 107 acres for skiers and boarders, served by five speedy chairlifts. Beginners have their own lift, the Wonder Carpet. (860-672-6100) or visit their website: www.mohawkmtn.com)
Ski Sundown in New Hartford, a comfortable family mountain offers 65 ski-able acres with 15 trails and four chair lifts, and the largest night skiing area in the region, with 95% of its terrain under the lights until 10 p.m. nightly. (860-379-7669; or visit their website: www.skisundown.com.
Woodbury Ski Area in Woodbury is an ideal family and learning slope with reasonable rates, one double chair, and two new magic carpet lifts to a new beginner area. Snowboarders have their own park. (203-263-2203) or visit their website: www.woodburyskiarea.com.

2. GLIDE CROSS-COUNTRY
When snow falls in this beautiful forested part of New England, the miles of trails in state parks and forests become wonderlands for cross country skiers. White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield has one of the most extensive cross-country ski areas, with 35 miles of trails. Ski Touring through pristine snow is beautiful in parks such as Housatonic Meadows in Sharon, Dennis Hill in Norfolk, Burr Pond near Torrington, and Black Rock near Thomaston, Macedonia Brook near Kent, Topsmead in Litchfield, and the Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted or Mohawk State Forest in Goshen. Those who want perfectly groomed trails will find seven prime kilometers at theWoodbury Ski Area.

3. SPEED DOWNHILL ON A SNOW TUBE The Woodbury Ski Area has three slopes devoted to snow tubing, a popular new way to speed downhill. No lessons necessary: just have a seat on a giant tube and go!

4. TAKE A SPIN ON SKATES
When the temperature drops, ponds in Northwest Connecticut parks become playgrounds for ice skaters. Among the many choices are Lake Waramaug in New Preston, Mt. Tom in Bantam, Burr Pond in Torrington, Putnam Memorial in Redding, and Squantz Pond in New Fairfield.

5. HEAD FOR A SLED
All you need is a hill to have fun on a sled, and hills are plentiful in Northwest Connecticut. Osborndale State Park in Derby is one of many places that can fill the bill, along with the special sledding slopes of the Woodbury Ski Area.

6. JINGLE BELLS ON A SLEIGH
An old-fashioned sleigh ride is one of the most romantic ways to make the most of winter. At Loon Meadow Farm in Norfolk (860-542-6085) or Wood Acres Farm in Terryville (860-583-8670), lap robes keep you cozy as you glide through the fields and into the woods. Ellis Coach and Carriage Service in Morris (860-567-1114), is another farm-based operation where you can jingle through the fields and trails.

7. BLAZE A TRAIL ON SNOW SHOES
New lightweight snow shoes let you make your own trail, take a walk through the wondrous winter landscape everywhere from your inn's backyard to cross country trails in a park. You can rent a pair for the day or buy your own at Backcountry Outfitters in Kent (888-549-3377; www.bcoutfitters) or the Woodbury Ski Area.

8. BUILD A SNOWMAN
You don't have to be an athlete to enjoy winter in beautiful Northwest Connecticut. All around the region are cozy inns with big yards where you can play in the snow, make your own Mr. Snowman, then come inside to snuggle by the fire.

For a list of lodging facilities, a map and guide to the area, information on state parks and suggestions for more ways to enjoy winter, contact the Northwest Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 968, Litchfield CT 06759-0968, 800-663-1273, or check the Internet at www.northwestct.com.