Major Snowfall in WNY! Is the Most Popular Sledding Hill Open?

With all the snow piling up across Southern Erie County, many families are wondering: Are the sledding hills open at Chestnut Ridge Park? We’re lucky to have such an incredible outdoor recreation spot right in our backyard—one that even served as part of the setting for a recent Hallmark movie about the Buffalo Bills. Chestnut Ridge isn’t just a scenic filming location, it’s one of the best places for families to enjoy winter fun in Western New York.

Kids Are Ready for Snow Day Fun

While many adults scrambled to stores preparing for Thanksgiving and the incoming snowstorm, kids across Western New York were excited for something else entirely: snow days and playtime. At our house, the idea of building a snowman has been the highlight of the week. And with this heavy, wet snow, conditions are perfect for snowmen and snow sculptures.

Will Sledding Be Open at Chestnut Ridge This Weekend?

That’s the big question. Whether or not sledding is open depends entirely on hill conditions. Erie County does a great job communicating updates about openings, closings, and safety guidelines.

The Erie County Parks & Recreation website provides detailed hours, rules, and safety information for sledding and skiing across county parks. According to current guidance:

Toboggan chutes at Chestnut Ridge will likely remain closed until further notice.
Sledding hills may open if conditions allow. To get the most current information, check the Erie County Parks & Recreation Facebook page and the official website.

Sledding Rules You Need to Know

Chestnut Ridge Park does have specific sledding restrictions designed to keep everyone safe.

For example: Old-style metal runner sleds are not allowed on the sledding hill.
Plastic sleds and snow tubes are permitted once the hills officially open.
The county encourages only one to two people per sled for safety.

"Please note that the sled/ski hill and toboggan chutes are groomed as necessary based on weather or use conditions. In the event of snowfall, preparing for winter sports is secondary to ensuring roads, parking lots and sidewalks are clear and safe for vehicles and pedestrians. In this event, the hill or chutes may not be open on time but will be as quickly as possible.

This hill is one of the best in Erie County...fast, fun, and full of families every winter.

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A Western New York Family Tradition

Growing up in Southern Erie County, sledding at Chestnut Ridge was always a family tradition. Flying down the hill is thrilling but the trek back up? That’s the real workout! Now that I have kids of my own, nothing has changed. They love the ride down just as much as I did, but by the second trip back up, they’re begging me for a piggyback.

Enjoy the Snow and Stay Safe

As excited as we are for snow and outdoor fun, the weather often turns nasty right around the holidays and peak travel times. Be safe, take it slow, and enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend.

Maybe we’ll see you out on the sledding hill at Chestnut Ridge Park sometime soon!