Jack Frost traces his icy hand across New York's Finger Lakes with breathtaking results. The rolling hills and valleys of this scenic region, when blanketed in snow and ice, are truly "Splendid from Any Direction!" Following the Seaway Trail along the Great Lake called Ontario brings a dazzling vision of spectacular ice formations while bright sunshine, vivid blue skies, and glittering snow beckon visitors to enjoy all the pleasures of winter. Rochester makes an excellent base for coldrush day trips to enjoy even more of the 14-county Finger Lakes region of which it is a part.

Winter warriors will appreciate the thrills of downhill skiing at Bristol Mountain or Swain Ski and Snowboard Center. Cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tobogganing, ice skating, ice fishing and other winter sports provide even more great excuses to get outdoors and play in the snow. ("Snow Trails" by Rich and Sue Freeman from Footprint Press shares a treasure trove of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails for the coldrush adventurer.)

A bracing winter walk is invigorating, especially within view of a rushing winter waterfall. Start with a stroll over Pont de Rennes Bridge for dramatic views of High Falls in Rochester, then explore more of the region by visiting Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg, or Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman State Parks in Ithaca: all have unique waterfall views and peaceful hiking trails. Letchworth State Park near Mount Morris and roadside falls between Watkins Glen and Montour Falls are also a photographer's dream. "200 Waterfalls in Central & Western New York" from Footprint Press is a great guide for your journey, or go to www.FootprintPress.com.

For more memorable coldrush moments, visit a lighthouse in winter--both the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse (1822, 1863) and Lighthouse at Sodus Point (1870) can be found along the Seaway Trail. While they may not be open for tours, seeing the rugged beauty of these fascinating structures braced against impressive winter waves is not to be missed.

Enjoy a winter road trip along wine country trails including those bordering Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes of Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka, and Seneca. Vintners at many of the family-owned wineries you'll encounter will share the secrets of their winemaking process and the grapes in their vineyards. Try a wine tasting session, browse winery gift shops, or simply savor a meal with some Finger Lakes wine at a local café or restaurant. Most wineries are open during coldrush but check their winter hours by going to www.fingerlakes.org/wine.htm.

Participating wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail plan a "bargain bash" Jan. 15 - 23. On Feb. 5 and 6, visitors are invited to taste special pairings of chocolate and wine. March 12 and 13 brings a chance to "cruise the tropics." Call (877) 536-2717 for details. The Cayuga Wine Trail celebrates Mardi Gras Feb 26 - 27. Call (800) 684-5217 to join in these festivities.

While exploring the Finger Lakes, don't miss the hundreds of unique museums and historical sites throughout the region as well. Glass-blowing demonstrations at the Corning Museum of Glass, which showcases the history, science and art of glass, are fascinating. Also in Corning, the Rockwell Museum of Western Art features the works of Remington and Wyeth, as well as powerful works by Native American artists. For the aviator, the Glenn Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport houses a collection of early airplanes. Get an insider's view of the fight for women's rights at the Women's Rights National Historical Park and be inspired by the great women honored in The National Women's Hall of Fame--both in Seneca Falls. These are but a few of the delightful museums awaiting coldrush travelers.

Arts and culture are alive and well in the Finger Lakes, too, with events ranging from a live performance or film showing at the historic Smith Opera House in Geneva to professional theatre companies and dozens of community theatre groups. Charming villages. Lively college towns. Fun-for-all events such as the Chili Cookoff and Winterfest Feb. 19 on the Downtown Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian-only area that comes alive with spicy entertainment as local restaurants compete to see which makes the best chili. (Call 607-277-8679 or see www.downtownithaca.com for details.)