During the long harsh winters in Western New York, the Seneca people nestled in their bark longhouses to repair clothing, make tools and prepare for the spring, a "time of plenty" with regard to food, hunting and work to be done.

Despite the weather, the Seneca people did not hibernate indoors all winter. Many of the activities that traditionally occupied them outdoors during the winter months are still in practice today.

Ganondagan's Winter Games & Sports is a celebration in which everyone can discover the Seneca Ways of Winter by enjoying traditional Native American winter activities as a spectator or a participant!

• Dog Sledding Demonstrations - Watch the thrilling site of a dog team bounding across
   the snow, sled in tow. Enter our raffle for the opportunity to experience the ride!

• Seneca Winter Camp - Experience a Seneca winter
   camp and view demonstrations by Native Artists of
   traditional maple sugaring and toboggan making.

• Snow Snake - Enjoy the rare chance to try your hand
   at the game of Snow Snake. For more about the Snow
   Snake, read:

• Storytelling - Listen to traditional Haudenosaunee
   (Iroquois) tales in the warmth of Ganondagan's
   authentic bark longhouse.

• Snow Shoe - Explore Ganondagan's trails on snow shoe.
   Bring your own, or 2 hour snow shoe rentals are
   available for the fee of: $5 for adults, $3 for children under
   12 years of age, Free snow shoe rental to Friends of
   Ganondagan Members with proof of membership.

• Native Foods - Taste warm, delicious authentic Native
   foods, available for purchase.

See our event schedule for a complete list of times.

New this year - Seneca Snow Shoe Run Competition!

Compete, or enjoy being a spectator at our newest addition to the Winter Games. This three part competition includes a snow shoe run on a course laid out at Ganondagan, an archery shoot, and the snow snake throw.

• Seneca Snow Shoe Pro Run timed competition - 10 AM - 12 Noon
• Seneca Snow Show Fun Run - 12 Noon - 2 PM

For full details, pricing or to register, visit our Seneca Show Shoe Run web page.

Event Details, Parking and Driving Directions

Attendance at this event is FREE and open to the public, but if you wish to rent snow shoes or to compete in one of the snow shoe runs, please see pricing for each activity. Please note: Event will take place snow, or no snow!

Please see our directions page for driving instructions and an interactive map.

Parking for this event is at our lower parking lot - please see our parking map for details.

Special Winter Games Packages

Coming from outside the region or just want a mid-winter getaway?

Ganondagan and Woodcliff Hotel & Spa are partnering to offer a special package on an overnight stay at Woodcliff (rated 5 stars) and complimentary snow shoe rental at Ganondagan's Native American Winter Games & Sports.

For more details, or to book your package, click here.

Package offer is valid on Friday, February 5 and Saturday, February 6, 2010 and must be booked through Rochester Vacation and Receptive Services at www.rochester-vacation.com.

Native American Breakfast and The Winter Games and Sports Bed & Breakfast Package

Stay an night or two at the historic 1820 Springdale Farm Bed & Breakfast Homestead. Surrounded by over 80 acres of nature preserve. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast. With all the goodness and flavor of a native American meal. Sweet Potato Waffles/Cranberry Syrup and Hazelnut Butter Corn cakes, Blueberry Bannock (Indian Biscuits) bread, and Buffalo patties. Receive free snow shoe rental (normally $5 for adults and $3 for children) and a 10% discount coupon for Ganondagan's Gift Shop booth. At the Event. Package prices starting at $99.00 a night for 2 guests. Dates: February 5th & 6th, 7th, 2010

See destinationvictorny.com/packages.htm#lodgingpkg for more details.

Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to help us - you can volunteer as much or as little as you would like! It's a great way to get out and meet some new people in the dead of winter when we get out too little!

We have many different volunteer needs, food sales, registration, people to help run activities, and more. If you are interested or would like some more details, please contact us at the Friends of Ganondagan by emailing friends@frontiernet.net or calling 585-742-1690.

Media

You can download our 2010 Winter Games flyer here (PDF, 284K) and distribute.

Please direct all media inquiries to the Friends of Ganondagan by emailing friends@frontiernet.net or calling 585-742-1690.