Arnold House Catskills Annual Ice Fishing Derby

It’s official: January 2016 was the most abnormally warm month in recorded history.

Begs a question: Where can a man find some damn winter around here?

To which we submit: majestic Catskills lodge the Arnold House, now prepping for their 2nd Annual Ice Fishing Derby.

Going down February 26-28 and now taking reservations, the derby package includes accommodations, a welcome dinner on Friday night, daily breakfast, one snazzy ice fishing kit per room and a private ice fishing lesson. Things culminate with Saturday’s Ice Fishing Derby on Shandalee Lake, where you’ll compete before ending the night with a bonfire and an open oyster and vodka bar.

There are additional activities aplenty to fill the off-hours, including snowshoeing, cross country skiing, an alpaca farm and tours of nearby breweries and distilleries.

Or just kick back by the fire and play some parcheesi.

Space is limited, so book your room at the Arnold House or their sister spot the North Branch Inn stat. The latter even comes with a two-lane bowling alley, movie theater and a bar hailing from the 1939 World’s Fair.

If you want to participate in the Derby but have to get back to the city by nightfall, the event begins at 2:30 on Saturday the 27th. Day passes include transportation to and from the lake (from Arnold House), oysters, vodka and a hearty fireside meal and round of billiards back at the Tavern for $99 a pop.

We went last year. And we’ll be there again.

You should be too.