Editor’s note: A version of this story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated by Nicolette Cavallaro.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As we brace ourselves for winter, thoughts of annual outdoor activities — like ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling, skiing and snowman-building — dance in our heads.
As Staten Islanders, we’re privy to plenty of wide open spaces, with spots like LaTourette Golf Course and Clove Lakes Park — all favorites for adults and children looking to partake in days of fun once the powdery stuff starts to fall.
In years past, Jack’s Pond in Great Kills, Clove Lakes’ Martling’s Pond in West Brighton, Willowbrook Pond, Brady’s Pond in Grasmere and Old Mill Pond in Historic Richmond Town would draw dozens of children and adults with ice skates strapped to their feet as soon as the ponds would freeze over.
It wasn’t uncommon for skiers to fly off the Todt Hill Ski jump northeastward, sailing toward open ground — which is now the Staten Island Expressway.
Then they’d cross a dirt road to an incline near Aymar Avenue and Little Clove Road and then head back to the platform.
Skiers would ask kids to carry bushel-baskets of snow to the tower and spread it out. If snow wasn’t plentiful, they’d line the slope with straw to continue jumping.
Sadly, the wooden-slat ski jump was destroyed in a fire in the 1940s during World War II.
But then there were those who preferred building a snowman and frolicking in the snow on their own block.
What are some of your favorite winter locations on Staten Island?
Todt Hill Ski Jump
Spectators watch as skiers perform tricks from a makeshift ski jump on Todt Hill in 1935.Staten Island AdvanceRaritan Bay
The winter of 1934 was one of the coldest on record. It was so cold, in fact, that Raritan Bay’s shipping channel completely froze over, permitting folks to skate from Staten Island to New Jersey. Believe it or not, these ice skaters are sliding around Raritan Bay off Pleasant Plains in 1934.Advance file photoMartling’s Pond
On Dec. 27, 1948, ice skaters enjoy themselves on Martling’s Pond in Clove Lakes Park.Staten Island Advance
The race is on as several young sledders glide down a hill near Martling’s Pond on Dec. 30, 1960.Staten Island Advance
Skaters swarm to Martling’s Pond on January 30, 1961.Staten Island Advance
Four Park Department workers got out their shovels on Jan. 18, 1954, to clear Martling’s Pond so ice skaters could enjoy the Island’s winter wonderland.(Staten Island Advance)
Skaters young and old lace up and enjoy a brisk January day in 1954 at Martling’s Pond.Staten Island AdvanceSledding
Jason Cianciotto has it easy, thanks to his trusty sled dog, Tex.(Staten Island Advance/Frank J. Johns) Staff-Shot
New Brighton. Marketta Smith, 8, gives her little sister Shatasha, 3, a ride in a milk crate down York Avenue in New Brighton.Staten Island AdvanceSkiing 
On February 6,1978, skis were a good way to get around, as this couple demonstrates on Kingsley Street in West Brighton.Staten Island Advance
The winter of 1982: Alan Lin cross country skiing on the street where he lives.(Staten Island Advance,Irving Silverstein). Staff-ShotPlowing
Tony Debiase was busy driving a snow plow on the sidewalk along St Mary’s Ave, Rosebank in 1978.(Staten Island Advance/Irving Silverstein) Staff-ShotCameron’s Pond
If you believe bicycling is a warm-weather sport, then spring must be just around the corner, or so this couple must believe as they ride across Camerons Pond in Grasmere. Other youths clear the snow from the ice for a quick game of hockey.SIA file photoSnowmen
Eric Allen, left, and Michael Scaramuzzo now have a third for bridge during the 1978 blizzard.(Staten Island Advance/ Frank J. Johns) Staff-Shot
This 10-foot-tall snowman was found on Woodvale Avenue in Prince’s Bay just before Christmas 1995.Staten Island AdvanceJack’s Pond
Five ducks make their way across a frozen Jack’s Pond in Great Kills in 1960 as young hockey players seem oblivious.Staten Island AdvanceThe Polar Bear Club
Members of the Polar Bear Club from Coney Island warm up on the sand at South Beach during their New Year’s Eve beach party. Alexander Mottola on far right is Vice President of Polar Bear Club from Coney Island. Alex is only Staten Islander.Staten Island AdvanceSnowmobiles
Winter blizzard of 1978: Better than a car and easier than walking, is a snowmobile.Staff-Shot