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5 Ways To Stay Outdoors This Winter

Are you the type to hibernate during the winter months? You might want to rethink avoiding the outdoors once it gets cold...

By: Jess Fischer + Save to a List

I couldn't help but to cringe the other day as I was eavesdropping on a conversation between a pair of fellow hikers. "Want to hike next weekend?' "Duh! We need to get some good hikes in before it gets too cold to hike this winter" *CRINGE* What were these lunatics talking about? Winter doesn't mean you shell up in your house and stop experiencing the outdoors! Winter, along with every other season, offers it's own unique experiences. These girls must have never hiked to their favorite waterfall in the dead of winter to see it completely frozen over and surrounded by pines and snow (super cool if you ask me). You'll never know how beautiful the mountains are when they're covered in snow if you stop hiking the second the trees drop all their leaves. If you've always been the type of explorer to call it quits when the white stuff starts falling from the sky, here are 5 ways to stay active AND outdoors this winter

Photo by  JASON HATFIELD

1. Buy the Right Gear: One of the main reasons people are hesitant to head outside during the colder winter months is because they quickly freeze to death. Investing in some good winter gear makes all the difference in the world in the colder months. Consider buying some thick base layers, a puffy insulated jacket, insulated pants, fleece lined leggings, windbreakers, snow jackets, hats, waterproof boots, gloves, hand warmers, etc. Having gear that keeps you warm and comfortable while outside in freezing temperatures makes being outside more bearable. If you're reading this and rolling your eyes at me thinking " I have cold weather gear and I still freeze..." consider researching what gear you have. You may discover it isn't the best at keeping you truly warm during the winter. I promise you if you get the right gear, you'll be toasty warm in any conditions.

2. Start Snowboarding or Skiing: I think these are two of the most obvious winter sports but I'm going to list them anyways. Skiing and snowboarding are great ways to get outdoors during the winter. Try it out once or twice to figure out which sport suits you better and consider investing in a season pass to your closest ski resort. Throwing in some earphones with your favorite music and cruising down a snow covered mountain can be surprisingly relaxing. Not to mention the ahhmazing views of the surrounding mountains when you're at the top of the ski lift.

Photo by BRYNN SCHMIDT

3. Try Cross Country Skiing or Snowshoeing: These are two other winter activities that everyone has heard of but not everyone has tried. Cross country skiing is allows you to get outside while also getting a pretty good workout. It's similar to skiing but you rely on your own locomotion instead of ski lifts to get around. If you love walking aimlessly below the forest canopy when it's warmer I bet you'll love to glide through snow covered landscapes. Snowshoeing is just another fun way to hike on top of the snow. Usually it's not too great for steep uphill inclines but it's great to explore the valley in your favorite mountains!

4. Keep Hiking: So many people stop hiking when the temperatures start approaching the freezing degree mark or when it snows. Hiking during the winter is actually a fantastic idea because there are never any crowds. Pick a hike that you loved during the summer and head back up the mountain to witness your favorite views, hopefully covered in snow. If the trails are covered in snow invest in some crampons to make your hike safer and more enjoyable. I highly recommend hiking in waterproof boots if there is snow on the ground. Wet, cold feet are never fun. Also, always be vigilant when hiking in the snow and make sure to stay away from cliff edges or areas with piles of rocks (aka areas where you can slip or step into deep crevices). Bring a hot thermos of coffee and some snacks to enjoy at the summit!

Photo by NOAH COUSER

5. Get Out There: Just go. Seriously, you're never going to know how much fun it is to be outdoors during the winter if you never try. Make a list of a few different winter activities you'd love to try and just try them. If you've tried everything and still find yourself absolutely frozen and miserable (refer to point #1 if you're frozen) then at least you tried. Winter, in my opinion, is a "hidden gem" for outdoor recreation and I'd be willing to bet that you'll find something to make you wonder why you never stayed outside all winter before.

Be sure to check out The Outbound's Adventures page to find some new places to explore this winter!

Cover photo by SETH LANGBAUER

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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