How to Embrace the Snowy Weather with Fun Activities
Snow provides an opportunity to get creative and active in the cold winter months. Don’t let the cold weather ruin your fun. There are awesome activities that can be done in the snow to savour the short days of winter and create long lasting memories.
Skiing
Ask anyone to name three winter activities and skiing or snowboarding will surely be at the top of most people’s list. Whether you hit up the local resort with 5 slopes, the nearby resort with everything from green squares to double black diamonds, or the luxury resorts in the mountains like Jackson Hole or Vail, skiing is a sure way to spend a great day on the snow. There are so many options for skiing now from traditional downhill, to cross country skiing, to snowboarding, to ski boarding. All of these require accessories to have the ideal experience.
When skiing it is essential to have the right equipment. Everything from hats to goggles to socks to boots will impact your experience. Not having the right equipment will lead to a day that is not as fun at the best to possible injury at the worst. Of all the equipment, having boots that fit and are responsive will allow you to be the best skier you can be. To make sure your boots are the right size it is helpful to use a ski boot size chart. Ski boots do not always equate to the size of your other shoes, so using a sizing chart is very important.
Snow Hiking
While many people think of hiking in the beautiful fall foliage, a winter snow is also the perfect time to go for a hike. As long as you are bundled up and dressed for the weather, a snowy hike is exhilarating and the perfect precursor to a nice cup of apple cider or hot coffee. The snow in the trails is often pristine and untouched. There is something extremely fulfilling about being the first creature to walk in the snow and be one with nature.
To have a successful snow hike, it is important to have the right shoes or ice grippers. These shoes help you to grip on slippery or steep trails without worrying about slipping or getting your feet wet. REI has a great checklist to see if you are prepared and safe for a snow hike. GPS is essential in the snow because our navigational markings can get confused in the winter weather.
Outside Art
The final snow activity suggested in this article is to create outside art. Many of us have memories of creating sandcastles in the summer or snow angels in the winter. Outside art is very similar to these activities. You can bring out materials such as a hose, food coloring, ice picks, or shovels and buckets to create your own snow landscape. Write messages to people who are walking by or create a piece of abstract art.
When making snow art, remember that the creative pieces are only temporary. When the next snow comes, the art will be covered up and when the snow melts in the spring the art will be gone forever. If you want to keep a memory of the snow art, take a picture and share it on social media! While we can’t all create art like Simon Beck, we can get our creative juices flowing.
Snow is no reason to stay hibernated watching Netflix. There are awesome activities that can only be done in the snow. Savor the time of year and enjoy the weather.
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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