For those of us who live in the more temperate climates of the northern U.S, we experience the changing of the seasons. Even though I am partial to summer, I do enjoy what all the seasons have to offer. Winter is probably on of the most challenging seasons for some due to the lack of daylight as well as temperature; however, I do look forward to this season.
By nature, I love to be outdoors. Even though, I can’t withstand an entire day outside, I can tolerate spending a portion of it outdoors. The key is to finding the right activity coupled with the right gear which can make spending time outdoors in the winter just as fun.
Winter has many activities to offer but let’s focus on just 5 options today. Perhaps you can add other things to the list, but hopefully this may spur you to find an activity where you can enjoy the season of winter.
Outdoor Activity #1:
GO FOR A WALK
Once you have the appropriate gear, a good pair of boots, snow cleats if necessary, gloves, hat and jacket, this activity doesn’t cost you anything but your time. Getting out in the winter air does a lot for a person’s body. The cold, crisp air is refreshing; it rejuvenates the body. It sure beats the recycled air we get in our homes during the winter. Also, an added benefit of lacing up your boots and venturing out is the extra calorie burn. Our bodies have to work harder to keep us warmer, so we actually burn more calories than we would during the summer. Also, you might notice things you don’t see during the summer. When you are out walking, winter birds might catch your eye or just the beauty of the snow blanketing the landscaping are enough to enhance your trek in the snow.
Outdoor Activity #2:
GO ICE SKATING
Ice skating is an activity that young and old can participate in. Many towns have outdoor ice rinks while some towns also have indoor ice facilities. Whichever one you have, take advantage of some time on the ice. If you don’t own a pair of skates, many of these places will rent them. Skating can take a little practice to get down pat, but it is so fun to glide across the ice. I love skating even as an adult. Not only is it great exercise, I get to have fun with my family. We have spent many of winter days skating and laughing together. Your spirits can be lifted just by the joy of others around you having fun.
Outdoor Activity #3:
GO TUBING OR SLEDDING
As a kid, I have fond memories of sledding down my grandparent’s hill on their farm. My sister and I would zing down on the sled and my grandpa would pull our sled back up the hill. I am lucky enough to have a hill on my property so I have slid down the hills with my kids. If you don’t have a hill of your own, there are countless places that offer this activity. Many cities have a local sledding hill. Even many ski resorts have tubing runs now. If you get an opportunity to try out a tubing run, give it a shot. Last winter I went for the first time and it was a blast. We went screaming down the hill, literally and figuratively. It’s a great way to enjoy a new type of sledding. Even the place I went to had a lift to take you back to the top. No excessive hiking up and down the hill, just shear fun.
Outdoor Activity #4:
GO SNOWSHOEING
Snowshoeing is a fun way to walk in the snow without sinking into the huge drifts. It gives you a chance to get off the beaten path and explore the winter woodland. If you don’t have the equipment, fear not. There are community recreation programs that do offer days when you can come out and try using the equipment for no or low cost. Some sporting goods or adventure stores will rent this equipment to you for the day. Seize the opportunity to try something new and venture into places that are not as easily accessible in the winter.
Outdoor Activity #5:
GO SKIING
Fortunately, there are two kinds of skiing that you can participate in—cross country and downhill skiing. Cross country skiing involves different equipment than downhill besides you do these in different locations. As the name implies, downhill skiing involves going down a big hill. Many local ski resorts offer lessons and equipment rental for those of us who don’t own any. There is a bunny hill where you can practice on after your lesson to perfect your technique before heading off to the bigger hills. Cross country skiing is just as fun. These trails tend to be on generally flatter terrain with smaller hills along the way. There are different techniques for skiing cross country and again there are community recreation organizations that have days where you can try out skiing. Local ski shops also offer rentals as well.
So, this winter, instead of hoping it is over, get out and enjoy the season. Try something new or reawaken an activity that you have done in the past. When you do, you will find all kinds of added benefits that you never knew you were missing. Give one, two or maybe all of them a try this winter. You may even realize that you enjoy the winter season.