5 Outdoor Winter Activities to Try This Winter Season
Winter will soon be here, and for many of us, that means the ski season starts! However, skiing and snowboarding are not the only outdoor winter activities to do during the snowy, winter months. For instance, instead of staying indoors or hitting the slopes to ski, try these six outdoor winter activities to embrace a new and unique hobby this winter season.
When it comes to winter activities, always check the weather and always be prepared. Winter conditions can be downright brutal and typically always cold. Due to this, make sure you have the proper waterproof gear and warm attire whenever you venture out in the snow.
Photo credit: James Mann via Flickr
You may have heard about some of these activities or may not have. Either way, the majority of the outdoor winter activities on this list are perfect from the beginner to advanced. Furthermore, if you are looking for an activity to do during your winter getaway, the gear for these outdoor winter activities can typically be rented or purchased in ski resort towns or near popular recreational areas.
1. Snowshoeing
Snowshoes | Photo credit: Karen Neoh via Flickr
Snowshoeing allows you to be able to walk and hike in deep snow. Like hiking in the winter, the best places to snowshoe are hiking trails. A snowshoe is something that attaches to your boot; it is wide and resembles a racket. The earliest use of a snowshoe is believed to have been nearly 4,000 to 6,000 years ago, possibly in Central Asia. However with gear technology nowadays, snowshoes are more efficient and lightweight.
2. Winter Camping
Photo credit: Paxson Woelber
Winter camping might get a bad rap because of the chill factor. However camping in the winter months isn’t all bad if you are well prepared with a four-season tent, proper hiking attire and boots, a shovel, and a great sleeping pad and warm sleeping bag. Read about what we recommend to bring on a winter camping trip. Winter months can sometimes boast the best opportunities for night sky photography. Camping during the winter is also a great way to avoid summer crowds in your favourite parks.
3. Snowmobiling
Photo credit: Outlander 650 via Flickr
Snowmobiling on designated trails can be a perfect way to quickly travel through deep snow while experiencing beautiful winter conditions. If you are heading to a snowy destination this winter, look into snowmobile rentals for day trip opportunities and to learn more about snowmobiling safety.
4. Fat Tire Biking
Photo credit: Greg Smith via Flickr
Fat tire biking has grown in popularity within the past couple years, although these bikes have been around since the early 20th century. The allure with these bikes, which have wide, fat tires, is the fact that they are perfect for all terrain, since they are essentially mountain bikes. The wide tire allows you to gain more traction in slippery snow and ice.
5. Tubing
Photo credit: Mt.Washington Auto Road via Flickr
Tubing is a perfect way to enjoy a snowy day. Although tubing is really just a different take on sledding, it is really fun! Tubing stations can be found in ski towns, but any tube and snowy hill will do. Furthermore, since the tube is big and bouncy, you won’t risk a sore behind after your sledding session.
Now these aren’t the only activities to do to enjoy the winter season, rather just some ones that haven’t quite reached much popularity yet. However if you didn’t find a new activity on this list, don’t forget about the classic winter activities, like skiing, snowboarding, snowball fighting, building a snowman, sledding, and ice skating.
What are your favourite outdoor winter activities? Tell us your suggestions in the comments below!
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