Learn to Love the Winter – Or At Least Like It (Part Two!)

I suspect you cannot wait to read this blog so that you will then, and only then, be fully prepared and willing to love winter. Well, wait no more!

The second secret to enjoying the winter months is finding an activity that you really enjoy that requires the cold and/or snow. I have always enjoyed sledding and snowball fights, but my love for the winter did not fully blossom until I started skiing. I have been hooked ever since.

Now I understand not everyone will like skiing, even though it is a fantastic winter sport, so here is my list of fun, snow-loving, winter activities. They are all family friendly and most of them are free or very inexpensive.

Snowmen, Forts, and Snowball Fights – now this is the epitome of winter fun! All you need is the snow in your yard and you are in business. Growing up with three older brothers, I experienced many snowballs, white-washes, fort invasions and snowman competitions and I loved every second of it! With all the running around, it is easy to forget that it is even cold outside!

Nature Walk – looking for animal prints in the snow is one of my favorite winter activities. Have you seen mouse prints in the snow? So cute! You can take pictures and make an animal print book or you can create a scavenger hunt and spend the afternoon on a winter wonderland adventure.


Sledding – a much loved winter activity! Sledding is fun. period. You can sled on a piece of cardboard or the SledMaster 5000, either way, sledding gets your blood pumping. It is even more fun when you land upside down with a face full of snow…you might laugh until you pee your pants, in which case your wicking layer with help with that, but try not to.

Ice Skating - this activity requires some coordination, but once you get the hang out of it, boy is it fun. Not to mention a fantastic workout! I think the only thing more adorable than little children skiing is little children ice skating. They even make cute, little, double-bladed skates you strap onto boots for the wee ones. Ice skating can also lend itself to ice hockey and figure skating, two other enjoyable winter sports. Whether it is the pond down the road or the rink at the mountain, ice skating is a good one for the whole family.

Snowshoeing – if you can walk, you can snowshoe. I would not lie to you. Honest. Previously snowshoeing was only a necessary means of travel during winter backpacking/mountaineering, but during the past decade or so, snowshoeing has also turned into a recreational sport for all ages and abilities. The only necessary equipment, in addition to your proper attire, are snowshoes. Snowshoes vary from recreational to technical and inexpensive to quite pricey, so there is something for everyone. You do not need special snowshoeing boots, just the insulated, waterproof ones you already have. Depending on terrain and ability you can also choose to use poles, which can provide more stability and overall aerobic exercise.

Skiing/Snowboarding – there are many different types of skiing – cross country, downhill, telemarking, backcountry, etc. I am not going to go into detail about each one, but what you should know is that many children learn to ski/snowboard around the same time they learn to walk, thus making this another family friendly activity. I am sure it is no surprise that skiing/snowboarding are at the more expensive end of the spectrum, but you can purchase equipment at ski swaps and carpool with other families to save some money. Also, if you really enjoy skiing/snowboarding then save more money by purchasing a season pass; many passes are good at multiple mountains.

There are a lot more winter activities to enjoy, but I would start with these ones and see how it goes. Remember, even if you do not loooooove winter you should do your best to expose children to all kinds of experiences and opportunities. By using your good judgement and assessing and managing risks, you can provide adventures for learning, self-discovery, adversity, and most importantly, FUN!

Love winter…or at least like…a little.

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