When the leaves start to fall from the trees and the warm summer air begins to cool, it’s sad to think that the long days are behind us and hibernation season has begun. However, the way to combat seasonal depression is to get excited about all the adventurous activities you can do in the winter! Even for those in the #teamsummer group, there are incredible ways to get out and enjoy the beauty and excitement of the winter months. Take a look at some of our favorite ways to experience the colder months by enjoying these adventurous activities to do in the winter!
The best way to experience winter
Winter is a wonderland, especially during the holidays, and it’s even more enchanting for those residing in regions that rarely see snow. Many areas around the world provide the winter wonderland experience, offering a wide range of activities to enhance the winter season. Here are the top five countries in the world to experience winter:
- Canada: Canada is renowned for its stunning winter scenery and is globally recognized for its fantastic outdoor winter activities. Alberta and British Columbia are the perfect provinces to fully immerse yourself in the winter experience.
- Norway: Situated by the water, Norway provides a unique winter experience thanks to its dramatic fjords. The country offers a distinct winter experience, from sailing on icy waters to skiing down snow-covered mountains.
- Japan: Famous for having some of the best powder snow in the world, Japan is an ideal addition to your skiing bucket list. Additionally, Japan hosts incredible winter festivals, not to mention the opportunity to enjoy stunning hot springs called “onsens.”
- Switzerland: The Swiss Alps are an iconic winter destination located in Switzerland. There are plenty of adventurous activities to partake in during the winter, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
- Finland: Finland is renowned for its unique winter experiences, including snowy landscapes, reindeer sledding, and even the chance to meet Santa Claus. The northern part of Finland is also an ideal location to witness the Northern Lights.
How do you adventure in the winter?
Someone once said, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing,” which might be one of the most important things to remember when approaching outdoor activities in the winter. One of the best investments you could make to enjoy adventuring in the winter is to purchase warm activewear that will help you get out there in any weather! Some personal favorites include warm base layers, such as merino wool, followed by a fleece layer, a puffer jacket, and an outer shell to repel precipitation. Lastly, having proper footwear like winter or hiking boots, along with merino wool socks to keep your feet dry and warm, will make any adventure enjoyable!
Why is adventuring in the winter fun?
Adventuring in the winter can be fun for a variety of reasons, and some of our favorites include:
- Snow-covered Scenery: Nothing surpasses the beauty of snow-covered trees in the mountains. With a fresh layer of snow blanketing the winter landscape, everything becomes serenely quiet and quite enchanting.
- Serenity: Winter adventures bring a sense of peace and tranquility. The shorter, colder days tend to create a quieter environment, making it the perfect time for reflection and connecting with nature.
- Unique Experiences: Winter offers some unique experiences not found in other seasons. For instance, in certain areas, you have a higher chance of witnessing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) or trying out different activities such as dog sledding.
- Challenge and Achievement: Winter adventuring presents specific challenges not encountered in other seasons. Overcoming the cold weather, shorter days, deep snow, and icy terrain can be physically demanding, making it incredibly rewarding after a day of adventuring.
- Wildlife encounters: Each season brings a different selection of wildlife to experience. While adventuring in the mountains during the winter, you could encounter snowy owls, Arctic foxes, moose, and many more!
- Cozy Atmosphere: In addition to enjoying fun activities in the beautiful winter scenery, you can also cozy up and savor the simple pleasures of hot chocolates, candles, warm fires, and fuzzy blankets afterwards. There’s nothing quite like a cozy evening by the fire after a fun day of adventuring in the snow!
What winter activities are most popular?
Now getting into the good stuff.. The adventurous activities to do in the winter! Take a look at some of our favorite activities to experience once the snow starts to fly.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a popular winter activity that allows you to explore snowy landscapes while traversing deep snow with ease. It involves strapping a pair of snowshoes to your winter boots, preventing you from sinking into the snow. The best part is that it is inviting for any skill level.
Skating
When anyone thinks of Canada in the winter, they will likely think of hockey and ice skating. There are many ways to enjoy skating in the winter, including joining an outdoor game of shinny, skating on a frozen pond or lake, or trying out an outdoor trail like the infamous Whiteway in Invermere, British Columbia.
Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding
Downhill skiing or snowboarding are two popular winter sports that involve gliding down a snowy slope, each with its own distinct style. In Canada, there are SO many amazing ski resorts to enjoy in the winter, some of these being:
- Sunshine Village Ski Resort – Banff, Alberta
- Lake Louise Ski Resort – Lake Louise, Alberta
- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort – Golden, British Columbia
- Revelstoke Mountain Resort – Revelstoke, British Columbia
- Panorama Ski Resort – Invermere, British Columbia
- Red Mountain Ski Resort – Rossland, British Columbia
Fat Biking
Fat biking is an exciting adventurous activity to do in the winter, which has gained popularity in recent years, especially in mountain towns that offer challenging terrain and a significant amount of snow. It involves riding a specialized bike, known as a fat bike, equipped with larger tires than usual to enhance traction and stability on the slick snow. For the extra adventurous, you can even try fat biking in the dark with a headlamp!
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a traditional and popular winter sport that provides a unique way to explore the winter landscape. Unlike downhill skiing, which is done on a descending slope, cross-country skiing is executed on a flat surface, and you glide across it on thin skis. Cross-country, or XC skiing, is the perfect way to engage in cardio exercise during the dead of winter while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling might be thought of as an extreme winter sport; however, it can be enjoyed at a variety of skill levels. It is a great activity for venturing into the deep backcountry and escaping from the crowds. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride on this motorized vehicle as you explore the winter wonderlands!
Snow Tubing
Snow tubing is one of the best adventurous activities to do in the winter at any age. It involves sliding down a snow-covered slope in an inflatable tube, which is a lot of fun and exhilarating. The next time you are in Banff, check out Mt. Norquay Ski Resort for their snow tubing experience!
Visit a Natural Hot Springs
We can’t think of a better way to cap off any adventurous winter activity than taking a relaxing dip in a natural hot spring! Natural hot springs, also known as geothermal springs, are geological wonders that offer a lovely post-activity experience. Hot springs are created by the Earth’s internal heat, which is then brought to the surface to warm a body of water. Some natural hot springs to check out are,
- Banff Upper Hot Springs – Banff National Park
- Miette Hot Springs – Jasper National Park
- Radium Hot Springs – Kootenay National Park
Adios, Chicos!
Thanks for stopping by and checking out some of the best adventurous activities to do in the winter! Let us know some of your favorite activities to experience in the winter and don’t forget to subscribe for more!
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