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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — If you are a winter hater, it’s likely you are a summer-lover.
Think of all the things you love about the summer. It’s not the warmth alone you crave— it’s what that warmth allows you to do. During the summer, you can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, biking, camping, hiking and I’ll bet you can name 12 more things you love about summer off the top of your head.
Let’s reframe what cold snowy weather can allow us to do. Here’s a list of ways you can embrace winter this season.
Winter Running
The good news is you don’t have to succumb to the treadmill for the next four months. There is plenty of cold weather gear to keep you running year-round. (Check out Yaktrax, made to prevent running shoes from slipping on icy and uneven terrain.) Winter presents less sunlight in the mornings and evenings, but a headlamp and proper reflective gear can solve that problem. Get a buddy who is as crazy about running as you are and plan to meet them for some cold early morning runs this winter. Having a buddy will keep you committed, having the proper gear will keep you happy, comfortable and safe.
Snowshoeing
Most of the hiking trails you enjoyed in the summer can be utilized in the winter. The familiar trails won’t seem so familiar when they are blanketed in white and all the trees are laced with snow. It will turn into a whole new adventure. Snowshoeing is one of the more affordable winter hobbies. You can purchase a quality pair for about $150 or so. You can even rent a pair to see if you like it before you make the investment. The Bonneville Cycling Club actually arranges group snowshoeing excursions in the winter months in lieu of their group bike rides. Plus, it’s an easy skill to acquire. If you can hike, you can snowshoe.
Cross country skiing
If downhill skiing is not your cup of cocoa, you may want to give cross country skiing a try. The price tag for the skis and gear is significantly less and the workout is superb. Utah is ideal for cross country, or nordic skiing, as it has many groomed tracks specific for cross country use. The trails are easy to access and most are free of charge. The Utah Nordic Alliance has provided a list of all the groomed tracks in Utah along with maps and directions. This activity promises to have you breathing hard, sweating and enjoying the fresh air. You’ll forget all about the cold miserable components of winter that used to keep you inside.
Snow biking
You can bike in the snow! This trend is growing rapidly. The tires of a fat bike are thick and have a 4-5 inch surface area, made with traction specific to handle snowy conditions. Many of the same single tracks you shred in warmer seasons can now be conquered in the winter. Fat bikes, like all bikes, vary greatly in price. They can cost as little as $600 and go up from there, depending upon components and the material used to make the frame. You will need cold weather gear, clothes, gloves, shoes and so on. However, every cycling enthusiast looks for a worthy excuse to buy some new gear. Here’s your hall pass. You’re welcome.
Downhill skiing/snowboarding
This may be an obvious one, but there is a reason why skiers/boarders don’t curse the snow. If you can learn to love skiing or snowboarding (and it’s never too late to learn), you will look forward to Utah winters every single year. It may even become a bit of a sickness— as in every time it snows, you call in sick to the office because Utah powder is a virus you just can’t shake.
Ski Utah has a Learn to Ski Program that offers discounted lessons and rental packages for both children and adults at various resorts throughout the state. Don’t let the lack of sunlight in the winter leave you feeling like your only day to get out and recreate is Saturday. Most of these activities can be done with a headlamp, making it possible to enjoy weekday mornings and evenings.
As you get out and get moving, you’ll be able to connect to the season, enjoy the snow and look forward to taking part in some of your favorite activities and maybe even pick up a few news ones this year.
What's your favorite outdoor winter activity? Let us know in the comments.
