9 Ways To Get Outside This Winter

Everyone loves being outside in the spring, summer and fall for good reason. The weather is usually pleasant, you don’t have to wear a million layers, and the air doesn’t hurt your face. Sounds lovely! But hear me out: despite the air not turning your face into a red, frozen tomato of pain in the warmer seasons, they also bring crowds and bugs into the best outdoor spots. Don’t lose out on a quarter of the year by staying indoors– winter outdoor recreation is just as good, if not better than its summertime counterpart. 

Of course, winter recreation can be a completely different beast than the other parts of the year depending on where you live and the severity of the weather. Not only is there snow to contend with, but winter can change water levels and size of waves on lakes and oceans. Winter brings unconventional water sports like wintertime wind surfing on the Great Lakes! If you’re looking for a less extreme way to get outside in the winter, check out some of the ideas below. 

Snowshoeing. Snowshoes can be rented at many state parks or other popular recreation areas in the winter. Snowshoes simply upgrade your hiking game by making it easier to stay on top of the snow (“floatation”). There is less wading and trudging through deep and cumbersome snow with the aid of snowshoes. You can use them on just about any other hiking trail, but be sure to stay off to the side or avoid groomed cross-country ski trails (snowshoe tracks can degrade the quality of the trail). Try adding a pair of ski poles to make your trek even more efficient. 

Ice Fishing. Whether you prefer to pop panfish out of the weeds or set up a luxurious shanty to camp out in for the weekend, ice fishing can be whatever floats your boat… err… actually, scratch that–no boats required. Check out lake maps and use the topography there for locating the ideal spots to fish. 

Cross-country Skiing. Cross-country skiing can be done on specially groomed trails for XC skiers, or more choose-your-own-adventure in ungroomed areas like rail trails or gradually sloping hiking trails. Skiing can be good exercise and is a good way to switch up the muscles you use from hiking and walking. If you are new to the sport and plan to purchase your own XC ski gear, it would be wise to work with a professional to be sure you’re buying the right type and fit of skis for your needs. Boots, bindings and skis all need to work together for you to have a quality setup.

Trapping. Winter is the best time to get back to your mountain-man/woman roots and spend some time running some traps. Drowner sets and footholds are easy to run early in the season before the ice really sets in, but trapping in the snow is a great time to look for tracks and do some under-ice trapping, as well. 

Wildlife Watching and Tracking. Many hunters swear by late winter as being the best time to scout for next year’s hunting season. Tracks and bedding areas are obvious in the snow cover, and you are still able to see the rubs from areas used by bucks during the previous fall’s rut. Winter is a great time to spot wildlife because they will often be out in the open foraging for food in the daylight, and there is less cover blocking your view of these animals. Spending some time exploring the woods in the winter can provide a ton of insight about who’s using your woods and how.

Snowmobiling. Winter power sports are a huge industry in snowy places, and a snowmobiling trip is a fun way to get outside and check out some different towns and scenery. 

Winter camping. Winter camping takes a lot more preparedness in the safety department and requires more gear than summer camping, but it is definitely worth trying. Building a fire and spending the night in the snowy woods can’t be beat as far as memorable experiences go! Do your research and be sure to take all the necessary safety precautions before heading out. 

Ice skating. Ice skates don’t have to confine you to a boring rink. Get creative and hit up local lakes and ponds, or even not-so-local lakes and ponds (think higher elevation frozen lakes you’ll have to yourself). Ice skates are easily portable so some creativity can go a long way when thinking up fun and unique locations to skate or even play a game of hockey. 

Photography. Winter photos are some of my favorite, especially after a fresh snow. Everything is transformed into a beautiful photographer’s paradise and provides the opportunity to capture some really cool and unique ice formations, frozen waterfalls and macro photos of snowflakes.

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