If you haven’t noticed, it’s cold. Really cold. Hibernation weather. The thought of going outside at all can seem daunting – you need to wear two pairs of pants (I recommend fleece lined leggings under everything!), jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves in order to not freeze to death (am I being dramatic? Maybe. But it’s cold!).
The cold doesn’t have to be the worst thing, though. There are plenty of fun things to do in the snow. And if you think about it, getting active in the winter justifies the ten hour Netflix marathon you participated in yesterday.
Following are some fun activities to do in the snow. Grab some friends, warm gloves, and gear!
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing probably requires the least amount of effort for things on this list. Strap on a pair of snowshoes and wander through the woods, a field, even the frozen lake. Snowshoes make walking on snow easy. If you want to get your heart rate pumping, don’t be afraid to venture up Stowe Pinnacle with some on!
Cross-Country Skiing
This sport uses all your muscles, which makes it great exercise. All you have to do is find a place that you can rent skis from and go! Bolton has great trails and rentals are pretty cheap ($22) and it’s not too far. Cross-country skiing will get your blood circulating and you will definitely feel like you’ve accomplished something. It’s also a great way to enjoy the beauty of Vermont.
Sledding
Sledding is a great group activity! The workout you get from climbing the hill, plus the exhilaration you get from zooming back down it, plus being with friends makes for a great experience! Don’t forget the hot cocoa after!
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Even if you’ve never tried to ski or snowboard, it’s never too late to learn. Many people up here are active skiers and snowboarders – they all have their favorite mountain and favorite trails. For the newbies, I recommend finding a friend that has gone before. That way, they can teach you!
Winter isn’t for everyone, but if you participate in these cold-weather activities, the season will fly by and leave you yearning for snow.