Think winter has to be synonymous with being stuck inside, bored, and frozen?
Think again! Not only is winter not boring — it’s actually the only time you can participate in some of our favorite outdoor activities. And yes, that includes things other than skiing (although we certainly love skiing, too!)
There’s nothing like the way the world looks all dusted over in ice and snow. So if you want to participate in the winter wonderland waiting for you, all you’ve got to do is prepare yourself a little by investing in a solid pair of snow boots, a cozy pair of waterproof gloves or mittens, and, of course, an excellent winter coat.
So, all suited up and ready to show the world that you ain’t afraid of no snow? Here’s our list of some of our favorite things to do in winter, no matter how freezing cold the day might be. (In fact… the colder, the better!)
Fun Winter Activities
There are so many fun things to do in the winter that would be totally impossible without snow! Here are some of the best places to go and activities to try, whether you’re traveling with your family, your kids, or your best friend.
1. Build a snowman.
The best outdoor winter activities aren’t necessarily the most expensive. If you’re looking for cheap but exciting things to do in the wintertime, why not get back to basics… and build a snowman? You’ll be happy to see your snowy sentinel waiting for you every time you get back to camp, and if your kids have never experienced the fun of building their very own snow buddy yet, they’ll cherish the memory of their first snowman for years to come.
2. Make snow angels.
Simple? Yes. But surprisingly fun. There’s a reason this activity has been on winter to-do lists since time immemorial — and it certainly doesn’t get much easier!
Exciting Things to Do in Winter
Looking for something a little more adventurous this season? Here are a few suggestions.
3. Have a snowball fight.
When you’re thinking of outdoor things to do in winter, it won’t take long for someone to bring up this must-do activity. Snowball fights are the best kinds of fights: friendly, fun, and full of laughter. Plus, the whole family can easily participate. Just make sure not to aim for anyone’s face!
4. Try out some “extreme” winter sports.
From skiing to snowboarding, there are tons of winter sports and games to try out while the powder’s fresh and ready. Even if you’ve never done it before, don’t worry — everyone was a beginner at some point, and the only way to learn is to try!
Many ski areas feature gentle beginner slopes and quick lessons to get you up on your feet the first time, as well as employing staff whose full-time job is to ensure that skiers are safe and comfortable. (And besides, even if you discover it’s not for you, there’s nothing like watching skiers zip down the slopes as you enjoy a nice hot cocoa in the lodge!)
To get you started on your winter sports adventure, check out our list of the best ski areas for RVers to visit, as well as these 12 ski resorts that allow overnight RV parking. Tips up!
Must Do Winter Activities
Here are some more outside winter activities you don’t want to miss out on this season.
5. Zip down those snowy slopes.
You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to take part in a toboggan race — or even just a leisurely trip down the hillside. In fact, small, portable sleds are actually available surprisingly cheaply; you can find them for less than $50 a piece on Amazon! What a fun and easy way to enjoy the winter landscape.
6. Take a hike.
Hey, the song doesn’t talk about “walking in a winter wonderland” for nothing! Although hiking is commonly considered a spring or summer activity, don’t knock winter wandering until you’ve tried it. The trails look totally different all decked out in white, and as long as you have a decent set of waterproof hiking boots and enough cozy layers on, it shouldn’t be too much more difficult than it is in warmer weather.
7. Enjoy a hot spring.
As far as relaxing things to do in winter, thawing out in a naturally-heated pool is pretty much the top of the list. Especially if you’re camping out west, there are tons of places to take advantage of this one-of-a-kind winter experience. And trust us, even a mediocre hot spring, if such a thing even exists, is guaranteed to blow any hot tub you’ve ever been to out of the water. (Pun totally intended.)
8. Go ice skating.
Whether it’s on a naturally frozen pond or in a rink, ice skating is a fun winter activity that will make you remember muscles long forgotten. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be able to do a triple axel or lutz (or spin like the athlete in the image above) to make it fun and rewarding.
Just make sure that if you are skating on a natural body of water, you know for sure it’s frozen solid. Nothing is less fun or more dangerous than falling into a freezing cold pond.
Healthy Things to Do in Winter
Staying active during the coldest part of the year is one of the best ways to head off illness and take care of that much-maligned winter weight gain everyone talks about — not to mention keeping a smile on your face even during the darkest months. Moving your body and enjoying the great outdoors at the same time is one of the very best parts of living… and one of the reasons many of us turned to the rugged, outdoorsy RV lifestyle in the first place.
So what are you waiting for? Get on out there and enjoy what winter has to offer! Trust us, the cold really isn’t so bad — at least, it never bothered us, anyway. 😉
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