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Published: March 6th 2018
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If you’re a sports fan or outdoor enthusiast, the winter months offer a long list of awesome activities. Whether it’s skiing, snow tubing, or snowmobiling, the options for winter sports are truly endless. What’s great about the snow, too, is that there are sports available for all skill levels, abilities, ages, and interests. Let’s take a look at some of the best and most popular winter sports activities so you can discover which one is best for you.
Skiing/Snowboarding Perhaps the most popular winter sport out there, skiing and snowboarding offer something for everyone. You’ve heard of the “bunny hill” and the black diamond, which means there are slopes available for all ages and skill levels. More and more you see small children trying their hand at these popular winter sports. The younger you introduce kids to any activity, the sooner they’ll master and learn to love it.
Some important things to keep in mind when trying skiing or snowboarding is that it is a physically strenuous activity. It’s a lot of fun, don’t get me wrong, but you also need to be in pretty good shape if you plan to hit the slopes all day. The better shape you’re in, the easier you will move and stay on your feet. Because skiing is a cold weather activity, you’ll want to invest in the right gear which includes
goggles, gloves, pants, jacket, hat, and boots. If you’re not sure that you’ll like the sport, try renting or borrowing some of these items before purchasing.
Snow Tubing If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing or the whole idea of flying down a mountain strapped to one or two boards doesn’t sound fun to you, snow tubing is an awesome alternative and is offered at most ski resorts.
Like with any outdoor sport, you’ll want to dress warmly. Flying down those hills at high speeds is part of the excitement, but it also means cold air and snow whipping you in the face. Full-face masks are great for protecting you from the elements. Choose a snow tube that is the right size for you and has secure handles. Most snow tube courses are designed for riders to slide up snow walls and banks. Just be careful that you don’t gain so much momentum that your tube goes up and over the wall! Also, remember that there’s no real way to stop once you gain momentum on your tube. You can try dragging your feet, but you’ll likely be sent into a tailspin and end up on your back or butt. So start out slow and try faster runs once you’re more comfortable and in control.
Snowmobiling If you enjoy driving a vehicle that’s warm, fast, and fun, then snowmobiling is definitely the winter activity for you! Most snowmobiles are equipped with heated handles and even radios. You’ll enjoy a soft cushioned seat and being in control of an awesome machine that can reach speeds as high as 150 mph. With that being said, safety is a big factor when snowmobiling.
Whether you’re hitting the trails or ripping on your local ice, you need to remember that your snowmobile is a high-powered machine and operate it with caution. If you purchase a high-speed snowmobile it can even go as fast as 200 mph! Be aware of those vehicles around you and the conditions in which you’re riding. Even though most snowmobiles have heat, you’ll still need to dress warmly. After all, your body is exposed to the outside elements, so gloves, face protection, goggles, and layers are a must.
Ice Climbing This activity is not for the faint of heart. Ice climbing is every adrenaline junkies dream. Talk about pushing the limits! Scaling a frozen waterfall is pretty much as adventurous as it gets. Though, with the right gear and guide, it can be done by amateurs as well. But this is one winter sport where your guide and your equipment are the two most important elements of staying safe and having fun.
Some necessities for climbing include:
Mountaineering bootsCramponsIce axesHelmetHarness/Ropes
A guide will help you navigate the ice safely. Ice climbing isn’t just an adrenaline rush for some, but just like
rock climbing, it’s an excellent form of exercise. You’ll need great upper-body and core strength to scale the ice.
Ice Skating Ice skating is a much slower-paced winter activity, making it perfect for families, small children, and those who prefer not to travel at high speeds or down potentially treacherous hills. There are countless places to ice skate from indoor arenas to your local lakes, or even at
Rockefeller Center if you find yourself near NYC!
Ice skates come in all sizes for tiny skaters up to adults. You can invest in lessons if the mood strikes you, but for most people, ice skating is something to do for fun and falling down is part of the fun! If you want to add some excitement to this activity, whip out a puck and some sticks and start a game of hockey!
Ice Fishing Another popular and low-key winter sport, ice fishing is popular among many. You can enjoy the gorgeous winter scenery, long chats with friends and the excitement of the catch. You might even bring home dinner!
Like most winter sports, you’ll need some basic equipment for ice fishing including chairs, hand warmers, tents, and poles. You may want to bring along a bait bucket and another container to hold your bounty if you plan to keep what you catch. Bring along some refreshments and a radio and it’ll be like camping out on the frozen tundra. A lot of people spend the day ice fishing and bring along pretty
impressive tents that offer protection against the elements. Fishing is a peaceful and enjoyable activity all year round.
Something for Everyone The options are endless when it comes to winter sports. Whether you enjoy flying down a slope or taking it easy on a motorized vehicle, there are so many fun and awesome ways to get outside and get active in the winter. The most important thing to remember when participating in any outdoor activity is to stay safe, be prepared, and dress accordingly. Now get out there and have some frigid fun!
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