In the winter it’s a lot more tempting to stay inside because of the dreary, cold weather. Resist this urge because there are so many fun winter activities to try. We may not feel fortunate to experience Canadian winters but we’re so lucky to be able to participate in so many outdoor sports. Getting bundled up and heading outside for some fun winter activities is a great way to liven up this somewhat dark and dreary season. Throw on your parka, gloves, hat and snow pants, here are the best activities to try this winter:
Hockey
Nothing is as uniquely Canadian as hockey. It might seem difficult but it’s fairly simple. There’s also a lot of gear to protect you from any slips and falls. For beginners, we highly recommend wearing all the padding when you first start out to avoid any injuries. If you’re a more advanced player, all you need to play a quick pick-up game is sticks, a puck and some goal posts. The rules are basically just shoot and score. If you’ve never tried hockey, be patriotic this winter, lace up your skates and head out on the ice.
Skating
If you’re not up to the challenge of hockey, try out skating first. Learning to skate is the first step in playing hockey. There are plenty of outdoor rinks scattered around Southern Ontario where you can practice. There are always a lot of people on the ice of all different skill levels. It’s all part of the fun to take a few tumbles. Skating is also a fantastic cardio workout. Even if you’re not a professional, you’ll likely burn some calories laughing at how much you look like Bambi.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding is probably the most thrilling winter activity. Whether you’re just going down the bunny hill or rushing down a double black diamond trail, nothing beats the rush. It requires a great center of gravity and some balancing skills so if you’ve got that, you’re set. If you’ve ever surfed or skateboarded, you’ll likely be able to pick it up in no time. Start out by practicing on some of the smaller hills then you’ll eventually be able to work your way up to the mountain. Snowboarding is the ideal sport for the adventurous ones and adrenaline junkies among us.
Skiing
If being strapped onto a board and going down a hill is too intimidating, try the more traditional sport of skiing. You’ll be in more control of your movements but have the same amount of thrill. Skiing is a classic winter activity that people have partaken in around the world for centuries. There are several different types of skiing from cross country to alpine to Nordic. There’s something for everyone when it comes to this sport. If you’ve never learned the “pizza” stop and “French fry” go, hit the slopes this winter.
Snowshoeing
For a low impact winter activity that will still engage your core strength, strap on some snowshoes. It’s a fantastic way to go on a lovely winter hike without constantly getting snow up to your knees and in your boots. Plenty of ski hills and resorts have trails for snowshoers. You could also just bring a pair to your local park on a snowy day.
Tobogganing/Sledding
If you live near a lot of snowy hills, bring out your snowsuits and toboggan or sled. Sledding is always a lot of fun. It’s the easiest activity to do on this list. The only skill it requires is a little bit of balance. Just ensure that the hill you’re going down is nice and smooth so you don’t hurt yourself on any bumps.
Here are some extra fun activities you can do in your own backyard on snowy days with the whole family or your friends:
- Have a snowball fight
- Make snow people
- Build a snow fort
- Form snow angels
At Love Your Gear, we’ll make sure everything you need to have fun during the winter months is in the best possible shape it can be. We have a wide variety of gear and equipment cleaning services from hockey equipment to ski and snowboard gear to any specialty snow gear. Contact us today to make sure you have everything you need to partake in all the best winter activities this upcoming snowy season.