Winter is upon us, and between a little cabin fever and New Year’s resolutions to get out and do more, we have some motivation to get out of the house, but the cold weather and snow can put a damper on those plans. So what can we do to keep our sense of adventure and outdoor spirit alive, not to mention have some fun and exercise? While there are some oldies but goodies, like snow skiing, going to the gym, and playing indoor sports like soccer and basketball, there are also some fantastic, less traditional options that are worth a try.
One of my personal favorites is climbing at an indoor rock gym. It’s fun, great for all ages, easy to try, and with climbing rating systems, it’s fun and easy to track your progress and challenge yourself to work toward more climbs/routes and loftier (no pun intended) goals. The local climbing gym will provide you (for a small rental fee) with everything you need, including harnesses, shoes, and some basic training, though it’s always fun to get more involved in a sport and get your own gear. You can find a harness and shoes (and maybe a chalk bag to keep your hands dry and grippy) for under $100.
The climbing gym also provides classes on belaying (the person who hold the other end of the rope to support the climber in case of a fall and to lower them back down to the ground after a climb), which is a great skill to learn and a confidence builder. They will likely offer other, more advanced classes that you can work up to if you like. You can learn things like lead climbing, anchor building, gear use and placement, and if you’re lucky, you might find a gym with an indoor, simulated ice climbing wall, which is its own style of climbing and adventure. You would get to use real ice axes and crampons (the spikes attached to your shoes) to ascend a real or fake sheet of ice. It’s pretty great!
One of the great payoffs of joining a gym is that you can then take your new climbing skills and use them in the great outdoors on a real rock face once things warm up a bit. Check out Getting Started Rock Climbing at Rei.com to get some basic lingo and background info as well as advice on gear.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy option, a snowshoe hike might be more up you alley. There’s nothing like the peace and pleasure you experience from the silence of the woods, broken only by the crunching of snow under your feet and the occasional snow dropping from the trees. A hike in the woods is something that should be enjoyed in every season, but making the effort to do it in the winter, with the snow-covered landscape looking like a foreign land, is a special treat. Don’t forget to look for animal tracks, check out the icicles hanging from tree branches, and gaze up at the sky through the snowy pine, oak, or birch branches.
Ice fishing, curling, and even luge are some unique options, though they might be better explored with the help of people who have some prior experience and the right equipment. Yes, I did say luge! There are a few places with Luge tracks open to the public. So, be adventurous and give the icy slide a shot or spend some quiet time talking with friends on a frozen lake waiting for the fish to bite (it’s exciting when they do!).
If you do get out try any of these winter sports or expeditions, send some pictures. We’d love to see you in action!
Finally, use the resources in your area. Check out local outdoor social clubs, university outdoor clubs, YMCAs, JCCs, and other community groups for organized trips or just great locations, parks, and ideas that you can use yourself. And don’t forget to get out the sled or toboggan and shoot down a great hill, build a snowman or ice fort, find a local sheet of ice and play some hockey or broom ball, and simply find the bright side of snowy winter.
All that being said, we can’t wait to get back to camp for another summer of friends, fun and games, and summer time adventures! See you there!
