17 Snow pleasures to enjoy winter

Whether you’re a seasoned skier or someone who just wants to feel the crunch of fresh snow underfoot, there’s snow-filled fun for everyone.

The arrival of winter is not only a reason to wrap yourself in a warm blanket, but also a great opportunity to plunge into winter fun!

Who said winter fun needs to be complicated? Grab an inflatable tube let gravity take over. But if you are already bored with skiing and skating, and snowball fights are starting to seem routine, then get ready to discover something new!

And once the sun sets, it’s time to indulge in the cozy side of winter. Gather around a crackling fire with a steaming cup of hot chocolate or spiced mulled wine. Share stories, warm your hands, and soak in the magic of the snowy scenery.

17 Big and small snow pleasures to enjoy winter

Winter is here, and it’s time to dive into a world of snowy adventures! Imagine gliding down powdery slopes with the wind in your hair, carving up the mountains on skis or a snowboard. For thrill-seekers, snowmobiling delivers high-speed excitement through frosty trails and frozen lakes.

Winter fun isn’t just about speed and sweat! Experience the pure joy of tubing – an inflatable, laugh-out-loud ride down a snowy hill that’s perfect for all ages. If you prefer something more serene, grab a pair of snowshoes and explore the pristine winter wilderness, where every step feels like walking on a snowy cloud.

How about a touch of tradition? Hop onto a dog sled, where eager huskies whisk you through stunning snow-covered landscapes. For a unique adventure, try ice climbing – conquer towering frozen waterfalls and channel your inner adventurer.

The choice is yours!

Snow Fun for Every One!

Snow fun isn’t just for pros carving up black diamond slopes. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or someone who just wants to feel the crunch of fresh snow underfoot, there’s a snow-filled adventure for everyone.

1

Making a Snowman: Remembering Your Childhood

The modern name of the snowman appeared in the 18th century in German. In 1770, a collection of children’s songs was published in Leipzig, which included the song “Schneemann”. After that, the word “snowman” was established in the English language.

When you say the word snowman, you imagine a funny little man made of snow, symbolizing the arrival of winter and the New Year.

2

Tubing: Simple Joy, Maximum Fun

Who said winter fun needs to be complicated? Grab an inflatable tube, find a snow-covered hill, and let gravity take over. Tubing is perfect for families and groups looking for a laugh-filled day.

3

Tobogganing and Luging: Speed for All Ages

Tobogganing and luging offer high-speed thrills on snow-covered tracks. While tobogganing is a family-friendly activity perfect for all ages, luging involves navigating specialized courses at exhilarating speeds. Iconic luge tracks like those in St. Moritz or Lake Placid provide unforgettable experiences.

4

Snowshoeing: Walking on Winter’s Carpet

Snowshoes are one of the oldest devices for moving on snow. They are much shorter and wider than skis and made of frost-resistant plastic.. Snowshoeing lets you explore quiet trails, pristine forests, and frozen lakes at your own pace. All you need is a pair of snowshoes, some layers to keep warm, and a spirit of exploration. Popular among nature lovers, it’s a perfect way to connect with winter’s serenity. No learning lessons required!

5

Dog Sledding: The Call of the Wild

Harness the energy of eager huskies as you glide across snowy expanses in a traditional dog sled. Huskies are friendly dogs that know their business very well. They are energetic and hardy – huskies can easily run about 50 kilometers a day. A dog sled usually consists of six to eight dogs, and they can handle the load of a sled and a passenger. The dogs obey the driver – the musher – so the ride is very safe. The speed of the sled is about 30 km/hour.

Feel the rush of cold air on your face and the thrill of working alongside these incredible animals. It’s an unforgettable journey into nature’s untouched beauty.

6

Snowmobiling: Speed through Snow

For adrenaline junkies, snowmobiling delivers high-speed excitement through forests, over frozen lakes, and up snowy mountains. Guided tours are widely available, so you can experience the exhilaration without needing to navigate on your own.

7

Snowkiting

For those who crave speed and wind, snowkiting combines skiing or snowboarding with the thrill of being pulled by a kite. It’s an exciting way to experience wide-open snowfields or frozen lakes.

In essence, snowkiting is a type of sailing, but you move not on water, but on snow, and is pulled not by a sail in the usual sense, but by a kite. It has to be a large open area such as snow-covered fields or frozen lakes. Snowkiting uses snowkiteboards and special skis, but if you don’t have them, alpine skis or a twin-tip snowboard will do. According to professionals, mastering snowkiting is not difficult, especially if you have already skied or boarded. Literally, after a couple of hours of training, beginners can do their first tacks – this is the name of the direction of the athlete’s movement relative to the wind. Of course, you need a good instructor, but finding a snowkiting school is not a problem now.

8

Windsurfing on Snow

Feeling free and windy in your sails – it’s possible in winter too! Experience the world of ice sailing on frozen lakes and bays.

9

Northern Lights Hunting: the Amazing Natural Phenomena

The Northern Lights are one of the amazing natural phenomena that people really hunt for. However, it’s not that easy to see Aurora Borealis – you need patience and special conditions. The lights appear during strong solar activity and are visible in clear skies.

Before you go, check the weather and Northern Lights forecast and if the Lady Luck supposed to be on your side, then bundle up, take a thermos with a hot drink, and charge the batteries in your phones. Most likely, you won’t miss the moment when the sky flares with red-blue-green lights. It’s magic!

By the way, you do not have to “hunt” for the Northern Lights on your own – you can go on a tour with a local guide.

Snow Fun for Sport Enthusiasts

Snow sports are more than just physical activities – they’re a lifestyle. The crisp mountain air, the sound of snow crunching underfoot, the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts, and the après-ski traditions all combine to create an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re speeding down a slope, gliding across a frozen lake, or simply marveling at the snowy scenery, snow sports connect you to the beauty of winter in a way that nothing else can. So grab your gear and let the snow-filled adventures begin!

10

Skiing: The Classic Winter Sport

Skiing is the quintessential snow sport that draws millions of people to mountain resorts worldwide. Whether you’re an alpine racer chasing speed or a beginner learning to navigate gentle bunny slopes, skiing offers something for everyone.

Types of Skiing:

• Alpine Skiing: Downhill skiing on marked trails with groomed snow.
• Freestyle Skiing: Jumps, tricks, and aerial maneuvers on specially designed terrain.
• Backcountry Skiing: Off-piste skiing in untouched snow, often requiring specialized gear and avalanche training.

Popular destinations like Aspen, Whistler Blackcomb, and Chamonix cater to all levels, ensuring that every skier can find their perfect slope.

11

Snowboarding: The Cool Kid on the Slopes

For those who prefer a single board, snowboarding offers a thrilling alternative to skiing. With its origins in surfing and skateboarding, snowboarding brings a fresh, dynamic energy to the mountains.

Types of Snowboarding:

• Freeride: Exploring varied terrains, from powder bowls to steep descents.
• Freestyle: Performing tricks on rails, jumps, and half-pipes.
• Alpine Snowboarding: High-speed carving on groomed trails.

Resorts with dedicated snowboard parks, such as Mammoth Mountain in California or St. Moritz in Switzerland, provide ideal playgrounds for boarders.

12

Cross-Country Skiing: A Workout in Snowy Serenity

For those who love both fitness and the beauty of snowy landscapes, cross-country skiing is the perfect blend. Unlike downhill skiing, cross-country trails are flatter and more scenic, winding through forests, meadows, and frozen lakes.

This sport offers a fantastic full-body workout while immersing participants in nature’s tranquility. Popular cross-country destinations include Vermont’s Trapp Family Lodge and Finland’s vast Nordic ski trails.

Snow Fun for the Daredevils!

13

Snowshoe Racing: A Modern Twist on a Classic

Snowshoeing isn’t just a leisurely activity; for those seeking competition, snowshoe racing turns it into a high-intensity sport. Races take place on groomed trails and wild terrains, offering a unique challenge in stunning winter settings.

14

Ski Jumping: Defying Gravity

One of the most dramatic snow sports, ski jumping combines technical skill with the bravery of launching into the air. While it’s not a recreational sport for most, witnessing it in person – at venues like the Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Norway – can be awe-inspiring.

15

Ice Climbing: Scaling Frozen Heights

Yes, yes, forget about standard winter entertainment – today we invite you to go to the exciting world of unusual snow adventures – ice climbing!

Ice climbing is an exhilarating activity that challenges both physical strength and mental focus. Using crampons, ice axes, and ropes, climbers ascend frozen waterfalls, icy cliffs, and glacial formations. It’s a sport for the adventurous at heart and can be enjoyed in destinations like the Canadian Rockies or the Italian Dolomites.

16

Experience Adrenaline Rush of Snow and Ice Canoeing

The Canoe has been and is a way of life for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada especially in vast wilderness areas. The Canadian Canoe is not only the most versatile and reliable mode of transportation, it is a symbol of community and connection.

Imagine speeding down not fast-flowing rivers, but snow-covered hills – that’s the innovative way to ride a snow canoe. At the Mont Tremblant ski resort in Quebec, Canada, you can feel the adrenaline rush of conquering snow waves in this unique vehicle.

Originally, only men could participate in ice canoeing because of the conditions and the type of ice formed in the river. The first women’s team competed in 1966, as part of the men’s race, but today there are dedicated elite women that can do it.

17

Freeriding and Heli-Skiing

Freeriding, the art of skiing or snowboarding in unmarked and ungroomed areas, attracts those who crave the freedom of untouched snow. Heli-skiing takes freeriding to the next level, with a helicopter dropping you into remote alpine terrains. Alaska’s Chugach Mountains and Canada’s Selkirk Range are premier destinations for these heart-racing adventures.

The Cozy Side of Winter: Hot Chocolate and Mulled Wine

The magic of winter doesn’t stop when the snow activities end. Winter isn’t just about high-energy sports – it’s also about finding joy in the little things. Après-ski culture is all about gathering around a roaring fire with a warm drink in hand. Sip on creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, or savor a steaming mug of mulled wine infused with spices. Add in snowy views, you’ve got pure bliss.

Enjoy the snow season!