Winter Outdoor Activities

The outdoors should be explored in all four seasons of the year. Winter doesn’t stop the fun! Though the weather may be cold, the wind may be brisk, and the days may be shorter, there are still lots of winter outdoor activities to make the season a fulfilling and adventurous time. Here is a list of some of the best winter activities.

1. Snowboarding/skiing

Virginia has several spots within the Blue Ridge Mountains that consistently get snow every winter and make for a great day on the slopes. Topping the list of winter activities with snow, these sports are accessible for everyone no matter the experience level and can be a great way to get outdoors and exercise. It’s a great time to try something new or perfect an old skill.

2. Tubing

If you’d prefer to take a more leisurely trip to the slopes, tubing is another great winter activity with snow. Achieving the same thrill and adrenaline as snowboarding or skiing, tubing is even more accessible activity that anyone can do and have fun. This could be a great way to connect with friends and have a group activity.

3. Hiking

One of the best winter activities without snow (or with snow, if you’re lucky!), hiking is a great way to get out of the house and explore during the winter. Though the trees are bare, and the landscape looks different, there is something magical about hiking through the cold mountains and breathing in the crisp winter air. Waterfalls are a great hiking destination during winter because they are either frozen or stand out starkly against the surrounding barren woods. It’s a great way to keep up your fitness levels as well!

4. Camping

One of the coolest winter outdoor activities is camping. Don’t let the cold scare you, camping is a great pastime for the winter months. Everyone gets cabin fever eventually and a change of scenery may be much needed. Sitting around a roaring fire, looking up at the clear winter sky, and cuddling up with lots of blankets in your tent can make for a great weekend adventure. There is certainly a requirement to prepare accordingly for the low temperatures and ensure you camp safely, but when done correctly, it’s one of the coolest experiences. And if you’re lucky, it’ll snow!

5. Ice Fishing

Another fantastic winter outdoor activity to add to the list is ice fishing. When lakes freeze over, it opens up a whole new world for anglers. Drilling a hole in the ice, setting up your gear, and patiently waiting for a catch can turn a frozen lake into a serene fishing spot. It's a unique and tranquil experience that adds to the variety of winter adventures.

6. Trip planning

The adventuring certainly doesn’t have to stop during winter, but sometimes it’s the perfect time to slow down and think about the future. One of the best winter activities is planning trips for later in the year. Sometimes, after participating in lots of winter outdoor activities, it’s time to grab a hot drink, wrap yourself in a blanket, open your laptop, and plan what kind of adventures you’d like to do in the warmer months. It’s very fun to find and research new destinations and make the best of the slower time of the year.

Though winter poses its challenges, it can also be a fantastic time to try new things, push your limits, rest, and plan for the future.