11 Ways to Get Outside This Winter

By Molly Herber

Dec 16, 2015

smiling person sleds down a hill in a spray of snow
Photo by Kristen Lovelace.

We know it's chilly outside, but all that snow (if you live in a place that gets snow) is the perfect opportunity for you to get outside and play!

Can't think of anything to do beyond watching episode 246 of whatever television series you're on? Here are a few ideas.

Learn a new skill

Image from GIPHY.

You do get style points.
 

Visit a hot spring

NOLS participants enjoying a hot spring in the Gila Wilderness
Photo by Jared Steinman.

No hot springs nearby? A hot tub or bathtub will work just as well.

Make snow angels

Smiling NOLS participant makes a snow angel
Photo by Annemarie Vocca.

How refreshing!

Have a winter fashion show

NOLS participant with fluorescent jacket and brightly colored tights models winter fashion Photo by Lindsay Yost.

The more colors, the better.

Go winter camping 

snow-covered mountain range at sunrise seen from a tent on a NOLS winter course Photo by Eli Cherner.

Imagine waking up to this gorgeous view! Don't know how to winter camp? Check out a winter course with NOLS.

Choose a Classic:

sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, or snowboarding

NOLS participant backcountry skis down a slope in a spray of powder Photo by Brian Fabel.

#throwback

Make snowcones

(also appropriate for non-snowy winters) 

smiling NOLS instructor carries snowcones to her students on July 4th Photo by Brooks Eaton.
 

Watch a holiday light show

Image from GIPHY. 
 

Make a snow fort

NOLS snowshelter and snow kitchen on a winter night in the Wyoming Range
Photo by Fredrik Norrsell.
 

Build a snowperson/ creature

Image from GIPHY.
 

Shovel your neighbor’s driveway and sidewalk

Image from GIPHY.

This is a great way to earn some gold stars.

Have fun out there, no matter what you do!

smiling person tries to catch snowflakes on her tongue Photo by Kristen Lovelace.
 

Take a winter course with NOLS

[Editor's Note: Blog post updated 12/06/2018]
Related Posts
12 Gifts to Give Your Favorite NOLSie
How to Sleep Warm Outside This Winter
How Not to Get Frostbite
Molly Herber

Written By

Molly Herber

Molly is a NOLS instructor and writer. She loves the smell of her backpack and does her best writing before 7:00 am. When she's not scouting the next post for the NOLS Blog, she's running and climbing on rocks in Wyoming. Follow her on Instagram @mgherber

Recommended

Up Next

Close up of open water bottles around a boiling pot of water

Do Hot Drinks Really Warm You Up?

Making Hot Drinks
Photo by Charlotte Klein.

One thing I love about cold weather is drinking hot drinks. When I’m cold, it seems like all I can think about is holding that steaming cup, and as soon as I start sipping I feel an instant shot of heat to my chilly bones.

But does that cup of tea, coffee or backcountry cocoa actually make me warmer?

The answer is: it depends.

Read More