The winter of 2021 will be a little different for most people, while planning your winter vacation, going on a ski vacation is not your only option. In fact, there are many different ways you can enjoy winter and keep the winter spirit without going to your favorite ski hill. Some of those options may even be accessible closer to home and may not require as much travel. Whether you live in a mountain town with easy access to the ski resort or have to travel to go skiing, this guide can help you diversify your winter activities while still having lots of fun and making the most out of the cold and snowy weather. 

Snowshoeing

Rising in popularity and accessible to a lot of people, snowshoeing is becoming more and more trendy and isn’t your grandparent’s favorite activity anymore. Plus, you can go out with friends and family and with all levels of physical fitness. Some regions have created snowshoe specific trails and many hiking trails would also be suitable for this activity. Even your Sunday walk can turn into your new snowshoeing trail with a bit of snow. Some warm winter clothing, poles, and a pair of snowshoes will get you started quickly. Most ski rental shops rent snowshoes in case you don’t want to commit to the investment on your first try. You can also go snowshoeing while the weather is not great on the hill or if you want to take a rest day from skiing or snowboarding. 

Fat biking

You read it right, biking not just a summer activity, fat bikes allow you to keep biking during the winter months. This is another way you can keep exploring the trails in the winter, you can rent fat bikes at ski or bike shops.  Mountain towns have embraced this newer activity, some trails have been designed for this use, check out the local nordic skiing center or already existing biking trails. Biking in the winter used to be sketchy and slippery, but fat bikes made it a whole lot more enjoyable. As a bonus you’ll be able to burn your Christmas calories in no time as this is a great workout, if your gym is closed consider going fat biking. 

Cross country skiing

Maybe less accessible outside of mountain towns, cross country skiing is super fun. There is a reason why professional cross country skiers are amongst the fittest athletes, but, don’t be fooled this sport is truly for all levels of skills. Plus, this is a great activity to do with kids. While the ski hill often gets crowded, the nordic center is usually much less busy. 

Apres

Not skiing at the hill does not mean you can’t do Apres. Winter would be a thing without Apres in many parts of the world, so make sure you find yourself a sweet bar that offers happy hour and hot chocolate with baileys around a campfire on a patio. A cozy blanket, a warm hat, and mittens will turn your experience into memories. You can even set it up in your backyard or on the tailgate of your truck. And remember, it is never too early or too late in the day to start your Apres. This is a great activity (yes it is an activity) to do anywhere and when travel restrictions are in effect. Cook up some mulled wine at home or order one at the bar, you are set for a good time. 

Ice skating on a frozen lake

Canadian winters are famous for being (really) cold, with most lakes covered with a thick layer of ice it makes it ideal for the ultimate outdoor ice rink. Grab yourself some ice skate and go check out your surrounding lakes. You will be surprised how many people are skating on those lakes. Before you get on the ice make sure it is thick enough, it should be a minimum of 4 inches. Bring some hockey sticks, a puck or two, and some friends. Winter isn’t complete without skating on a frozen lake. Insider note, Invermere, BC has the longest ice skating trail on a lake, if you are in the region I would highly consider checking it out. 

Hot springs

Don’t store your bathing suit away for the winter. Hot springs are often hidden gems in the mountain and little information can be found on natural hot springs. Though there are quite a few around Nelson and Nakusp in the Kootenay region of BC. Commercial hot springs are also great and in most cases much easier to access. There is nothing better than soaking in a hot natural water hole somewhere in the mountains with snow falling from the sky.

With this, you will be able to enjoy winter in so many different ways. Get outside, have fun, bring some friends along. Winter has so much to offer aside from skiing or boarding at the resort.