Winter sports include a variety of competitive and recreational activities that take place on snow or ice. Common winter activities include skiing, ice skating, and sledding, which have been enjoyed by people in cold regions for generations. The Winter Olympics features a wide array of these sports, including biathlon, bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, and various forms of skating such as figure skating and speed skating.
In addition to traditional sports, there are also unique outdoor winter activities like snowshoeing, ski biking, and ice fishing, which offer diverse experiences for enthusiasts. Overall, winter sports provide an exciting way to engage with the cold season, promoting both competition and leisure in snowy environments.
From sledding and tubing to building a snowman or going on a winter hike, there are so many ways to enjoy the season as a family. This year, instead of hibernating until spring, make winter memories to last for years to come. The season is short, so take advantage of the snow while you can!
Activities with Kids in winter?
Winter offers a variety of engaging activities to keep kids entertained, whether indoors or outdoors. For indoor fun, creative projects like making salt dough decorations, baking gingerbread cookies, and crafting snow globes are excellent options. Children can also enjoy artistic pursuits such as painting, drawing, and various crafts that can captivate their attention for hours.
Hit the Slopes for Skiing and Snowboarding
Hitting the slopes is a perfect family winter activity. Skiing and snowboarding are challenging yet thrilling sports that people of all ages can enjoy.
To get started, you’ll need to gather some essential gear. For skiing, you’ll want comfortable snow pants, a warm jacket, gloves, a hat, and waterproof boots. You’ll also need skis, poles, and bindings which you can rent at most resorts. For snowboarding, you’ll want similar clothing along with a snowboard and bindings. Protective gear like helmets, wrist guards, and impact shorts are also a good idea for newbies.
Once you’ve got the gear, head to your local ski resort. Popular spots often offer family-friendly amenities like kid’s lessons, childcare, and easy beginner slopes. Let the little ones start on the bunny hill with an instructor while the adults head to more advanced runs. Or sign everyone up for a group lesson to learn together.
After a day hitting the slopes, kick back and enjoy some hot cocoa or a warm meal. Many resorts have on-site lodging, dining, and entertainment options for a complete winter getaway.
Go Sledding or Tubing Down Snowy Hills
Sledding and tubing are classic snow day activities for families. Grab some sleds or inflatable tubes and head to a hilly area free of obstacles. Look for spots with a clear run-out at the bottom in case you pick up some speed!
Some tips to keep in mind:
Dress for snow play in waterproof snow pants, coats, hats, gloves, and insulated boots. You’ll get wet and cold quickly otherwise!
For little ones, a plastic sled with runners or a tube with handles gives them something to hold onto. Have them sit facing backward down the hill at first.
Bigger kids and adults can use sleds, tubes or toboggans. Tubes tend to go faster, while toboggans can fit a few people.
Walk up and slide down less steep hills to start. Once you get the hang of it, you can try steeper hills. But never go down anything too extreme.
Steer by dragging one foot or both in the snow. Shift your weight for minor course corrections. Expect to crash at some point – it’s part of the fun!
Take breaks to warm up. Bring thermoses of hot chocolate or coffee to share.
You can get quite a speed going, so avoid crowded hills and give other sliders plenty of space. Never slide into an area where you can’t see other people.
- Ski goggles | SWANS
- Build a Snowman or Go Snowshoeing
- Build a Snowman
There’s nothing quite like making a new frosty friend with your kids. Start by rolling three balls of snow for the base, torso, and head. Decorate your pal with sticks, rocks, carrots and a scarf. Get creative and give your snowman a unique personality. The kids will have a blast and make memories they’ll cherish for years.
Go Snowshoeing
If you want to get some exercise and experience the winter wonderland, consider snowshoeing. Snowshoeing allows you to explore snow-covered trails by distributing your weight so you can walk on top of deep snow. All ages and skill levels can participate, so it’s ideal for families. The kids will surely enjoy spotting animal tracks and hiking through the peaceful woods.
Some tips for your winter adventure:
- Dress in warm, waterproof layers including snow pants, coats, hats, gloves, and insulated boots.
- Bring snacks, water, a thermos with hot cocoa or cider, and a basic first aid kit.
- Keep a close eye on children at all times. Snowshoeing and playing in deep snow can be tiring for little ones.
- Consider getting kid-sized snowshoes for small children to make it easier for them. Some places rent snowshoes for toddlers and preschoolers.
- Bring a sled, toboggan or saucer so the kids can slide down hills along the trail. They’ll love zooming down and climbing back up!
- Build in time for breaks to rest, have a snack or warm up in the lodge. Pace yourself according to the age of your kids.
- Most of all, have fun and embrace the winter season! Laugh, play and create cherished memories your family will talk about for years to come.
Try Ice Skating or Ice Hockey
Ice skating and ice hockey are two classic winter sports that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Bundle up, lace up your skates and hit the ice for some chilly fun.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a great recreational activity for people of all ages and abilities. If you’re new to the sport, start with public skating hours at your local ice rink when the ice is less crowded. This gives you space to get comfortable balancing, gliding, and stopping safely. For little ones just learning, consider bringing a walker or support to help them stand up. The key is wearing proper safety gear like helmets, gloves, and thick clothes to prevent falls and stay warm.
Once you get the hang of it, practice some simple techniques like swizzles, slaloms, and crossovers. When you build up confidence, try spinning or even jumping. For an extra challenge, you can move on to figure skating and learn how to perform axles and lutzes. The possibilities are endless for having fun on ice skates.
Ice Hockey
If you prefer a faster-paced activity, consider ice hockey. This team sport is exciting to both play and watch. Kids can start with a mite or mini hockey using smaller nets, sticks, and pucks tailored to their size and skills. As they improve, they can move up to full-sized hockey equipment.
Many ice rinks offer open hockey hours or drop-in leagues for casual play. This allows families to practice together and scrimmage without the time commitment of an official team. You’ll need a full set of hockey equipment including a helmet with a face mask, shoulder pads, gloves, hockey pants, shin guards, elbow pads, a hockey stick, and skates. While the gear may seem expensive, you can often find good deals by buying used equipment to get started.
Whether you choose to lace up figure skates or hockey skates, gliding across the ice is a quintessential winter experience for the whole family. With the right equipment and a little practice, you’ll be swirling, scoring, and smiling in no time.
Conclusion
You don’t need mountains to enjoy a spot of skiing. A fresh layer of snow is enough to start practicing those skiing techniques, so why not take your kids to the local football pitch, field or outdoor space? Here you’ll find easy-to-use cross-country skis for the youngest ones.
To enhance the winter experience, families might consider starting new traditions, such as a winter solstice celebration or visiting local winter festivals. Overall, the winter season is filled with diverse activities that cater to various interests, making it an ideal time for family bonding and creating lasting memories.
