Five Winter Sports You Can Do Outside, Sans Snow
Baby, it’s cold outside. And dry. With national forecasts lacking in the snow department, it’s time to face up to some very cold, very hard facts: The ski season will officially be late this year, if she even decides to show up. Hence it’s time to start looking around at other cold sports to keep you sane and healthy and appreciative of Mother Nature. TrailsEdge has the top five.
Ice Skating
Lace ‘em up, boys and girls, and enter into a 19th century Scandinavian postcard. All ice skating requires are some strong ankles, a sense of balance, a frozen water feature, and some shoes with blades on the bottom. The balance you can import from your other sports, and as long as temperatures hover in the below freezing department, water will turn to ice. Most outdoor skating arenas offer skate rentals. Just bring your determination and be prepared to eat some humble pie along with your figgy pudding: Ice skating is the more squirrely cousin of rollerblading, and takes some practice.
Hiking, aka Snow Walking
Old, crusty snow isn’t just for breakfast anymore. If you neighborhood trails boast remnants of snowstorms past, then it’s time to don the waterproof hiking shoes and start crunching away. Bring a camera and your best attitude about winter fitness on these crunchy jaunts, as well as a hydration system.
Extreme Pub Crawling
This one is not for the meek. Extreme pub crawling requires dedication, some sturdy shoes, and a fat wallet. The logistics of the sport are as follows: Head out with your climbing buddies or your mountain bike tribe to a cluster of watering holes, regale each other with adventure stories you’ve all told and heard before, and tip your bartender. And remember: Always crawl in moderation.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is perhaps one of the easiest winter sports out there. It requires absolutely no skills, save for the ability to put one foot in front of the other. Snowshoeing does requires some snow, but the sport is really not that picky about what kind, how old, or what condition. It is just as good on powder as it is on the icy crusty stuff. Be prepared to trudge: It’s a wee bit awkward at times.
Ultimate Frisbee
This sport’s summer counterpart is known among the cool kids as “ultimate.” Load up the iPod with some Panic before heading out with your Frisbee, dude. Frisbee is best played in the wintrous climes with no snow, as muddy conditions tend to ruin local parks, regardless of how sexy mud splatter looks on your Gore-Tex. Gearing up appropriately is also critical for a good winter Frisbee experience, dude. Forego the cotton in favor of breathable wool because you’re about to enter the land of cardio. Your lungs will be grateful come spring.
Now, start praying for snow.
Snowshoe photo by the Giant Vermin
Snow photo by Sebastian Bergmann
Ice skating photo by myahya
