Is your New Year’s resolution to work hard and play harder? These winter sports may be just the thing to add a dash of fun during the snowy months.
By: Ashley Tiara Lilly
When that first snow falls, magic is in the air. Some days, it makes you want to stay indoors, curled up with a blanket, hot cocoa, and your favorite book. Other days, it sparks your love of adventure, making you want to embrace the outdoors and explore that winter wonderland. This is where winter sports come in. If you want to try something a little different from the usual ski trip, here are fifteen winter sports your squad is sure to love:
Ice Climbing
If you’re a climber at heart and love a good challenge, ice climbing may be just the sport for you. Using a harness, crampons, ice axes, and other forms of equipment, ice climbers tackle anything from cliffs to frozen waterfalls. Be aware though, it’s more dangerous than it looks.
Ice Climbing on freshly farmed ice in the Scottish Guilles, By Lauren F
Snowshoeing
If you love hiking in the great outdoors amidst peaceful trees, mountains, and rivers, you don’t have to give up your favorite hobby when the first snow touches the ground. Instead, try snowshoeing. This will allow you to hike along your favorite snowy trails.
Snoeshoe Season
Igloo Building
For the creative souls who love making snow people and fortresses, why not try igloo building? This can be a fun way to bond with family and friends, and you may even be able to enter a contest.
I just built my first Igloo! By Ian Carroll
Progress Street Igloos, by Nick Bonzey
Ice Diving
This one is not for the faint of heart. It’s like your typical scuba diving, except it’s done in bodies of water that have mostly frozen over. With frosty water temperatures and limited openings in the ice, it can be dangerous. But for some people, it’s the perfect adrenaline rush.
Ari Helminen jumped in here 5 minutes after this pic was taken. Ice Diving , By Ari Helminen, Taken in Lahti , Finland
Skijoring with a Bentley
More like, Ski Driving. It is a Scandinavian-originated snow sport where a skier is towed—typically behind a horse or dogs. You could also do it with a Bentley.
Snowmobiling
Want a way to travel through the snow and explore the outdoors with ease? Look no further than snowmobiling, which allows you to travel through the snow on a small vehicle, no trail required. They can also be good for racing.
Driving a snowmobile in Saariselkä, Lapland, Finland, by Timo Newton-Syms
Snow Tubing
If you enjoyed riding a sled in your backyard as a child, then you may enjoy tubing. Snow tubing basically entails riding a donut-shaped inner tube down a powder-covered hill. It mostly requires you to sit back, relax, hold on tight, and enjoy a ride through a winter wonderland.
About to snow tube, by Maxim B
Bobsledding
Bob sleighing, also known as bobsledding, is a sport where small teams time how long it takes them to sled down a slippery, narrow ice track. With the track’s twists and turns, it’s probably the closest you’ll get to a roller coaster ride without an actual roller coaster.
Bobsledding, By Lake Placid Region
Snow Biking
If you’re looking to travel down the slopes in style, consider snow biking. This sport involves riding a bike, except that it has two skis instead of tires. It’s versatile with plenty of room for tricks and stunts, making it another option that’s great for anyone in your squad.
Snowbiking, by Daniel Lobo
Polar Bear Swimming
No ,it is not literally swimming with polar bears. That would be incredibly dangerous. The Polar Bear Swimming contest has been hosted every winter in Korea since 1988. Thousands of people come to Busan to swim in the ice-cold sea. In spite of the chilly temperatures, people seem to have a fun time. The event is meant to promote community and good health for the New Year.
Polar Bear Swim, By GoToVan
Snow Rugby
If you’re looking for a team sport with a competitive edge, look no further than snow rugby. This contact sport involves tackling with the aim of getting the ball to your opponent’s side of the field. Tag rugby involves no contact and may be a tamer option for beginners or younger players.
Snow Rugby, by Eli Duke
Snowkiting
Snowkiting allows you to glide through the snow using a kite to power your movements. A large kite is attached to your body through a harness, and while riding a snowboard or a pair of skis, it’s an exhilarating way to travel along that snowy mountain.
Snowkiting, by Konstantin Zamkov
Snowkiting, by Konstantin Zamkov
Speed Skating
Are you a competitive spirit who loves being on ice? If so, speed skating may be just the adventure for you. This sport requires a bit more skill, but it’s perfect for an athlete who’s up for a winter challenge.
Speed Skating. by Pawel Maryanov
Ice Sailing or Winter Windsurf (Sailing)
This sport also involves a certain level of skill, but if done properly, it can be quite the thrill. Using a sailboat mounted on runners, the sailor glides across frozen bodies of water. It’s certainly not something you see every day.
Ice Sailing, By Thomas Quine. “Zipping across frozen Green Lake near Whistler, BC.”
Ski Gliding
Ski Gliding is about as extreme as it gets. The rider starts off by going downhill in a pair of skis, and then is lifted into the air by a paraglider. It’s all the fun of being in the snow with a bit of flying mixed in. It’s sure to give you a thrill—and an amazing view.
Heli-skiing
Heli-skiing is your typical day of hitting the slopes with your skis or snowboard, with one luxurious difference—you begin your ride by jumping out of a helicopter. So, what are you waiting for?
I think we just found you your new favorite hobby this winter!Whether you’re looking for something fun and laid-back or fast-paced and competitive, there’s a winter sport that may be a perfect fit for you.
-ATL
4 comments
Wow! There are so many winter sports I didn’t know about. I’ll definitely try out tubing this winter!
Definitely some interesting choices here. Some I was not familiar with (snow biking) and others I would never try (ice climbing). I would love to go snowmobiling or build an igloo though!
I love the idea of building and Igloo however I could never swim like a Polar Bear! As for the other cool ideas I am more of a spectator than participant.
These look so fun, a must try!!