When it is cold outside and the wind is blowing, you may be tempted to curl up under a blanket in the house and read a good book. Who can blame you? However, you may be missing out on some great times outdoors, including thrilling snow sports.
Many people associate snow sports with skiing. While you can ski, there are other things to do outside. While you may have heard of some of these activities, others could be completely new to you. Pick two or three to try and you might love being outdoors even when it is cold and snowy.
Not a Fan of Skiing? 10 Alternative Snow Sports You Need to Try
1. Snowmobiling
Imagine racing through the forest when you are surrounded by snow. Rent a few polaris snowmobiles and do exactly this. Once you see how much fun you can have on this machine, it might be time to buy one. However, be prepared to purchase one for every family member, as everybody will want to get in on the fun with this favourite snow sports for all.
2. Snowshoeing
Hiking is next to impossible when the snow piles up outside. You’ll wear yourself out just trying to go a few feet. Put on some snowshoes and explore to your heart’s content. This footwear costs little to purchase so you won’t be investing a lot of money in equipment. Once you see how much fun this activity is, you may want to plan a vacation around snowshoeing. The Austrian Tyrol is a good place to start.
3. Snow Polo
It’s hard to play traditional polo when the ground is covered in snow, which is why snow polo was invented as a top snow sports. You play a game similar to regular polo with the field being a frozen lake. This sport is so popular in Switzerland that people set up tents and sip champagne while cheering on their favorite riders.
4. Fat Biking
If you love to ride bikes, it’s time to try fat biking. The name comes from the fat tires that move over the snow easily. This sport originated in America and has taken off in Europe. People love to explore mountain biking trails with the help of fat bikes throughout the winter. Tuscany is an excellent place to try your hand at this activity.
5. Ice Boating
Sailors will want to try ice boating, as the two activities are very similar. An ice boat, however, has skis that glide over the ice. The speed at which you can travel is amazing. You may go 140 miles an hour when piloting an ice boat.
However, for this one of our snow sports the ice must be snow-free to reach top speeds, as the wind powers these boats. Poland is an excellent place to try ice boating for the first time, so plan a visit today. If you wish to stay closer to home, the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club is active in America.
6. Mountaineering
For those who want to keep their feet on solid ground and don’t feel ice qualifies as solid ground, mountaineering is the sport to try. When taking part in this activity, you will encounter many terrains and must know how to scramble, climb, and walk to make your way to the top. Start with smaller mountains before tackling bigger ones. Kilimanjaro is not the place to try mountaineering for the first time. It should be your ultimate goal.
7. Shovel Racing
Many people don’t enjoy shoveling snow. You may find the shovel is more useful when you use it to race. When you play this sport, you race down an icy hill on a shovel to see who can get to the bottom first. Sit on the shovel with the handle in front and take off. Waxing the shovel can increase the speed at which you travel.
In 1997, this sport appeared in the Winter X Games, but a competitor was severely injured, so the organizers removed it. As the shovels may reach 73 miles per hour, modifications are often seen on the shovels to make them safer. Angel Fire, New Mexico is a great place to visit if this is a sport you want to try.
8. Dog Sledding
Dog sledding has been popular for many centuries now. The huskies were originally used to pull sleds through the snow. Today, this activity is used for recreational purposes more than anything else, with the Iditarod being the biggest dog sled race in America today. However, some communities in Northern Alaska and other areas that receive lots of snow still use dog sleds as a means of transportation. Fortunately, the dogs can travel in dismal conditions, although trips take longer when the weather isn’t good.
9. Skijoring
For those who find dog sledding too tame, skijoring is a similar sport that might be more to their liking. Here, a person is pulled on skis by horses or dogs, and the speed at which they travel is extremely fast. They may reach 40 miles per hour or faster. The person must work with the dog or horse to be succeed in this sport. The AP describes skijoring as a sport that brings together the rodeo and skiing. Many Western states offer this activity today.
10. Ice Skating
Ice skating has its beginnings in Finland. Over 4,000 years ago, people took to the ice to try their hand at gliding around. They had so much fun doing so that this activity quickly grew in popularity, and countless people skate on the ice every year today. Public ice skating rinks appear when the weather turns cold, as this activity is very affordable. The beauty of the skaters as they move around the ice is one reason many people say this activity is among their favorites during the Winter Olympics.
These are only a few of the countless activities you can do when there is snow on the ground. Others include a biathlon, curling, and winter segway rides. Don’t hide indoors when there is so much to see and do during the winter. You’ll enjoy the sunshine on your face and the fresh, crisp air. Pick an activity to try today as you just might fall in love. If not, try the next sport. One on this list is sure to be right for you.
