Cold weather and snow does not have to prevent you from enjoying activities during winter. Many people of all ages not only tolerate being outside during winter but also actually thrive in cold weather. Preparing for cold weather is essential, and once you do that can turn a cold day into a memorable one with just a little creativity.
Shinny
You don't have to be an NHL caliber skate in order to enjoy hockey. If you have a access to a frozen river or pond, you can get out and skate and play hockey. Instead of wearing full equipment, you can play shinny, which is a type of freelance hockey that is how many of the game's great players got started. You can play with as few as four players as long as you each have a hockey stick, skate and a puck. Having nets would be ideal, but you can set up workable goals by putting two cans of paint at either end of the ice. There's no hitting involved when you play shinny -- just skating, passing and shooting. First team to score 10 goals wins the game. Then play again. Because there's no goaltenders, it will go by quickly.
Digital Scavenger Hunt On Cross-Country Skis
Having an opportunity to get out on cross-country skis and going touring can be an intense physical workout. But there's more to your day than just getting in your exercise after you strap on your skis. Make a list of five things that you can find when you are skiing in your area. Wildlife, birds and plants are just a few of the things that you can look for when you are cross-country skiing. Take a digital picture of each one of them. As you are out and about cross-country skiing, so are your friends. Compare pictures when you get back, and the next time you can look for more winter sights.
Sledding
Getting on a sled and launching yourself is a top winter activity. But take it a step further and do some Olympic-style racing once you get on your sled. You will need other friends to get involved, but time yourself and all the other competitors as they go down the sledding hill. Award prizes to the top competitors, and you can handicap the faster sleds by making them delay before heading down the hill. Take pictures, and have the hot chocolate ready when competitors cross the line.
Snowman Contest
This is good for the whole family or neighborhood. Don't just make any snowman; make the biggest snowman you can put together. This will take time and planning. The person or family that can put together the biggest three-section snowman without it toppling over wins the contest. After you build the snowman, dress it with a winter coat, sunglasses, a corncob pipe and anything else you can think of to make it memorable.
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