If winter isn’t the most polarizing season then I don’t know what is!
And you know, I get it. Sometimes outdoor fun can take a bit more motivation during the winter months. You can’t just grab a pair of flip flips or running shoes and head out the door. That said, learning to love winter is totally worth your time, and I’ve got a few ideas to help you along in that process.
Scope Out Beautiful Areas
One of my absolute favorite aspects about winter adventure is the scenery you find! Sure, if you’re running out your door and pounding the pavement, dodging through slush and puddles and exhaust fumes, winter isn’t going to carry a whole lotta charm. But– it really doesn’t need to be like that!
All photography by Will Rochfort
Find a beautiful wintry landscape and it will change your life. Go trail running, even if it means ankle-deep snow, or grab a pair of snowshoes to tromp into your favorite iced-over lake. Winter has a way of making the landscape look pure and clean and fresh; it’s almost like the snow covers up the blemishes of the other three seasons. And trust me; you’ll want to bring a camera to snap a few photos!
Layer Up
It’s basic but true, and that’s why I’m including this tip at the top of the list! Most people dislike winter for one reason: it’s too darn cold. But truthfully, if you layer properly with the right gear, you’ll never feel those arctic temps.
In essence, there are three steps to proper winter layering: a base layer, a mid layer and an exterior layer. The base layer goes next-to-skin and serves to manage moisture. Obviously, getting wet in the backcountry is akin to disastrous, so your base layer should be made of a fabric that wicks sweat away from your body, keeping you dry. My personal favorite? Merino wool. It’s soft, it’s lightweight, it’s warm, and it doesn’t stink. There is nothing worse than smelling like sweaty clothes!
Your mid layer serves as an insulation piece and this will be the article of clothing that keeps you warm, so choose accordingly. Fleece is a popular option but so is merino wool or goose down. I’m a big fan of wearing a down vest as a mid layer; not only does it keep my torso warm but it gives me freedom of movement with my arms!
Munching on the Nature Valley Bars while taking in the view at Copper this past weekend. The bowls were off the hook!
Finally, your exterior layer is there solely to keep Mother Nature out of your outfit! Ideally, your outer shell should keep wind and rain from ruining your trip but also ‘breathe’ so that you don’t become a muggy mess {unless you live in the southeast where humidity is part of the deal. I can’t help you then!}
Pack Enough Snacks
When it’s cold, you burn more calories because your body is trying to stay warm. Shivering really cranks that inner torch! Because of this, I find myself bringing more snacks and water on adventures during the winter months. We went skiing at Copper this past weekend and it was downright COLD. As a result, I was eating a Nature Valley Bar at 8:30 am, before we even hit the first chair lift!
Y’all have already read ad nauseum about the various foods I’ve been packing on my outdoor trail excursions, so I won’t list them all again. I will tell you that I’ve added the new Nature Valley Nut Crisp Bars into the lineup. Yes, they sponsored this post but I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true. I actually told the PR team that I needed to test out the bars before agreeing to our contract, in case they aggravated my ever-cantankerous lungs. If they made me cough or gag, we didn’t have a deal.
Luckily, my lungs like them….because they’re tasty. Near as I can tell, they come in two flavors–Almond Dark Chocolate and Salted Caramel Peanut–and I like them both, although I find myself leaning towards the Salted Caramel!
Sit By A Fire
Love, love, LOVE fires in the winter! There is something inherently idyllic about a crackling fire radiating heat after you’ve come inside from a day of snowy playtime. The warmth just seeps through my veins and makes me feel all cozy!
A word of warning: I imagine it depends on where you live, but here in Colorado, we have fire bans to help keep pollution at bay. Naturally, these days tend to fall on the coldest days of the year, when you most want a fire! Fortunately, we bought a house whose fireplace has an insert that “cleans” your smoke, making fires allowed every single day, but I think these inserts are rare. Check your local ordinances to make sure you don’t nab yourself a ticket!
Check Out Some Idyllic Wintry Photography
Jokulsarlon Lagoon, Iceland
If all else fails and you can’t seem to muster the motivation to head into the snowflakes, pull up the internet or grab your favorite coffee table book. Or heck, turn on a Harry Potter movie! {Am I the only one that finds Hogwarts in the winter to be absolutely picturesque?!} Often, looking at these stunning images of winter wonderlands inspires me to go find my own. I have one photo of an outdoor fire that we made at a backcountry hut trip a few years ago. The darn photo has been pinned on Pinterest a bunch of times, so I think I’m onto something when I say that winter photography inspires people!
I was compensated for this post by Nature Valley and received the delightful Nut Crisp Bars free of charge. Opinions are my own.
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Any tips to add to help get people outside during the winter?