The winter season and outdoor activities don't always go hand in hand. Cooler temperatures and unpredictable weather make some outdoor activities harder or simply less enjoyable. But just because it's winter doesn't mean all outdoor activities must stop. With the right gear and a good attitude, there are plenty of outdoor winter activities to try to make the most of this winter season! This post highlights various outdoor winter activities ranging from difficulty level, amount of gear needed, and type of activity.

Winter Activity Precautions

There are a few precautions when doing any outdoor winter activity to make sure you're the most prepared you can be:

Check Road Conditions

It's important to check road and trail conditions, if necessary, before heading out on your adventures. You want to check up-to-date road conditions before going out on any outdoor winter activity to know what to expect, what to bring, and if it's safe.

Pack Plenty of Snacks and Water

It can be tempting to skip packing snacks and water. However, many winter activities are strenuous, and bringing enough food and water to prevent dehydration is essential.

Bring Lots of Layers

Bringing plenty of layers, even if you remove them throughout the day, is always a good idea. You want to bring warm and rain layers in case the weather changes. Materials like Merino wool are durable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and soft to the touch. 

Outdoor Winter Activities to Try:

- Snowshoeing

Beginner friendly? Yes

Special Gear Required? Snowshoes

Snowshoeing is a great outdoor winter activity that can be done in various places and is enjoyable to do with a group of friends. Plus, it's not very technical, as snowshoeing works best on flat, packed snow. It's easy to get the hang of and can be a lot of fun!

Snowshoes can be worn with any footwear, making it even easier to start. We recommend a good pair of insulated boots, preferably higher, to prevent snow from getting to your ankles and feet.

-Skiing

Beginner friendly? Sometimes

Special Gear Required? Boots, skis, and warm performance clothing

Skiing is one of the most popular outdoor winter activities. Once you get the hang of it, skiing down a mountain can be incredibly fun! While it’s not the most beginner-friendly sport, a quick lesson or guidance from an experienced skier can help you pick up the basics quickly.

Skiing does come with a barrier to entry because it requires several pieces of gear—boots, skis, a helmet, a lift ticket, and proper clothing like ski pants and a jacket. One often overlooked essential is a good pair of ski socks. High-performance options like Samsox ski socks provide warmth, moisture control, and extra cushioning in high-pressure areas, making long days on the slopes much more comfortable.

It may not be the most budget-friendly winter activity, but once you’re geared up, skiing is an amazing way to enjoy the outdoors and experience the thrill of the mountains. Let it snow!

- Winter Hiking

Beginner-friendly: Yes

Special gear required: Hiking Boots

Winter hiking, although less popular than spring or summer hiking, can be really enjoyable with the right gear. Sometimes, trails covered in snow and frozen waterfalls are even more beautiful in the winter months!

• All trails is a great place to find winter hiking trails and information on up-to-date trail conditions to know beforehand.

Wear durable hiking boots when winter hiking, and bring microspikes if hiking on icy or slippery terrain. While it's still hiking, it can be very different in winter conditions!

- Ice Skating

Beginner friendly? Yes

Special Gear Required? Ice skates

Ice skating is a fun outdoor winter activity often found in cities and seasonal locations. Ice skating can also be very accessible if you don't have the ability to get to a mountain to ski or a far away trail to hike.

• Often, you can find used or second-hand ice skates, especially if it's your first time.

- Trail Running

Beginner friendly? Yes

Special Gear Required? No

Trail running is a great way to get into running in a scenic way while spending time enjoying the outdoors. Make sure to choose a clear, ice-free trail, and wear layers to help control your temperature throughout your run!

What are your favorite outdoor winter activities?