Get Active and Enjoy Nature This Winter

When winter settles in and that cold Arctic wind is howling, you might feel like staying in with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book, but it's important to get out to get fresh air and exercise. And the good news is, just about all winter outdoor activities are as eco-friendly as you can get.

There are a couple of exceptions to the rule, of course. Snowmobiling requires fossil fuels, so it's an eco no-no. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are all right, but keep in mind that it takes energy to run those chairlifts. If you're looking for a winter activity that runs entirely on your own energy, there's plenty to choose from.

Snowshoeing

If you haven't been snowshoeing in a couple of decades, you probably have memories of traditional snowshoes with wood frames and leather booties—and you might remember cold feet. But snowshoes have come a long way in recent years. Most are now made with lightweight materials. There are also different styles of snowshoes to match your activity level and the area where you're snowshoeing.

Recreational or trek snowshoes are perfect for most people who are snowshoeing on trails. Just keep in mind that trek snowshoes will give you a better aerobic workout. If you're heading into the bush, go with Backcountry snowshoes, which are very lightweight, extremely durable, and are perfect for deep powder and steep slopes. Looking for a real workout? Opt for racing snowshoes, but stick to groomed trails.

There are also snowshoes specifically designed for women. These snowshoes are narrower and have different bindings that address the difference in the way women stride, so that can make the effort of snowshoeing easier.

Whether you head out on a trail or traipse across a rural property, snowshoeing is a great way to have fun and get some exercise in the winter.

Cross-Country Skiing

If you like running on rural trails in the summer, cross-country skiing will give you a great aerobic workout in the winter, and it works all muscle groups.

Cross-country skiing is all about fluid, natural movements, but it can take some getting used to. It's a good idea to take some lessons from a professional instructor, but it won't take long to catch on (usually a couple of hours of lessons). You'll also be getting a full-body workout, with a lot of the effort coming from your arms and legs. According to the Cross Country Ski Areas Association, the average cost of a trail pass, rental equipment, and a lesson is just $35.

If you want to make a vacation out of it, you can find cross-country skiing resorts and trails across Canada and the United States at the Association's website and you can even look up snow conditions before heading out of the city for some skiing.

Outdoor Skating

Skating is one of the most affordable ways to have fun outside in the winter months. For the cost of a pair of skates and occasional sharpening, you can enjoy the outdoors as often as you like.

Many municipalities flood areas in parks, and some also create skating rinks in the center of the city, usually outside city hall, but you can also skate on lakes and ponds provided the ice is thick enough.

If your yard is big and flat enough, you could also flood your backyard to create your own private skating rink. Create a packed base of snow about four inches thick to support the rink, and build a wood frame around the edges with 2 x 6s or 2 x 8s. At night, spray a thin layer of water on the packed snow until it starts to look slushy. Let this freeze overnight, and then start building up layers, adding water only at night (the sun won't allow the water to freeze well).

Whatever you do, get out there and enjoy all the beauty that winter has to offer.

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