While Waterville hasn’t gotten much more than a dusting of snow, a call home today got me daydreaming of all of my favorite winter activities when I heard about Winter storm Caesar. The storm is currently dumping buckets of snow in my home state, Minnesota, just in time for me to head home for the holidays. Thus, I have compiled a list of my top 5 chilly weather activities.
1. Skiing: Skiing is definitely my favorite wintertime activity. Maine is home to two of the east’s biggest ski areas, Sugarloaf and Sunday River. In fact, Sugarloaf is the largest ski resort east of the Mississippi boasting the most amounts of trails and skiable acreage. Another New England favorite of mine is Stowe in Vermont, which I feel gives off more of a Colorado-vibe, with wider trails and a big-mountain appeal. Not to mention the mountain’s new gourmet cafeteria for those who like a good hot chocolate break. The east may still be awaiting its winter storm, but with modern snow-making technology, skiing is a must no matter what the weather this winter.
2. Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing made a comeback in the 20th century as a result of ski resorts prohibiting snowboarders. Snowboarders then turned to using snowshoes on their ascents as a way to reach backcountry areas. However, even without the goal of reaching the freshest pow to shred, snowshoeing is a delightful leisure and athletic activity. The Colby Outing Club rents snowshoes for free, although there is a low one-time membership cost of $20 to use all of the club’s equipment. Snowshoeing is a great activity to do while catching up with a friend, or simply as an alternative to your normal workout.
3. Skating: With the NHL lockout still going on, we may have a shortage of ice time this year. So, we must take to the ice ourselves. Pickup hockey games, or doing your best impression of Michelle Kwan can be great ways to enjoy the outdoors. When the ice hardens, Johnson pond will be the perfect venue to play bambi on ice. Or, if you feel safer with your shoes on, iPlay broomball starts up in January, what better way to enjoy your JanPlan!
4. Building a snowman: Possibly one of my favorite holiday activities is making Frosty’s cousins. Building a snowman is a perfect way to spread the holiday cheer and a fun thing to do with friends… not to mention it usually turns into a snowball fight!
5. Drinking hot cocoa: One of the best things to do when its freezing cold outside is to stay inside. Cozying up next to a fire with a cup of cocoa and a good book, is something that is only fitting during the holidays. Enjoy your time off from school and pick up that book that texts books pushed aside all semester.