Winter [Sport] is Coming….

Yeah, summer is over. The leaves are falling. The cold is setting in. No need to be sad though!

It’s a pretty exciting time of year if, like me, you’re into winter sports. I don’t even just mean the typical ones. People find the craziest things to do when it starts snowing. Here’s a few you have to try at some point!

Mass Snow Fights

Pic: Wiki

Facebook has made it easier than ever to organise mass snow battles. Especially prevalent in college towns and small cities, these have been taking off in a big way. You can kind of compare them to the buzz over mass pillow fights, but they are way simpler to organise. Not to mention far more brutal.

Hiking in the snow

This is one for adventurer/explorer fantasists. I’ve been snow trekking all over the place, but I always go with a friend who knows the area. Also, invest in the right gear. Get a decent jacket, and if you can, the best snowshoes for sale in the area. It really pays off.

Huskey Riding

I’ve always wanted to do this! Not only are huskies the cutest looking dogs in the world, they also strong, energetic and work together like a pack of wolves. That’s why in an arctic region they are the perfect mode of transport. It looks like a lot of fun.

Pic: Wiki

Ice Lake Fishing

Okay, fishing can seem like a lonely pursuit at the best of times. When it’s out in the middle of a frozen lake it looks even more lonely! Still, that can be cool. It’s supposed to be a relaxing, mind-clearing exercise. And if you can get a dinner out of it, that’s doubly good right?

Ice Diving

Pic: Pixabay

Usually when you think of scuba diving, you think of the world’s most exotic locations. The coral-rich Great Barrier Reef, The Caribbean, Sharm el Sheikh etc. But some of the most beautiful underwater scenery is only visible if you’re prepared to go down to the icy depths...

Skiing

It’s a classic, but skiing is still one of the most adrenaline-pumping things you can do in the snow. The first time you go, you’ll definitely need someone to show you the ropes, so go with someone who’s been a couple of times. They’ll help you pick the right equipment and teach you how to get on your feet.

Ice water baths

All around the world, insane people are diving into rivers and lakes of ice. In California, it takes the form of a slide competition called the “Polar Bear Plunge”. Meanwhile, in Canada and the Far East, they are a fun way for village kids to show their manhood. As for residents of Northern Russia, it’s just an Easter tradition as banal as chocolate eggs!

There’s a serious amount of fun to be had in the snow. And it doesn’t stop there. So before you go somewhere for a winter holiday, check beyond the standard activities and experience something new!

Looking to Get Some Late Season Skiing In? Here Are The Top North American Destinations

If you are a seasoned skier who usually sticks to the slopes of Europe, why not look a little further afield this year? North America has a host of fantastic ski resorts and this article explores the top five.

Aspen

One of several resorts in Colorado, Aspen is one of the most famous ski destinations in the world and its name is synonymous with luxury and glamour. Comprising 478km of pistes, Aspen offers some of the finest skiing in North America, with pretty much guaranteed snow cover for much of the year. Despite its reputation as a hangout of the rich and famous, it is possible to ski in Aspen for no more than the cost of a ski trip to any other North American resort.

If you like to party as much as ski, Aspen is the choice for you, as there is a wealth of hotspots there, including Ajax Tavern and Jerome Hotel's J-Bar. To eat out in Aspen without breaking the bank, Su Casa and Boogie's Diner are both good places to head, with the latter being especially popular among families.

Whistler

Another very well-known resort, Whistler has had several years of excellent skiing. The British Columbia resort has a total of 316km of pistes and is excellent for both beginners and expert skiers, making it the perfect choice for a family skiing holiday.

As well as its skiing, Whistler is known for its cuisine. The resort has some of the best food of any ski destination and popular eateries include Ciao Thyme Bistro and Spitz Grill.

Mammoth

The Californian resort of Mammoth in the Sierra Nevada Mountains offers excellent skiing. European travellers can reach the town by taking a connecting flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Take a break from skiing by enjoying a snack at the Top of the Sierra Cafe, located at an altitude 3,600m and featuring truly spectacular views. Further down in the resort, Gomez's Mexican offers authentic Mexican food cooked to traditional family recipes.

Fernie

With 2,504km of pistes, Fernie has something for everyone. Located in British Columbia, the resort is a good choice for skiing families with its excellent snow record and huge range of slopes.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay, Wolf's Den is a three-star hotel that occupies one of the resort's original buildings. For the best food in Fernie, take a trip to Lizard Creek Lodge or Yamagoya sushi restaurant.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge, Colorado, offers great skiing and has been attracting skiers for over 50 years. A Victorian mining town, the resort is one of the prettiest in North America. Breckenridge is a particularly good destination for beginners and intermediates, although there are enough challenges for even experienced skiers. It is a great destination for parties of mixed ability.

The resort has a great atmosphere at night, with popular restaurants such as Hearthstone Casual Dining, which is housed in a converted brothel. For those on a budget, Fatty's offers fantastic pizzas at a reasonable price.

Skiing in itself is an expensive hobby to have. That is why getting the cheapest flights to your skiing destination is must. I would recommend comparing flights at cheapflights.com which will take do the work of checking airfare prices for you, nice hey!