The East Coast got leveled with the first major snowstorm of the year just before Christmas, which could mean that those of us in the not-so-warm parts of the country could be in for a long winter this year. But don’t fret! Snowy winters open up all kinds of possibilities for fun outdoor activities and we’regoing to cover some must-have items if you’re hoping to take advantage.
Let’s start with the most important stuff—attire. If you’re going to be outside during the colder months, you need to be dressed appropriately and it’s all about layers. Start with a set of long johns,or as they’re more commonly known these days, thermals. Plenty of choices here for both men and women and feel free to mix and match! Top off your thermals with jeans or cords, or pick up a pair of snow pants if you’re heading skiing and need to stay dry. Sweaters and hoodies are recommended, since they can be easily shed if you get too warm, and top it all off with a water-resistant, insulated ski jacket. Finally, don’t forget your feet. Insulated boots are a must have in the snow and both Merrell and Hi-Tec offer styles that won’t cost a fortune.
Ok, so you’re outfitted for your winter adventures! If this is your first winter trying either skiing or snowboarding, we’d recommend doing some serious product research on equipment before you buy anything. Some of these items can be very pricey and you don’t want to overpay for something you don’t really need. There’s a huge difference between equipment suited for beginners and equipment designed for those with more experience. We’d recommend browsing prices online first. Believe it or not, you can find some great deals on snowboards/boots, as well as alpine skis online and those listingscan definitely give you a good idea of what your budget will be. From there, head to your local outdoor shop and see what kind of selection they have. If the prices are better online, buy through the web and then take your new equipment into a local retailer to have it tailored to your specifications.
What else is there to do in the snow? Well, sledding of course! From toboggans, to flying saucer discsto the classic Flexible Flyer ‘woodies’, there are lots of sleds online to pick from. One word of caution though: Flexible Flyer sleds run on sharp edges, so they might not be the best choice for small children unless you’re accompanying them during use. You can get plenty of speed and excitement out of theplastic sleds too.
Finally, here’s one activity that you might not have considered: snow golf! Pick up a cheap set of clubs or just some irons (no you shouldn’t use yourexpensive regular clubs!), and some colored golf balls and head out to a nearby field for a round of golf unlike any you’ve ever played. It’s more fun than you think!
As always, if you have ideas or suggestions regarding this blog topic, drop us a comment!
