I grew up in the kind of Minnesota winters that make your eyelashes freeze before you even get to the end of the driveway. When the windchill sinks to –20°F on a random Tuesday and the snowbanks grow taller than you, you figure out pretty quickly that you either learn to love winter… or you spend five long, miserable months stuck inside.
Most Minnesotans deal with it by embracing the chill and heading outside anyway – which honestly might be the only way to stay sane that far north. Research on winter mindsets shows that people who lean into the season – getting outside, staying active, and finding things to enjoy about winter – report better mood and overall well-being than those who just hunker down inside.
So that’s what I did. I learned to snowboard on icy Midwest hills, wandered around on snowshoes just to shake off the cabin fever, and eventually fell in love with cross-country skiing – the one sport that made those frigid mornings feel worth every frozen toe.
Now I live in Colorado, where winters are a whole different kind of magic. But that Midwest conditioning stuck. The moment the temps drop and the mountains get their first dusting of fresh pow, I’m stoked for the season to flip so I can jump on skis and explore the quiet winter wonderland all over again.
Best Winter Activities for Getting Outside
As the temperature drops and snow starts to fall, it’s tempting to slip into cozy-mode and hibernate. But winter is actually one of the most underrated seasons for adventure. This guide is all about helping you enjoy winter by getting outside and welcoming the shift in seasons. It’s a triple win: boosts your health, lifts your spirits, and gives you more mindful time in nature.
With so many different activities that promise exploration, fitness, and a new perspective on your favorite outdoor destinations, we know you’ll love exploring the adventurous side of winter.
Ready to hit the snow? Here are our favorite winter activities that will make you want to get outside.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing (also known as Nordic skiing) is one of the best winter outdoor activities for anyone who wants a quiet, cardio-packed way to explore snowy landscapes. It’s great for beginners, families, dog owners, and anyone looking for a low-impact alternative to downhill skiing. Classic cross-country skiing is the go-to for mellow cruising, while skate skiing offers a faster, more athletic workout. All you really need is a pair of skis, boots, poles, and layered clothing to stay warm.
One of the best parts? You get long stretches of peaceful winter scenery – the kind where you can hear your skis gliding over the snow and see your breath floating in the crisp mountain air.
Adventures We Love
Enchanted Forest Ski Area
New Mexico’s high country gets real winter, and Enchanted Forest sits right in the middle of it – a snowy wonderland of whisper-quiet pine forests and wide-open meadows at 9,800 feet. It’s the largest (and first!) groomed Nordic ski area in the state, offering everything from beginner-friendly loops to rolling trails with big mountain views of the Sangre de Cristos.
Their locally owned team are true Nordic experts — teaching first-timers how to glide with confidence, guiding scenic snowshoe tours, and setting you up with XC ski rentals, snowshoe rentals, and fat bikes rentals for snowy singletrack. Whether you’re just starting out or tackling longer classic trails, Enchanted Forest is the perfect local partner to help you explore one of the most unique winter destinations in the Southwest.
Jackson Hole Cross Country Ski Adventures
If you want a cross-country skiing experience that blends expert instruction, wildlife insight, and some of the best winter scenery in the country, Jackson Hole is a great place to go. Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures offers PSIA-certified naturalist guides that lead half-day and full-day XC tours through Grand Teton National Park’s 14-mile groomed Nordic trail network — a mix of snowy meadows, cottonwood groves, and wide-open sage flats with front-row views of the Cathedral Group, Teewinot, and Mount Moran.
These tours are beginner friendly, relaxed in pace, and packed with the kind of local knowledge you’d never get on your own. Guides share stories about winter ecology — how moose browse in the willow stands, how foxes hunt under the snowpack, and how the Tetons shape their own microclimates. Their tours include hot beverages, high-quality snacks, spotting scopes for wildlife viewing, shuttle pickup in Jackson, and all the naturalist insight you could dream of. Cross country ski rentals are easy to add on, and no experience is required.
Downhill Skiing
Downhill skiing is the classic winter outdoor adventure – fast, scenic, full of adrenaline, and accessible for all skill levels. What’s not to enjoy – the altitude, the scenery, the challenge… and of course the après-ski! Resorts typically open from mid-November through early spring, making it one of the longest winter seasons to play outside. Beginners only need the basics: ski rentals, waterproof layers, goggles, and a good attitude for those first few wobbly turns. For seasoned skiers, nothing beats carving fresh corduroy under bluebird skies.
First time skiing? No problem – discover our best beginner ski resorts and what to pack on your ski trip.
On TripOutside, you can compare ski rentals across 50+ destinations by price, equipment, location, and customer reviews – and book directly with local shops for the best deals and flexibility.
Adventures We Love
Breckenridge Skiing
Carver’s Ski Shop sits right in downtown Breck, just minutes from five epic peaks and more than 3,000 acres of terrain. Their team knows the local snow conditions, terrain, and gear like no one else – making them a trusted partner for ski rentals, tuning, and advice. Whether you’re chasing groomers or dipping into bowls, they’ll set you up with the right skis and insider tips for the day.
Park City Skiing
With locations all over Park City, Aloha Ski & Snowboard makes ski rentals seamless. Their experts will fit you with top-tier gear and offer beta on where to find that soft, famous Utah powder. They also offer overnight storage and convenient delivery, so you can spend more time skiing and less time hauling gear. Park City’s terrain – with open alpine runs, tree skiing, and three major resorts – gives you endless ways to explore winter.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding brings a whole new level of fun to winter – smooth carving, playful side hits, soft pow turns, and an easy learning curve for many beginners. Most resorts offer beginner lessons, terrain parks, and mellow green runs where new riders can progress without pressure. All you need is a rental board, warm layers, and a willingness to embrace a few soft falls along the way. For a full list to ensure you’re prepared, check out our What to Wear Snowboarding guide.
Looking for destination inspiration? Check out our favorite snowboarding resorts across the U.S.!
Adventures We Love
Mammoth Mountain Snowboarding
Mammoth Mountain is one of the West’s snowboarding meccas, thanks to its high elevation, long season, and endless terrain. Surrounded by the snowcapped Sierra Nevada range, Mammoth is California’s highest four season resort and playground – and rated one of our favorite family-friendly resorts. Black Tie Ski Delivery brings top of the line snowboard rentals straight to your door, fits you in your living room, and is dialed into local conditions and can recommend the best boards for the day.
Black Tie Ski offers ski and snowboard delivery at over 46 different ski resorts. Book on TripOutside and get 10% off your Black Tie Ski Delivery rental!
Sledding
Sledding is one of the easiest and most joyful winter outdoor activities – no experience needed, no expensive gear, just a sled and a snowy hill. It’s perfect for families, beginners, and anyone wanting quick, easy winter fun. Foam or inflatable sleds are usually the safest and most comfortable, especially on packed snow.
For the best experience, look for hills with soft powder, plenty of run-out space, and minimal ice. And yes — hot chocolate afterward is basically mandatory.
Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is winter’s most thrilling adventure – like rock climbing, but on frozen waterfalls, blue ice walls, and icy cliff bands. It’s ideal for adventurous beginners and experienced climbers looking for a new challenge. You don’t need your own gear; crampons, ice tools, helmets, and boots are typically provided by guides. Peak season runs from mid-December through early March when overnight temps keep the ice firm.
What makes ice climbing so unforgettable is the setting: the crunch of your crampons biting into the ice, the sparkle of frozen waterfalls, and the crisp winter air echoing off canyon walls.
Adventures We Love
Guided Ice Climbing in Salt Lake
Utah’s Wasatch Range turns into an ice-climbing paradise in winter, with routes ranging from beginner-friendly flows to advanced multi-pitch climbs. Red River Adventures provides all the gear, expert instruction, and deep local knowledge to get you climbing safely and confidently.
Guided Ice Climbing in North Conway, NH
North Conway is one of the top ice climbing destinations in the Northeast, and International Mountain Climbing School (IMCS) is the go-to local expert for exploring it. Their guides specialize in everything from beginner-friendly intro climbs to private alpine ice routes and steep ice skills courses, all set among frozen waterfalls and classic terrain like Frankenstein Cliff and Cathedral Ledge. With decades of local experience and access to world-class ice, IMCS is the perfect partner for anyone looking to learn, explore, or level up their winter climbing skills.
Snowshoeing
Want to take hiking up a notch in winter? Don’t let the snow stop you. Snowshoes let you float over deeper snow where regular boots would sink, giving you access to quiet forests, ridgelines, and scenic winter landscapes. Snowshoeing can take you to backcountry spots and secret trails you might not discover while on skis or boards. Walk the snow at your own pace, and stop whenever you want to savor the views – just some of the perks of snowshoeing. You’ll just need snowshoes, waterproof boots, poles, and layers (check out our guide to what to wear snowshoeing). Many outdoor gear stores offer guided snowshoe tours, rentals and advice, and don’t forget to check the forecast before hitting the trail!
Pro tip: start with flatter trails and check the weather before heading out — winter storms can roll in quickly.
Adventures We Love
Tahoe Snowshoeing Adventures
Lake Tahoe transforms into a winter wonderland when the snow starts. Trails are carved through Tahoe’s stunning forests and high peaks with beautiful overlooks of the grandeur of the Sierra’s. Tahoe Outdoor Adventures offers top rated snowshoe tours – check out their Sunset Snowshoe Tour to see the brilliant sunset colors of Tahoe, a Starlight Snowshoe Tour to take in the night sky as you snowshoe, or the Private Snowshoe Tour to get an experience all to yourself – and bring your dog!
Fat Biking
Fat biking lets you keep the biking stoke alive all winter long. With ultra-wide tires that float over snow, these bikes handle winter trails, packed snow, and mellow backcountry roads remarkably well. It’s great for intermediate riders, cardio lovers, and anyone wanting a fresh twist on winter outdoor activities. The ideal conditions are packed or groomed snow trails — think early mornings after a cold night.
Adventures We Love
Anchorage Fat Tire Tour
When Alaska starts to freeze over, it’s the perfect time for fat biking. Explore the Alaskan winter wonderland on a fat biking tour with Alaska Trail Guides. This nature and history tour is great for adventurers, families, photographers and more. The trip includes 2 hours of biking with a local professional guide, the bike, helmet and hand warmers, snacks and water, round trip transportation.
Hiking
If you live somewhere with lighter snowfall or well-packed trails, winter hiking is a fantastic way to stay active. Cold weather can actually help you burn more calories, and the quieter trails make it a serene, crowd-free winter activity. Winter hiking is fairly simple – just look around your neighborhood parks and you’re sure to find a place where you can hike. Many popular trails are packed down soon after a snowfall, so there’s no excuse to not get out! You’ll want waterproof boots, traction devices (like microspikes), layers, and a shorter route plan since daylight fades quickly.
Adventures We Love
Hiking in Los Angeles
For milder winter hikes, Bikes and Hikes LA offers guided tours to iconic viewpoints like the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park. Their team knows the local trails, timing, and best spots for panoramic winter views of the city.
Sedona Hiking
Sedona is a stellar winter hiking destination – fewer crowds, cool temps, and glowing red rock mesas. Trail Lovers Excursions leads guided hikes into some of the most remote desert landscapes, giving you access to quiet viewpoints and hidden canyons that many visitors miss.
The Winter Wonderland is Waiting
Winter hits different when you actually get outside. The cold wakes you up, the trails get quieter, and familiar places feel brand-new under a blanket of snow. Whether you’re learning to glide on skinny skis, wandering through frosted forests on snowshoes, or trying something totally new like ice climbing or fat biking, these winter outdoor activities are an invitation to enjoy the season instead of waiting for it to pass.
So bundle up, grab your gear, and head out into the crisp winter air. And wherever you go, remember to keep it mindful and follow Leave No Trace principles so these places stay wild and welcoming for the next crew of adventurers.
