For many, winter means hitting the ski slopes, but if you’re not the resort type, or are looking to get into something new, there are plenty of fun winter activities other than downhill skiing and snowboarding. Whether you’re looking to explore snowy trails, learn to climb frozen waterfalls, or adventure through the forest on a pair of cross-country skis, this guide highlights some of the best non-skiing winter activities to get you outside adventuring in the snowy months.

Ice Climbing: Learn to Scale Frozen Waterfalls

If climbing frozen walls of ice sounds like your kind of adventure, ice climbing is our recommendation for your next winter activity. Though it may seem intimidating, there is no experience necessary to take a guided ice climbing tour or lesson; and balance is more important than strength. Ice climbing is especially popular for those who love rock climbing in the summer, and want to climb year-round. If you’re looking to get into mountaineering, ice climbing also builds a great foundation for the skillset require to tackle more serious peaks. However, you don’t have to have big objectives to be an ice climber – taking a guided tour or lesson allows you to experience incredible winter landscapes from epic vantage points. From Colorado’s infamous Summit County to the the Alaska backcountry, here are some top destinations and tours to get you started:

Guided ice climbing tours generally operate from December to April depending on conditions.

Summit County, Colorado

For everyone from beginners climbing ice for the first time to advanced climbers seeking expert instruction, a day of ice climbing in the mountains of Summit County, CO will leave you with unforgettable memories. Explore half- and full-day guided ice climbing sessions for all ability levels. Based out of Silverthorne, these guided ice climbing tours explore the best of Summit County.

Wasatch Mountains, Utah

Utah’s Wasatch Range offers a variety ice climbing venues, making it a perfect ice climbing destination for all skill levels. Little Cottonwood Canyon, located near Salt Lake City, offers great beginner-friendly climbs like the Great White Icicle, a popular multi-pitch beginner route. In Provo Canyon, climbers can tackle Bridal Veil Falls, known for its beautiful setting and varying levels of difficulty; the variety of routes makes it a good location for intermediate to advanced climbers. For advanced climbers, Maple Canyon offers challenging mixed climbing opportunities, which means that there is a mix of rock and ice. With climbing venues for all ability levels, a guided ice climbing tour in Utah is a great way to explore the Wasatch Range in winter. 

North Conway, New Hampshire

For those looking for some east coast ice climbing, North Conway is located in the heart of the White Mountains. This area is a premier ice climbing destination in the Northeast, offering routes for climbers of all abilities. It’s the perfect frozen wonderland to learn the ice climbing basics. In the Intro to Ice Climbing Course, you can expect to learn all about the equipment, crampons, ice axes, anchors and belays, and spend time climbing to learn how to move efficiently over moderately angled snow and ice terrain.  

Intermediate and advanced climbers will also find plenty of challenges in the White Mountains, from varied terrain with stunning views to steep and technical routes. In North Conway, you’ll find a great progression of courses to grow your ice climbing skills, from Intermediate-Advanced Ice Climbing to Alpine Ski Mountaineering to Steep Ice Skills Courses. North Conway is a must-visit for any ice climbing enthusiast. Check out more North Conway ice climbing climbing courses here.

Seward, Alaska

Seward, located on Alaska’s scenic Kenai Peninsula, offers a truly wild ice climbing experience. With everything from accessible roadside routes to backcountry routes only accessible by helicopter, this region is perfect for adventurous climbers, from first timers to advanced ice climbers. With stunning glacial views and stunning frozen waterfalls, Seward is a perfect ice climbing destination. These guided trips include expert instructors, insulated outerwear, top tier climbing gear, snowshoes and poles plus hot beverages throughout your adventure!

Snowshoeing: Peaceful Winter Hikes Through Snowy Landscapes

Explore winter landscapes at a slower pace with snowshoe rentals and guided tours. When evaluating different winter activities, snowshoeing is our top pick for accessibility and ease of learning – making it a great option for families, group, and anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of winter. Adventure into snow-covered forests, hike to frozen lakes, and spend time on alpine trails. From stunning views of Crater Lake in Oregon to moonlit adventures in Lake Tahoe, guided snowshoe tours and rentals make it easy to get outside in the winter. Here are some of our top picks for snowshoeing this winter: 

Best Guided Snowshoe Tours

Crater Lake, Oregon

Experiencing Crater Lake National Park in winter is the ultimate snowshoeing adventure. This pristine wilderness is a whole new experience in winter, and the solitude is a great change of pace from the summertime crowds at this iconic national park. On this Crater Lake guided snowshoe tour, experienced guides will take you through this winter wonderland, explaining the many things you will see, from natural geological formations, abundant wildlife, and local culture and history.

Freedom, New Hampshire

Explore New England’s winter wonderland with half-day and full-day snowshoeing tours in Freedom, NH. Located near the White Mountains, Freedom offers scenic trails to explore nearby waterfalls, quiet forests, open meadows, and rolling hills blanketed in snow. They are also a great way to spot wildlife in the winter! Guided snowshoe tours in this area cater to all experience levels, making it a great activity for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike, and your experienced guides will share their knowledge about what grows in the area and answer any questions about moose, pond life, maple sugaring, and much more.

California: Lake Tahoe & Yosemite

Lake Tahoe is one of the most stunning snowshoeing venues on our list – picture yourself high on top of snow-covered foothills with the massive deep blue lake beneath you. From introductory tours for first-timers to custom and private tours, snowshoeing tours in Lake Tahoe are a magical way to explore its snow-covered trails and stunning alpine views. Many of Tahoe’s trails allow dogs, making it a great place for a dog-friendly snowshoe tour. For a unique experience, try a sunset or moonlight tour in the evening, where you can watch the sun set over the lake or trek under the glow of the moon. Whether you’re looking for a quick winter escape or a full-day adventure, guided snowshoe tours are the perfect way to enjoy Lake Tahoe in winter. 

If you’re looking to explore another national park by snowshoe, head to Yosemite for a guided snowshoe tour under the Giant Sequoias. See the largest trees on Earth on this incredible introductory snowshoe hike along a historic stagecoach coach road. You’ll snowshoe in the shadows of trees that are thousands of years old, walk through a tunnel tree and crawl through a fallen giant while learning the history and ecology of this incredible species. 

Colorado: Summit County & Rocky Mountain National Park

Guided snowshoe tours in Colorado offer the perfect way to explore destinations like Summit County and Rocky Mountain National Park. On half-day and full day snowshoe tours In Summit County, you’ll find peaceful backcountry trails, pristine mountain meadows, and you’ll feel like you have the mountains all to yourself. Snowshoeing tours in Rocky Mountain National Park offers equally breathtaking experiences, with trails that lead to frozen alpine lakes, snowy forests, and panoramic mountain views, as well as great opportunities to spot wiilflife such as elk, bighorn sheep, and birds of prey. Whether you’re a beginner or have snowshoed before, guided are an amazing way to enjoy the iconic Colorado’s winter. 

Seward, Alaska

Snowshoeing is a must if you’re spending time in Alaska during the winter! On a Seward Snowshoeing Adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to trek in the fresh mountain air up to the perfect vantage point, with views of the city of Seward, Resurrection Bay, and the stunning glaciated landscape, all while keeping an eye out for wildlife. You’ll feel the crisp winter air on your cheeks, smell the boreal forests, and truly immerse in the natural beauty of Alaska’s winter.

Amole Canyon, Taos, New Mexico

If you’re in the Southwest this winter, you can still experience winter! Amole Canyon is a pristine old growth ponderosa pine forest with excellent conditions for all levels of snowshoe experience. This canyon is designated as a snowshoe-only destination in the Carson National Forest, meaning it’s much less crowded than other snowshoeing destinations. On a guided snowshoeinig tour in Taos, you’ll experience quiet solitude while  meandering through old growth pine and mountain meadows, with great views of Picuris Peak. 

Snowshoe Rentals: Great Self-Guided Snowshoeing Locations

Renting snowshoes is a convenient way to explore winter trails at your own pace, and there are excellent rental options in some of the best snowshoeing destinations. From the old growth forests of New Mexico to the stunning Canadian wilderness of Whistler, here are some great spots to rent snowshoes:

• Snowshoe Rentals in Santa Fe & Taos, New Mexico 
• Lake Tahoe & Truckee Snowshoe Rentals 
• Colorado Snowshoe Rentals in Denver, Summit County, & Durango 
• Whistler Blackcomb Snowshoe Rentals

Snowshoeing Resources

Check out our comprehensive guides for everything you need to know to get started snowshoeing:

• What to Wear Snowshoeing
• What is Snowshoeing + Tips for Beginners

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is one of the most rewarding winter activities on our list – it combines adventure and fitness, all while exploring stunning trails in the winter. Unlike downhill skiing, cross-country skiing doesn’t require lifts or a resort, making it an accessible winter adventure.  There are tons of options, whether you want to visit a local Nordic Center, or just explore snowy trails on your own. With plenty of places to choose from, cross-country skiing is great for all skill levels. Rentals and lessons are available in many destinations, so it’s easy to get started and enjoy this classic winter sport. Here are some great spots to try cross-country (also called Nordic) skiing: 

Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson, Wyoming, is a fantastic destination for cross-country skiing, with stunning views of the Teton Range and a variety of trails suited for all skill levels. For beginners, the area provides some perfect starting points. The Teton Pines Nordic Center features easy, scenic trails that wind through serene forests and open meadows. The Cache Creek trail system is another great option, along with Snow King’s Nordic trails right in town. You can even get your Jackson Hole cross-country ski rental delivered directly to your accommodations! 

Freedom, New Hampshire

This charming destination for cross-country skiing offers a range of options for both beginners and experienced skiers. Half-day and full-day guided snowshoe lessons & tours will showcase the best trails while providing expert instruction. These tours cater to all levels, from newcomers to the sport to those looking to refine their technique, offering a great way to enjoy the snowy beauty of the White Mountains.

Tracking Animals in the Snow

One of our favorite parts about enjoying winter activities sans ski slope is that in snowy conditions, animal tracks become more visible and offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Spotting animal tracks in the snow lets you learn about the animals that share our outdoor spaces without disturbing them! When tracking animals in the snow, you might encounter prints from a variety of creatures, each leaving distinct clues. 

• Canine tracks, like those of foxes and wolves, typically show a four-toed print with claws 
• Feline tracks, such as those of bobcats and mountain lions, are round and lack visible claws. 
• Hoofed animals like deer and moose leave heart-shaped tracks
• Smaller mammals like raccoons and rabbits have unique prints reflecting their movements, such as waddling or hopping. 
• Birds, from turkeys to ducks, leave clear impressions of their webbed or three-toed feet, adding diversity to the trail.

If you’re not familiar with the animal tracks in your area, check out this guide to animal track identification. And remember – when identifying tracks, take the time to observe their patterns without stepping on or altering them. Try to avoid stepping on the tracks gives others the opportunity have the experience of tracking animals, too! This mindfulness not only helps preserve the natural beauty of winter environments but also ensures a great experience for other trail users. 

Leave No Trace in Winter

When getting outside for winter activities, it’s essential to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile ecosystems. Here are a few ways that we can apply Leave No Trace Principles in a winter setting: 

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Winter conditions can be unpredictable, so it’s important to check the weather forecast, pack proper gear for the cold, and ensure you have the right equipment for winter travel, such as snowshoes or skis, to avoid damaging fragile snow and ice environments.
2. Dispose of Waste Properly: Cold temperatures can delay the decomposition of organic waste, so pack out all trash, including food scraps and human waste. Additionally, this avoids contaminating snowmelt than runs into our streams and drinking water.
3. Respect Wildlife: Avoid disturbing tracks or nesting sites and give wildlife ample space. Keep a safe distance and avoid approaching animals as they may be stressed or threatened by human presence, especially in the winter.
4. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Winter recreation is popular for solitude, so be respectful of others enjoying the quiet. Keep noise levels down, and stick to maintained trails to avoid cutting fresh tracks in pristine snow, allowing everyone to enjoy the perfect winter landscape. 

Fun Winter Activities Beyond the Slopes

Winter isn’t just for skiing—there are endless ways to enjoy the outdoors in the colder months. From climbing frozen waterfalls to exploring snowy trails on snowshoes or XC skis, these adventures are sure to get you outside and make the most of the winter months.

Ready to plan your next winter adventure? On TripOutside you can discover the best winter activities – like ice climbing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing tours and compare prices, locations, customer reviews, and more, allowing you to find the perfect adventure for you and your group.  With the convenience of booking online directly with the local shop, you can ensure a seamless booking experience, while getting the best deals and most flexibility for your trip.