5 Outdoor Winter Activities To Try With Friends : Accessible Adventures

If you are like me, when it comes to your friend group, you’re probably the one who plans the get togethers and the fun activities. Or maybe you are just looking to be inspired to do something this winter.
We are the Artistry of Adventure and we have created a three part series on our top 5 outdoor winter activities to try with friends.

We have categorized adventures based on their relevance, capacity, cost and level of risk.  In this article, we will discuss the first category, Accessible Adventures. These are activities that almost anyone can do and you could use items that you may already have, items that you can borrow from friends or family, or you just may have to pay a nominal fee. These activities are sure to get you and your friends outside and enjoying the cooler temperatures. Before we begin, we want to recognize that accessibility looks different for everyone, so if you have any tips or insights that we, as two able-bodied guys, may have missed, then please share in the comments on our social media.

Here’s our top 5 Accessible Winter Adventures:

WALKING

Taking a walk isn’t normally seen as an exciting adventure, but it's definitely can be. Exploring new neighbourhoods or the trail system in your city can take you to some pretty cool places that you may have never seen before, especially in winter. You can also boost your motivation by tracking your daily steps and use that towards a friendly competition.  Or, grab a warm beverage and use this time to catch up with your friends while being active. 

TOBOGGANING

You may know this activity as sledding, but however you call it, its just plain fun! Whether you’re riding on a solo sled or with others, this downhill adventure has you floating, sometimes even flying, down a snowy hill at a speed that could blow your toque off. The hike you’ll take back up the hill will definitely burn some calories and warm you back up before your next trip down. We recommend dressing in layers to help with the cold, as well as pad your body in the event of impact.

SNOW TUBING

This is a similar idea to tobogganing, but it’s a bit safer as you would use an insulated inner tube to ride down the slopes instead of a sled. If you participate in this activity at a ski hill, they will have different shoots that you can experience; they will have a safe way for you to stop after you’ve gained some incredible speed and they usually supply a way to get back up the hill. It’s the thrill and excitement that you need without the heavy exertion!

SKATING

In Canada, you wont have to look or travel very far to find a sheet of ice. Grab, borrow or rent some skates and head out for a few hours of cardio with your friends. You can simply glide around while chatting about your favourite caramel flavour; playing various games or challenge your buddies to a game of hockey.  If your friends do not know how to skate then you could offer to teach them. It’s a good excuse to use skating as a way to connect. Like tobogganing and snow tubing, we recommend that you take all safety precautions and wear a helmet.

OUTDOOR FIRE PIT

One of the best ways to embrace our winters outside with other people is around a cozy fire. Its one of the least strenuous adventures on this list, but it will be the one that keeps you the warmest. Gather around the fire pit with your warm clothes, blankets, hot chocolate, and a variety of snacks to roast over the roaring flames. Not only can you enjoy the crisp, fresh air while being in nature, but also you can be surrounded in good conversation and great company. To make it a true adventure, we suggest that you depart from your backyard and visit your cities available park facilities or out at your friend’s lake lot or cabin. 

Have any of your own Accessible Adventures you can do with friends this winter? Let us know on our social media.

- Artistry of Adventure