5 Outdoor Winter Activities To Do With Friends : Ambitious Adventures

Its winter and you may be getting tired of hiding out indoors waiting for the temperature to warm up. You and your friends could go outside, but the winter activities accessible to the average public may not spark feelings of excitement for you. If you are looking for more, 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 second category, Ambitious Adventures. These are activities that many can do but you will need a bit more education, training, equipment and cost to participate. These activities are sure to get you and your friends outside and enjoying the cooler temperatures.

Here’s our top 5 Ambitious Adventures to try this winter:

MOUNTAIN HIKES

Winter hiking is a great time to explore nature while on a defined trail and connect with your friends without the crowds. Its fairly easy to do, as long as you take all of the necessary precautions. You can enjoy the solitude, the fresh mountain air and the spectacular views without the harassment of mosquitoes. Snow can change the landscape and make a trail into a beautiful winter painting. As trails are less traveled and noisy, wildlife can be seen on the same paths. No matter the hike be sure to plan ahead, watch your step, stay as a group and keep your distance from animals. 

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

This widely practiced sport and recreational activity places you on skinny skis and allows you to glide on fresh or tracked trails. Depending on your skill level and ability, the soft and comfortable boots let you to appreciate a popular, leisurely loop or if you are enjoying the peace and quiet, you and your friends can take a lower traffic, more demanding route. Cross-country skiing is a full body work out and will keep you warm as you spend some time exploring the natural beauty of winter.

SNOWSHOEING

If you are looking for an adventure, snowshoeing is a great low-impact aerobic exercise that can take you and your friends through the deepest snow and steep terrain. The lightweight footwear helps you to hike off the beaten path, bypassing obstructions so you can enjoy the environment without drastically disturbing the plant life below the snow. This is a great activity when you’re feeling spontaneous because it takes no time to lace up and get going.  

DOWNHILL SKIING

Downhill skiing and snowboarding are an adrenaline rush for all ability levels. You might find a local hill close to your home, but if you are looking to enhance the experience, then take a road trip to the mountains. You and your pals can bond all day when your making first tracks, carving lines on a new run, riding the chair lift or chatting about the most epic jump of the day. Plus, you can’t forget about après-ski, which are the social activities following a day on the slopes. You and your friends can explore the area during the evening, sampling beverages, dining at a local eatery, meeting new people and enjoying some of the entertainment around town.   

DOG SLEDDING

The exhilarating experience of being pulled behind a team of dogs across the snow-covered landscape is one that you will never forget. For animal lovers, this is a wonderful experience as you get to meet the dogs before the adventure begins. Pairs can bundle up in a blanket in the sled and enjoy the ride while another takes the position at the rear and drives the team of dogs. The winding trails and beautiful views make any trip an unforgettable journey. We encourage that you always support an ethical sled dog kennel and do your research to ensure that you and your friends are enjoying the sport responsibly. 

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

- Artistry of Adventure