5 Outdoor Winter Activities To Try With Friends : Adrenaline Adventures

Ever wonder what it's like to climb a frozen waterfall, rip across untouched powder in a remote area, or explore an icy canyon that reminds you of the Fortress of Solitude? We have. These are thrilling adventures that might make your parents nervous and will definitely get your heart racing. We're 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 third and final category in this series, Adrenaline Adventures. These are activities that are challenging, they have a higher risk factor and require extensive research before anyone takes part in them. We are not going deep into extreme sports here, so these activities should be in reach for most of your eager friends.  

Here’s our top 5 Adrenaline Winter Adventures: 

WINTER CAMPING 

This is one of the most available activities on the list, as you and your friends can take a quick getaway any night of the week. It's best to make this trip when the overnight lows are between -5 and -15 degrees Celsius. We suggest that you pick an easy location to get to, bring the right gear, have your back up heat sources, pack high calorie snacks and stay hydrated. Winter camping can be a fun experience, so make sure you are prepared, stay warm and have fun! 

ICE WALK 

Bundle up, grab your best footwear, and get ready for adventure! Taking an ice walk gets you off the beaten path and allows you and your friends to explore ice-covered canyons and deep ravines on foot. You can take a tour through some remote places with an expert guide who will teach you all about the area and who will supply you with ice cleats needed to safely venture across the frozen surface. As water naturally changes from season to season, this activity will never give you the same setting twice, which means a new experience every time! 

ICE CLIMBING 

If you are looking to take your winter adventures to the next level, then you must try ice climbing. This full body workout has you wearing a helmet and crampons then swinging an axe at a frozen water feature 

while you hang high on a vertical wall. With every step you take, you can admire the different ice formations and colours bouncing off the icicles right in front of your face. This is a great team activity because even if you are not climbing or belaying, then you can enjoy watching your friend’s ascent, cheering them on and learning from their climb. This is an adrenaline rush like no other and comes highly recommended. 

SNOWMOBILING

Mount your 225kg machine, start er up and tug the throttle so you and your crew can float over snow-covered landscapes and discover the local terrain. These machines take some training and some getting used to but when you do, they can be maneuvered over tracked trails and through deep powder with ease. If you are looking for a leisurely experience, then take a ride on well-groomed paths through nature’s massive backcountry network. Or, if you are looking for more of a thrill, then get out into some wide-open spaces for some high speed cruising. You can travel at incredible speeds that do cool you down, but luckily these high tech toys can come with heaters and seat warmers.  

HELI SKIING 

If you love to ski and are looking for a little more than what your local mountain has to offer, then try heli-skiing. Take your skills and your friends to amazing heights on a helicopter bound for a remote mountain peak. No lift lines, no crowds, tons of powder, natural terrain, majestic beauty, steep lines; what more could you ask for! When you finish your run, the helicopter will lift you back to the top of the mountain for another go. This is one of the most physically demanding activities on our list, but as long as you are generally fit and looking for that rush, heli-skiing should be at the top of your list.  

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

- Artistry of Adventure