Category: Glamping North America

Winter is a time of year where sometimes all you want to do is curl up under a blanket, eat soup, and drink hot cocoa, but it’s actually the most perfect time to get outside and try new things. Here are nine winter adventure activities I’ve experienced and you should too on your next snow-covered glamping stay.

1. HIT THE SLOPES THEN APRES SKI

Whether it’s your first lesson, or you’re a seasoned snowboarder or an off-piste pro, there’s nothing more refreshing than when the cool mountain air hits your face as you take turns down the slopes. Equally as gratifying is the glass of wine and a pot of fondue after a long days work in your ski boots.

Go skiing at Tin Poppy in British Columbia

2. TOBOGGANING

One activity that always brings me back to the fun and free childhood feelings is tobogganing downhill.

Go tobogganing at Moose Meadow Lodge in Waterbury, Vermont

3. SNOWSHOEING

Snowshoeing is an excellent way to keep warm and stay active at a relaxed pace stopping along your path to enjoy the views while ascending to an overlook.

Go snowshoeing at Tree House Tranquil-a-Tree in Washington

4. SNOWMOBILING

A thrilling backcountry experience, hop on a snowmobile and feed your inner adrenaline junky. Many winter destinations even have their own ‘highways’ for use getting to school or work and back.

Go snowmobiling at The Resort at Paws Up in western Montana

5. DOGSLEDDING

Being pulled through the snow-laden forest by a pack of huskies eager for a good long run is a truly memorable experience – one for those ready to sit back, enjoy the ride, and maybe snap a few pictures along the way.

Go on a dogsledding adventure at Horses and Huskys de los Pehuenes in Neuquen, Argentina

6. SNOW SCOOTING DOWN A HILL

A cross between riding a scooter and snowboarding downhill this is one for the whole family to try. Make sure you wear a helmet for this one!

Try Snow Scooting at Whitepod in Valais, Switzerland

7. ICE FISHING

Ice-fishing is a patient mans (or woman) activity best done with a group of friends. Depends on the day what you’ll bring in, but half the fun is the conversation and catching up with friends.

Go Ice-fishing at Icehotel Jukkasjarvi in Kiruna, Sweden

8. ICE BATHING

An out of body experience, hopping in an ice-cold lake is an activity you’ll be telling your friends about for years to come. I’m told by locals practicing it regularly that ice bathing helps to push mental limits.

What is on your own winter experience bucket list?

Main Image, Snow Scooting Photo, and Ice Bathing Photo Credit: Lacy Colley Yamaoka

Speaking from experience, making reservations ahead of time is a must for these popular destinations. Don’t forget to do your homework… you’ll need a plan. Find a map online and notate what trails you want to visit and how much time they will take round-trip. Depending on the time of year you wish to visit will also determine the necessary equipment you’ll need to make your hiking adventure all that more pleasant. Comfortable hiking and water shoes, thermal waterproof knee-high socks, and a refillable water bottle should all be packed in your lightweight backpack. Now with these tips, you are one step closer to a successful hiking trip to the following top must-visit places.

Havasupai – A Hidden Gem
Supai, Arizona

Found within the Havasupai Reservation, at the Southwest corner of the Grand Canyon National Park, this hike is not an easy one, but it is the most rewarding. The water flows through Havasu Creek and rocks full of minerals which create the dreamy blue green colored waters that flow down their many waterfalls. From Havasupai Hilltop Campground to Mooney Falls (the very last waterfall on the trail) will take an experienced hiker over a day, so plan for an overnight stay along the way, preferably 2-3 days to enjoy the experience and picture perfect views. Havasupai Lodge is the closest lodging available, only 1.2 miles from Lower Navajo Falls “Rock Falls” and 1.8 miles from Havasu Falls. Luckily, there is also a campground available between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. An affordable helicopter transportation service is available for those who lack the time or physical ability to hike one or both ways.

Zion National Park – Bring The Family With You!
Springdale, Utah

If you are into travel and nature, you must have heard of Zion National Park in Southern Utah. The top perks I appreciate from National Parks are that most offer shuttle buses through the park and free tours or programs to entertain and educate the little ones. The destination is popular for its trails leading to and through mountains, tunnels, waterfalls, and streams. Families and adventurers of all ages are welcome to go at their preferred pace thanks to trails offering easy, moderate, and experienced difficulty levels. Bring a swimsuit and safe-seal waterproof backpack during spring and fall, you may just need to go all in.

Need a place to stay? Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is a great option. The ranch offers fun glamping accommodations inside tents, wagons, and cabins.

Image Credits: GoogleMaps, Campfirestyle.com, NPS