It's easy to get the winter blahs if you're always just sitting indoors in front of the TV, but how do you stay active when it's cold outside? If you're wondering about ideas for fun winter activities you can enjoy with your family, and looking for deals on all the gear you need, look no further! Here are some handy ways to survive the 2010 holidays in style, with a top 10 list of activities ranging from the adventurous to the relaxed.
1. Snowboarding: If your family enjoys a little bit of a challenge and likes the adrenaline rush, take to the hills and try snowboarding! While it may have a reputation for being a bit of a pricey sport, there are some great online deals on snowboarding gear at sites like Action Village.
2. Skiing: For a slightly slower but still thrilling pace, downhill skiing is a winter favorite. Make sure you think about whether you're going to be doing mostly on-piste or mountain skiing to ensure you get the best skis for your run.
3. Cross-country skiing: This is a versatile activity that can be both fast-paced and relaxed, depending on what type of ski you get. The traditional version of cross-country skiing is called the classic style, which runs on tracks and tends to go at a slower speed, while those looking for a good workout should try skate skiing or Nordic skiing, where the skier pushes out each ski like they're ice skating.
4. Snowshoeing: Today's snowshoes are nothing like the unwieldy webbed footwear of yore! Enjoy a nature hike with your kids with a trusty brand like Tubbs, available at Buy.com. Get something like the pink Tubbs Girls Storm Snowshoes for snowshoes that your daughter will love!
5. Tobogganing: While you can enjoy this fun childhood activity with nothing but a garbage pail lid, let your little one enjoy a safer ride with the Emsco Plastic Infant Boggan Toboggan from Kmart.com, which includes seat pads for extra insulation, a tow rope for parents to hang onto, and even a seatbelt to keep your baby safe and secure.
6. Ice skating: Whether you're into doing figure-eights or going for speed, there's no doubt that ice skating is a great winter pastime! To land that perfect triple-salchow, try the Bladerunner Solstice Women's Figure Skates from Buy.com.
7. Hockey: If your favorite thing to do is watch the Washington Capitals or Detroit Red Wings in action, why not get into the rink yourself? Get started with a good hockey skate, like the American 468 Ice Force Hockey Skate from Shoebuy.com.
8. Winter running: There's nothing more refreshing than running through the snow, and as long as you bundle up warmly and wear lots of layers, it really isn't as bad as it sounds, and you can wear the same shoes you wear in the summer. A well-ventilated running jacket is key to shield you from the wind and wick away sweat, so buy something like the K-Swiss Running Jacket from Shoebuy.com.
9. Winter biking: There's no need to put away your bike for the winter season, especially if you bike commute to work - just like with a car, it's possible to get a studded winter tire for your bicycle, like the Continental Nordic Spike Studded Winter City/Trekking Bicycle Tire from BikeSomeWhere.com.
10. Camping: Believe it or not, it's possible to camp successfully in the winter! The key is a good four-season tent, a sleeping pad to go under your sleeping bag and create an insulated cushion between you and the frozen ground, and a very warm sleeping bag - check the temperature ratings before you buy. Browse the great selections at Cabela's for some ideas (and for some extra savings, look out for discounted gift cards for Cabela's during the holiday sales and use them yourself to shop for camping gear!)
These might help you find some creative gifts for the athletes on your list too! And here are a couple more tips to make sure you stay warm while having fun in the cold:
Layering: Wearing several layers is more practical and keeps you warm better than just piling on your heavy winter jacket if you plan to stay active. It's possible to stay warm while wearing thin, flexible clothing as long as you look for wicking materials that carry sweat away from the skin, and wear a base layer, thermal layer and outer layer. Here's a great article on how to layer effectively: Clothing Layers For Winter Sports
Dress as if it were 10 degrees warmer for vigorous activity: Overheating can be just as much of a problem as freezing in the winter! If you're planning an activity that really gets your heart rate up, like winter running, it's a good idea to dress as if it were 10 degrees warmer since you will sweat when exercising.
Stay hydrated: Even though you will feel less thirsty in the cold temperature, it's a good idea to drink water whenever you can.
Protect your skin with petroleum jelly: Here's a tip I learned for running in sub-zero temperatures - put a layer of petroleum jelly on exposed skin to keep it warm and protect it from freezing. It may not feel great when you're slathering it on at first, but it really helps when you're out there in the cold, plus it also keeps the moisture in!
Stay on course with GPS: Whether you're training for a race or just need to stay on track in white-out conditions, it's a good idea to get a GPS unit, especially one that you can wear on your wrist and that monitors your heart rate. For one with all the bells and whistles, try the Garmin Forerunner 310XT with heart rate monitor and GPS receiver, available from CompuPlus.com!
Have fun staying active in the winter!
