If you’re going to survive winter, you might as well learn to enjoy it! Hibernating all winter indoors will only make the winter drag out endlessly. Besides your body needs the fresh air, sunshine and exercise. There are lots of family fun winter activities that can be enjoyed outdoors. So what are you going to do to start enjoying the snow? There are certainly plenty of wonderful winter sports for kids to enjoy with their family. Here are a few ideas for winter sports you may want to try with your kids.
Winter Sports Kids Will Love For Some Quality Family Bonding
Photo Contributed by: Karyn Climans
Winter is a wonderland of possibilities for kids, a time when they can embrace the crisp air and snowy landscapes with sheer delight. Some of the most popular winter sports for kids are skiing and snowboarding. If you’re looking to elevate your child’s winter experience to thrilling new heights, it’s time to think beyond the traditional activities. In this article, we’ll also delve into the world of unconventional winter sports that are sure to excite and engage young adventurers. From the heart-racing thrill of ice climbing to the camaraderie of ice hockey, the pure joy of snow tubing, and the unique challenge of biathlon, we’re about to unlock a world of winter wonders that your kids are bound to love. So get ready to introduce them to a whole new level of excitement and adventure during the winter months.
Skiing
One of the best winter sports kids can learn more easily when they are younger is skiing. We did skiing as a family when our kids were growing up as our favorite winter sport. We rented a home in Collingwood for 4 months every year (Dec 1st to March 31st) and we headed up every weekend as well as the Christmas break and March Break. Sometimes we even played hooky from school and work on Fridays and would head up north on Thursday night. 3 days of outdoor fun and family time.
Everyone can ski at his or her own level. Even though my kids’ ski level has far surpassed mine these days, we still enjoy spending a day together on the slopes. If they want to take a few runs on the moguls, I’ll hit a more intermediate run and then meet them at the bottom of the chairlift. My knees don’t like moguls any more!
At the end of the day when everyone’s tired, there’s nothing more satisfying than enjoying a big pot of homemade chili and watching a good video together. Since everyone’s exhausted by 9 pm, it’s early to bed and because you’re physically tired, everyone sleeps really well. Waking up fresh the next day, you’re ready to hit the slopes nice and early again.
Skiing not your winter sport? That’s okay … there’s plenty of other great winter sports kids will love.
Ice Hockey: The Coolest Team Sport
Ice hockey is a sport that embodies the essence of winter. The fast-paced action, the sound of skates gliding across the ice, and the thrill of scoring a goal make it an exhilarating experience for kids of all ages. Just like skiing and snowboarding, ice hockey offers a unique way for children to stay active and make the most of the winter season. Kids will learn the significance of wearing proper gear, including helmets, pads, and skates. They will also be taught the fundamentals of skating and stick handling, as well as the rules of the game. With the guidance of experienced coaches, they will develop their skills and knowledge, ensuring that they can fully enjoy the sport while staying safe on the ice.
Beyond the physical benefits, ice hockey provides an opportunity for kids to embrace the idea of teamwork. Playing as part of a team teaches them how to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and support their teammates. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and encourages children to work together towards a common goal. Whether it’s passing the puck, defending the net, or scoring a goal, each player has a vital role to play in the game.
Ice hockey is also an excellent way for children to challenge themselves and build resilience. The fast-paced nature of the sport demands quick decision-making and adaptability, helping kids develop their problem-solving skills and learn how to think on their feet. It pushes them out of their comfort zone and encourages them to overcome obstacles, both on and off the ice. By embracing the challenges of ice hockey, kids gain valuable life skills that can be applied to various aspects of their lives. Plus, ice hockey is just plain fun.
Snow Tubing: Guaranteed Fun for All Ages
Snow tubing provides a unique and exhilarating experience that combines the thrill of sledding with the ease of gliding down a snow-covered hill. Whether your child is a seasoned winter sports enthusiast or a newbie to the snow, snow tubing is a safe and enjoyable activity that requires no previous experience or specialized equipment.
With snow tubing, all you need is a sturdy inflatable tube and a snowy slope, and you’re ready to go. Kids can hop onto their tubes and slide down the hill, feeling the rush of wind in their faces and the pure joy of zooming through the snow. It’s a simple but incredibly fun way to enjoy the winter landscape while getting some exercise and fresh air.
The best part about snow tubing is that it’s not just for kids. Adults can join in on the fun too! It’s a fantastic activity for the whole family to enjoy together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Imagine the smiles and laughter as you all fly down the hill together, competing to see who can slide the farthest or spin the fastest. Snow tubing is a bonding experience that brings everyone closer while having a blast.
Many ski resorts and winter recreation areas offer designated snow tubing lanes, complete with lifts and groomed slopes. This means you can enjoy the fun of snow tubing without having to trek far into the wilderness or worry about finding the perfect hill. These dedicated tubing areas often have safety measures in place, such as barriers and slopes specifically designed for tubing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Ice Climbing: A Thrilling Winter Adventure
Ice climbing is a winter adventure like no other, offering a thrilling and daring experience for older kids and teens who crave excitement and adrenaline. Scaling frozen walls of ice, they will learn to conquer their fears and push their limits in a sport that requires strength, agility, and mental focus.
While ice climbing may seem like an extreme sport, it can be enjoyed by kids of various ages and skill levels. Professional instructors and guides are available at many winter resorts, offering safe and supervised environments for kids to try their hand at this exhilarating activity. With the right equipment and proper training, your child can embark on a journey of conquering icy peaks and reaching new heights. Ice climbing is an unconventional winter sport that offers kids a chance to embrace the thrill of the unknown. It opens their eyes to new possibilities, teaches them resilience and teamwork, and challenges them to conquer their fears.
Get outside and enjoy these winter sports with your kids:
Check your local area for recreational leagues so that your kids can involved with winter sports. Being part of youth sports programs is a great way for them to learn good sportsmanship and work on skill development.
- Cross-country skiing
- Alpine skiing
- Snowboarding
- Ski jumping
- Ice skating
- Sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Hockey
- Snowshoeing
- Snow Tubing
- Ice Fishing
Conclusion
When it comes to winter sports for kids, the most popular may be skiing and ice hockey but there are lots of choices. By exploring unconventional options like ice climbing, snow tubing, snowshoeing, you can introduce your children to thrilling adventures, team camaraderie, guaranteed fun, and unique challenges. These activities will keep them active, engaged, and excited during the winter months. So why stick to the same old routine? Step out of the comfort zone and make this winter one to remember.
As the snow falls, let your kids discover the thrill, excitement, pure fun, and unique challenges that await them. Don’t let them miss out on the opportunity to create unforgettable memories. Get out there and seize the winter season by indulging in some winter sports including snowshoeing, snow tubing, dog sledding, tobogganing, ice skating and cross county skiing. What are you and your family going to do together for fun to survive winter this year?
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