(NEWS CENTER Maine) — It’s the dead of winter. It’s cold, it’s snowy, and spring seems so far away. Don’t dwell on it, stop hibernating, get outside and have some fun!
Here are five things you can do OUTSIDE with your family to escape the depressing winter doldrums.
1.) Snowboarding and skiing, both Alpine and Nordic, are no-brainers. We’re lucky to live in a state with a number of ski resorts. They accommodate all levels too, from beginners to experts. Check out these websites for the closest slopes near you.
Obviously, flying down a mountain on scientifically engineered carbon fiber isn't for everyone. So let me throw a few more options at you.
2.) Here in Maine, there certainly isn't a shortage of available ice. So stop by Play-It-Again, grab yourself a $15 dollar pair of skates and lace 'em up! That glide will get you every time. But if Mother Nature has ruined your sheet of ice, there are plenty of towns that maintain a perfect surface all winter long.
3.) On to numbers three and four, sledding and tubing. My favorite sledding hill is at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. It's steep, it's fast, and the walk back up isn't too long. Ok, folks, this is where you guys come in. I want you to tell me where your favorite sledding hill is. Just go to our Facebook page and chime in!
4) If you want to take sledding to the next level, try tubing! It's fast, really fast and it's fun for all ages. Watch me go ↓
Several of our local ski resorts have tubing terrain and there are also a few spots that are a much closer drive, totally dedicated to just tubing.
5) Go take a hike...I'm serious.
Last on the list is the easiest one of them all...winter hiking. It's so easy, and it's free! Most towns have a nice trail system snaking through them, too.
Obviously, what you wear is very important. Even if the temperature outside is really cold, as long as the wind isn’t too bad and you dress in layers with hats and gloves, you’ll be more than comfortable, especially if you’re moving around.
Todd Gutner
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