Adventure lovers recognize winter for its fun activities such as skiing. However not everyone may love skiing as a hobby, while others would like to try some new activities to engage in during winter. This article shares some great locations one may visit during winter that do not involve skiing:
Jigokudani Yaenkoen Park, Japan
This spot, famously known as “Hell’s Valley,” is made up of steep cliffs and hot water seeping out from the underground. It is situated in the Yokoyu River valley, flowing down from Shiga Kogen. Here, you can find snow on the surface for up to a third of the year, and the inhabitants (Japanese macaques) get through the winter season by taking advantage of the warm waters.
Kirkenes, Norway
Safaris cannot be only taken in Africa. You can as well take one in Kirkenes Norway (the Arctic Adventure Resort’s King Crab Safari), only that this type of safari involves king crabs. It involves a single day trip from that starts from the resort on either boat or snowmobile to a fjord, as you go hunting for huge crabs. In the larger depths of the fjord, skilled divers do the fishing activities while the guests eat to their fill.
Lake Placid, New York (Olympic Sports Complex)
This location hosted the Winter Olympics in 1980. Its unique track is the only one of its kind found on the Eastern side of the Rocky Mountains. Guests can fulfill their Olympic dreams by taking a spin on the track, assisted by an expert driver and brakeman. The adrenalin burst you will feel, while cruising along the icy track, will surely make you come back for more.
Georgetown Lake, Colorado
On selected weekends between the months of January and March, brave drives get the opportunity of racing their cars on an ice-covered Georgetown Lake. As long as you have a driver’s license and a 4-wheel drive car you can participate in the race. The registration fee for the race is $20 and it is organized by the ice racing club known as Our Gang 4 Wheelers. The most thrilling days are Saturdays, as the most experienced drivers showcase their skills with their beefed-up cars.
Ouray, Colorado
The Ouray Ice Park is regarded as the ice climbing “Mecca” of the United States. Previously, this area was a sleepy mining town, but it developed into one of the best winter destinations where climbers visit not only for winter adventure, but for the biggest ice climbing event in North America as well. Buoyed by the San Juan’s natural ice formations and water overflow, this type of park was the first one to be built in the world and it consists of more than 200 climbing courses up the ice walls.
Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife is one of the leading cities in the northern hemisphere. From your heated 360 degree rotating seat, this spot enables you to view the amazing lights of the famous Aurora Borealis. In the village of Aurora, a few kilometers away from the town of Yellowknife, there is a campground full of glowing teepees which form an excellent setting for photos for your Northern Lights Vacation.
Yellowstone National Park
This park forms a superb site for your winter trip, particularly when the large crowds of the summer are gone. There is a lot to be done while on this park, from the excursions covering the Washburn Range’s slopes, Cascade Creek’s meadows, the rims of the Grand Canyon at the river to the hot-spring basins of the backcountry. Guests retreat to camp to their privately heated sleeping huts after the long excursion.
Yosemite National Park
Ice skating is a traditional sport at the Yosemite, practiced since the 1930s. Apart from this, there is the fire ring which you can enjoy some hot chocolate after long skating sessions on the ice. In addition, one gets to view stunning views of the Curry Village Ice Rink, which allows you to embrace your inner child. Parents can carry along their children as well.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is well known for the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, a small red train that takes visitors around the beauty of the Swiss Alps. The journey begins from Zermatt to Davos, along 291 bridges as visitors experience the spectacular mountain scenery. The whole journey takes about eight hours, giving the train the title “the slowest express train in the universe!” However, this provides riders with the chance to relax and enjoy the warmth the train provides.
Seward, Alaska
Lastly, try out driving a dog team during winter with the Seavey’s Ididaride dog sledding tours. Drivers dress in cold weather gear and choose their own team consisting of four dogs. They then drive all the way from the River Valley to the Exit Glacier (a 16 mile journey in the Alaskan wilderness). Along the journey, travelers stop for hot chocolate and lunch.
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