Sili-Blog
It’s Time to Bundle Up, Winter Adventures Await
Yikes, have you stepped out onto your frosted porch recently?
It is chilly out there.
While staying warm in your pajamas seems more reasonable than putting on snow pants and embracing the icy air, we’re proposing it anyway.
Get ready, it’s time to bundle up and head outside to embrace winter at its finest – in the snow. Here are a few ideas to start, including winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Getting the right gear.
If you don’t currently have the gear in your garage it doesn’t mean you should wave goodbye to winter fun. The key to checking out a new potential hobby is thrifting. Outdoor gear thrift stores are awesome places to find inexpensive cold weather gear. Used gear will save you money and keep the commitment manageable while you’re still testing out the activity.
Once you decide you enjoy something in particular, keep an eye out for “ski swaps” or end of winter sales. They’re usually hosted by ski shops or clubs in the area. You can find great new gear at discounted rates before or after the season.
Preparing to hit the trails.
You may not see them, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Whether hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, there are forest and urban trails groomed for different activities. In some areas, you can find dog-friendly trails to bring your four-legged friends along.
The best way to find winter trails is to do a Google search that looks like this:
“Your location (i.e. Bend, OR) + Winter activities (i.e. snowshoeing trails)” → the first result that pops up for us is the website “Visit Bend”, which breaks down winter activities by sport and place.
Once you’ve decided on a trail, we recommend you get a trail map and permit. Trail maps can be available on the website or at the trailhead, you’ll want to call ahead and find out. It can be dangerous to embark on a winter trail without knowing exactly where you’re going. Also, always be aware of how much daylight you have left.
The essentials for a safe and comfortable experience:
- Safety tips from the CDC (including what to bring and what to wear)
- Satisfying snacks and warm beverages. We recommend a Drink Tanks Growler, and hot cocoa served in an insulating, packable and lightweight Silipint with a Travel Lid XL, of course.
- Your phone, which can be used in emergencies as well as for pictures
- Do a little research to help you successfully ease into the sport:
Soaking in the moments.
There are so many reasons to do this, right? Getting outside to breathe fresh air and listen to the quiet of winter. Seeing nature in hibernation mode resets the body, decreases stress and increases fitness. It just generally feels good to the soul.
Ridge-top views, snowball fights, and peaceful pine trees dusted in powder are only a few of the experiences you may encounter. Take advantage of these moments, they won’t last all year.
Spend quality time with your closest friends during a nighttime snowshoeing adventure. Bring a delicious spiced mulled wine with a set of Stemless Wine Glasses. Once you get to a clearing of the night sky, take a moment to pass out the wine and cheers to the good company you keep.
If you’re on a cross-country skiing trip with the family, pack a thermos of hot chocolate and bring a set of Half Pints. At the halfway point, take a break to enjoy the cocoa together. It’ll get everyone energized, warm and toasty for the home stretch.
Want to let us know your favorite gear, trail and moment of this winter!? Share your adventures with us on Instagram, follow and tag @Silipint and use #Silipint.
