15 Ways to Connect with Nature This Holiday Season
With the leaves long ago turned and fallen and the winter’s first snow having made its appearance, many are naturally heading into hibernation-mode. Who doesn’t love curling up with a warm cup of coffee and a book on a snowy weekend morning? And who wouldn’t rather get to the comforts home as soon as possible after a long day at work? On the flipside of the coin, though, this is also when many Utahns watch the snowpack closely, ready to hit the resorts or the backcountry on their skis yet again.
No matter your outdoor winter ambitions, though, the benefits of connecting to nature persist and may be even more important for staving off the blues brought on by these cold, dark months. Here are some ideas that hopefully run the gambit of interest and ability to get you and your loved ones that much-needed nature exposure.
Connecting with nature in winter offers real benefits: it lifts our mood, increases our exposure to natural light (helping prevent the winter blues), and keeps us active even when it’s cold outside. Here are some expanded ideas for connecting with nature this winter, regardless of your budget, time, or activity level.
1. Skiing and Snowboarding
Utah’s slopes are famous for good reason! Whether you’re a fan of downhill skiing, backcountry adventures, or cross-country skiing, there’s something for every skill level. Skiing and snowboarding are excellent cardio workouts that build endurance, coordination, and strength, while also offering a chance to connect with stunning mountain scenery. If you’re looking to save money, consider purchasing a season pass or researching discount days and free access areas. Many resorts also offer group classes and beginners’ packages, which can help make the experience more affordable and accessible for those new to the sport.
2. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is an easy-to-learn, low-impact activity suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Snowshoes keep you from sinking into deep snow, opening up countless trails and snowy landscapes. Snowshoeing provides a gentle but effective workout, working muscles in the legs and core while offering a meditative pace to appreciate winter’s quiet beauty. Many parks, like Wasatch Mountain State Park, offer beginner-friendly trails, and snowshoe rentals are available at most outdoor outfitters. Don’t forget layers, water, and snacks—snowshoeing burns more calories than a typical walk!
3. Sledding
Sledding is a wonderful way to bring out your inner child, and it’s suitable for all ages. It’s a fun workout, too, with the walk uphill often as exhilarating as the ride down! Look for designated sledding hills, where you’re less likely to encounter hidden obstacles or traffic. If you want to extend the fun, bring hot chocolate in a thermos and make it a sledding picnic.
4. Winter Running
For dedicated runners, winter can be a magical season to keep up the habit. Running in snow strengthens stabilizing muscles in the legs and core as you adjust to varying terrains. Key tips: avoid icy surfaces, invest in microspikes or ice grips to add traction to your shoes, and dress in layers to stay warm. Running in winter can also have mental benefits: the quiet streets or trails can create a calming environment, and the experience of running in falling snow can be incredibly refreshing.
5. Walking and Hiking
Winter walks are one of the simplest ways to get outside, and they don’t require much preparation. Even a short walk through a snowy neighborhood or park can lift your spirits, help you get sunlight exposure, and allow you to enjoy winter’s small details—like frost-covered leaves or animal tracks in the snow. Utah’s many hiking trails, like those in Antelope Island or the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, offer beautiful winter landscapes and are often much less crowded in winter. Just remember to dress warmly and bring traction if the trail is snowy or icy.
6. Ice Skating
Ice skating is both a great cardio workout and a balance challenge, which makes it excellent for strengthening stabilizing muscles. Outdoor rinks can offer a more scenic skating experience, and in some areas, frozen ponds allow skating if conditions are safe. Always confirm the ice is thick enough and safe for skating.
7. Winter Picnics
A winter picnic can be a memorable way to enjoy the outdoors. Bundle up, pack a thermos of soup or hot chocolate, and find a bench or bring blankets to set up your picnic. Parks like Sugarhouse Park or Red Butte Garden offer beautiful winter backdrops for a cold-weather picnic. Eating outside in the winter can actually boost your immune system by keeping your body alert and engaged in regulating temperature, and the brisk air can sharpen your senses.
8. Backyard Winter Activities
Simple activities like snow angels, building a snowman, or having a snowball fight can be fun ways to get moving and enjoy the snow without a major outing. Building snow structures can also provide an opportunity for creativity and teamwork with kids or friends. Just 15-30 minutes outside building a snow fort or having a snowball fight can give you a quick cardio boost and a breath of fresh air.
9. Storm Watching
Watching a snowstorm or rainfall from the comfort of your home is a serene, grounding activity. This is a mindful way to connect with nature’s rhythms without stepping outside, and it can be a great way to slow down and de-stress. For those who enjoy a creative outlet, consider sketching the view or taking photos to capture the peaceful scene.
10. Nature Crafts
Crafting with natural materials like pine cones, branches, and leaves is a creative way to bring nature indoors. Wreath-making, for instance, lets you gather materials from a nearby forest (just check local regulations to make sure it’s permitted) or even from your backyard. These natural decorations can add warmth and bring the essence of the outdoors into your home.
11. Bird Counting and Wildlife Spotting
Winter birdwatching is a fascinating way to observe wildlife that you might miss in other seasons. Birds that remain in winter have adapted impressive survival strategies, and watching them can deepen your appreciation for nature’s resilience. The Great Salt Lake Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count is a great event to join, as you’ll be contributing to conservation efforts while learning about local species.
12. Harvest Your Own Christmas Tree
Harvesting your own Christmas tree can be a meaningful family tradition that also supports forest health by thinning trees in designated areas. You’ll need a permit and to follow local guidelines, but the experience of choosing and cutting your own tree brings you closer to nature and offers a workout as you trek through snowy woods.
13. Watch Nature Documentaries or Read Adventure Memoirs
When it’s too cold to venture out, nature documentaries and books about wilderness adventures can bring the outdoors to you. Documentaries often highlight places you may not have visited, sparking curiosity and inspiring future adventures. Adventure memoirs, like Into the Wild or Wild, offer a glimpse into the profound effect of nature on human experience, and they might inspire you to connect with nature more deeply.
14. Give Nature-Inspired Gifts
Nature-inspired gifts can encourage outdoor activity. Some ideas: a warm hat, cozy socks, or even a nature-themed journal for recording outdoor adventures. Giving someone a set of binoculars or an outdoor guidebook can inspire them to explore more. Books like Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac can deepen anyone’s appreciation for nature’s seasonal changes.
15. Take a Winter Trip
Winter travel can offer a fresh perspective on favorite spots or the chance to explore somewhere new. National parks like Bryce Canyon and Zion are especially scenic in winter and are often much quieter. Experiencing a place in a different season can help you discover new aspects of its landscape and wildlife, while the peace of a winter setting can be rejuvenating.
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Winter offers countless ways to stay active, connect with nature, and appreciate the season’s unique beauty. Embracing outdoor activities—even those that are gentle or close to home—enhances mental and physical health during the colder months. Simple practices like watching snowfall, observing birds, or going for a walk offer refreshing ways to break up the winter monotony.
Don’t let winter keep you indoors, waiting for spring. By connecting with nature year-round, you can find joy, calm, and beauty in every season, support your own well-being, and create memories to carry with you all year long.