Escaping the Everyday

I created Escaping the Everyday to connect with individuals who find adventure in outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, running, and traveling. Many of us, myself included, often become trapped in the daily routine of going to work, preparing dinner, spending time with our children, completing chores, and going to the gym.

I realized that for my mental and physical well-being, it was necessary to step outside of my routine and embrace life more fully. Although I have not always led a healthy lifestyle, discovering these activities has brought immense joy to my life and has contributed to a healthier way of living.

Winter has always been the most challenging time for me to find an outdoor activity because I dislike the cold. I knew that engaging in outdoor activities would benefit my mental health by providing exposure to vitamin D and fresh air. It is difficult to stay indoors throughout the entire winter season.

Let us dive into the subject. When compiling my top five activities, I aimed to include both inexpensive and pricier options. I recognize that everyone has a different budget, so it is beneficial to offer a variety of choices.

Ice Skating

Outdoor activities that require some effort to get the blood flowing are always more enjoyable as they help you stay warmer. Ice skating is an excellent outdoor activity that is inexpensive and can be enjoyed with friends and family.

It is an activity that does not require spending hours outdoors but provides a brief yet beneficial time outside. If you’re not great at it, it is perfectly acceptable. Despite not being naturally athletic, even though athleticism runs in my family, continuous practice will lead to gradual improvement.

Most towns or cities have outdoor skating rinks that are open to the public. I always recommend starting out at a skating rink so you can hold onto the sides until you get your bearings. There are also places where you can go ice skating on a pond or river, which can be quite enjoyable, but you cannot hold onto any sides!

Snowshoeing

Jake and I are traveling to Banff National Park next weekend, where we intend to embark on our first guided snowshoe exploration. The advantage of snowshoeing is that you can participate in a guided tour, led by an experienced tour guide who will take you on an adventure.

You can also rent snowshoes and explore on your own, which is typically less expensive than hiring a guide.

Where can you go snowshoeing?

• Sign up for a snowshoe tour or class (You can also google classes)
• You can usually go to cross-country ski resorts
• Any area where you hike in the summer.
• National forests and state parks.

Engage in creative activities and enjoy yourself! Invite a few friends or bring your dog along!

If you are interested in learning how to cross-country ski to determine if it is an activity you might enjoy, then click here! Although I have no formal affiliation with REI, I am a member and enjoy shopping there. Their website also features excellent articles.

Snowmobiling

Have you ever experienced snowmobiling? When I was growing up, I used to visit my grandparents’ lake house where my uncles owned a few sleds, and I would ride on the back with them.

Engaging in this activity can be quite enjoyable, especially for those who seek an adrenaline rush. While purchasing a snowmobile may not be feasible for most individuals, renting one is a viable option. I have always wanted to go again someday. Additionally, a simple online search for rentals can yield surprising results.

There is indeed a location in Big Sky, Montana that would be awesome to rent and explore the mountains with a snowmobile. However, renting a snowmobile is not inexpensive; based on my research, it costs at least a couple of hundred dollars for one sled for a couple hours

Skiing/Snowboarding

Skiing has been a crucial factor in maintaining my mental health during the winter. A few years ago, I wanted an activity to do during the colder months. Initially, my brother introduced me to snowboarding, but I immediately felt it was not suitable for me. He encouraged me to give it another try and suggested that I attempt skiing instead, as it is easier to learn.

Lo and behold, I was beginning to pick up on it! I started to genuinely enjoy it. The great thing about skiing is that you can go at your own pace. As I mentioned, I am not very athletic, so it has taken me some time to acquire the skills to keep up with everyone and tackle more challenging terrain. Jake is an exceptional snowboarder and skier, so he would wait for me at the bottom, and then we would take the chair lift back up together.

Skiing can be quite expensive if you are renting equipment and purchasing lift tickets. If you are serious about the sport, it is advisable to invest in your own gear and a season pass. While the initial cost may be high, it will save you a considerable amount of money in the long run. Using your season pass just four times will already cover its cost.

If you are uncertain whether you will enjoy it, consider renting equipment and purchasing a lift ticket. It is also better to go during the week when prices are lower. Additionally, weekdays have less traffic, making it easier to learn.

Cross Country Skiing

I have never personally been cross-country skiing, as I prefer downhill skiing. However, several of my friends participate in it and absolutely love it! It is a bit less intense than alpine skiing, making it more accessible for all ages and skill levels.

Our sitter frequently takes Cassie on the trails while we are skiing at Bridger Bowl. Additionally, there is a local place with trails for cross-country skiing, marked green (beginners), blue (intermediate), and black (advanced), similar to downhill skiing. I found it quite impressive that they rank their trails as well.

If you are interested in learning how to cross-country ski to determine if it is an activity you might enjoy, then click here!

Conclusion: Embrace Winter and Make It Fun!