Winter days can be dark and dreary in the Northwest, but that doesn’t mean that we love this season any less. When you have your warm winter gear, some essential heating oil (vendors such as Romeo’s Fuel prove to be mighty handy in these times) and firewood to keep you toasty while indoors, and the company of your friends and family – you cannot help but fall in love with this season of joy and merriment! The winter season offers a chance to spend more time with family, enjoy great holiday meals in the warm indoors (equipped with smart heating technology installed by Glow Electricians and their like), and experience the outdoors in a variety of different ways. If you keep an open mind, the opportunities are endless! Here are five of our favorite things about winter in the Northwest.
1. Snow Sports
One of the perks of living in the Northwest is that snow-covered mountains are never very far. Winter sports like snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, and our new favorite, skate-skiing, are right in your proverbial backyard (and for some of you, it may be your actual backyard). Try Crystal Mountain, Mt. Spokane and Mission Ridge in Washington and Mt. Bachelor and Mt. Hood in Oregon for awesome places to ski and snowboard.
2. Family Adventures
The holiday season is for quality family time. While some love spending time at home in the heart-melting warmth of their recently repaired furnace (perhaps fixed by firms like CJS Heating & Air) and indulge themselves in watching movies and drinking hot chocolate, others might consider this season to be a time of adventures.
The latter, take their family outside for winter adventures that often get them moving and make memories that can last a lifetime. If you are one of them, then know that there are plenty of ways to enjoy the white snow outdoors. For instance, Snow tubing could be a great way to enjoy the outdoors during winter. Just make sure that the kids are bundled up and protected from the cold winter wind. Or you might lace up your skates and hit the ice at the coolest ice skating rinks in Seattle and Portland. Looking a fun family activity after the sun sets? The holidays just wouldn’t be complete without Christmas lights. Visit WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle’s Candy Cane Lane, or Portland’s Festival of Lights for spectacular light displays the whole family can enjoy.
3. Hearty Home Cooked Meals
Piping-hot comfort food can warm up anybody on cold Northwest winter days. It’s the time of year to experiment with Crock-Pot recipes, soups and stews. But beware – eating comfort foods that are high in fat can pack on the pounds in a hurry. Stick to recipes that use fresh ingredients and are high in protein so you won’t be hungry later.
4. Winter Hikes
Hiking season doesn’t end when winter comes in the Northwest – it becomes a completely different experience. Snow-capped peaks and ice formations replace the green valleys and wild flowers. We have an abundance of riches when it comes to winter hiking trails. If you do decide to venture out during the winter months, just be sure to bring the appropriate gear.
5. Holiday Treats
Sweets and treats are abundant during the holiday season. It’s okay to have a treat (or two) and denying yourself a few treats will most likely lead to binging later on. Living in the Northwest means getting to indulge in huckleberries! Try this recipe for Huckleberry Cobbler, or add huckleberries to your holiday desserts for a Northwest twist on holiday classics.
Tags: cabin fever, winter, winter hikes
