What to Do Outside Now for Your Last-Minute Winter Vacation

We love to be outdoors. We know most SHOLDIT Lifestylers do. What better time to get some fresh air than in the winter?

Before all that snow melts (and gas prices rise again), here’s our tips to find the best last-minute winter vacation that’s right for you.

1. Determine your winter travel personality.
Not sure what to do or where to go? Find your winter vacation type. We love this online quiz to find your best winter vacation.

2. Track the snow.
Planning a ski trip? We like this list from OnTheSnow.com which gives a rundown of the snow base, ski lift hours and user ratings in hot spot ski spots in the U.S. and Canada.

3. Try a non-skiing sport or activity. 
If you can’t ski, don’t like to ski or just want to try something new, there are plenty of other things to do outside—besides just taking a walk.

• Snowmobiling
  Hop behind a wheel and you’re ready for some off- and on-road fun. Here’s a list of the 10 “must-ride” areas according to SnowMobile.com.
  
  
• Fly fishing
  Sure some anglers pack-it-up in the winter, but there are places where the water still runs. Here are some suggestions from Travel + Leisure.
  
  
• Fat bike tire racing
  Known as “fatties” these thick snow-like tired bikes help cyclists grip the slippery surfaces in the winter. There’s a reason Outside magazine calls it the hottest trend in cycling right now.
  
  
• Ice fishing
  From Wisconsin to Colorado, there are plenty of places to place a tent and pop a squat on a bucket, drill a hole and fish for some ice. (Likely while drinking a beer.) Here’s some recommendations from World Fishing Network.
  
  
• Cross-country skiing
  This popular sport can be found in East Coast spots like Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire to West Virginia, Utah and Idaho. Gear Patrol offers up it’s 15 hot spots here. 
  
  
• Snowshoeing
  Forget the wooden racks that hung over grandpa’s fireplace. Newer technology has replaced the woven basket-looking shoes of the past. There are plenty of options now of where to go to float over the snow. Here’s some recommendations from Snowshoe magazine.
  
  

•  Skijoring
  Never heard of it? You’re not alone. It’s a popular sport in places like Minnesota, Montana and Alaska where a person on skis in pulled by a dog or two, sometimes even a horse or a motorized vehicle. Watch this!

Our gear tip:
Before you go on any of these outdoor winter trips, bust out your pocketed neck gaiter, where you can stash your cash, keys and keep warm and comfortable without having to worry about loosing your wallet.