Whether you’re a winter sports daredevil or just for the sake of mulled wine, take off your mittens to try out these alternative winter sports. Ditch the standard skis and snowboards with a selection of frosty favorites perfect for beginners, or test your snowsports skills by breaking ice or skyrocketing. The choice is overwhelming, so bundle up warmly and head out into the snow.
Taking inspiration from this year’s Olympics, here are 5 of the most alternative winter sports you should try in 2022.
1. Snowkiting in the US Northeast
This sport will keep experienced skiers and snowboarders on their toes – literally. Snowkiting provides a feeling of weightlessness while skiing, with a power kite accelerating the snowkiter or lifting him off the ground. The experienced (and daring) can also do aerial acrobatics. A combination of skiing and kite flying, using some of the principles of sailing for control, snowkiting makes it easy to glide across flat ground with the wind or even ski uphill.
Snowkiters need plenty of icy or snowy space and a tailwind, and in the northeastern United States, there’s plenty of that in the winter.
2. Snowshoeing in the French Alps
Have fun treading the frosty plains on a snowshoe ride. Snowshoes distribute your weight over a large area, preventing you from sinking into the snow. And the dark age of caricature tennis racquets strapped to your legs is over, giving way to sleeker models with killer clutches. This formidable boot will keep you upright in snowy terrain while taking in the breathtaking expanse of white hills.
Snowshoeing requires no special training, just enough practice: to begin with, you will have to walk slowly, confidently and with a slightly sloping gait. Most ski rentals rent skis along with trekking poles to stick in the snow and save you from a slippery fall.
Snowshoeing is possible all over the world, in Lapland, the USA and Eastern Europe. Morzine-Avoriaz, the center of winter sports in the French Alps, is a great choice as it has plenty of snowshoeing suggestions and tips on easy trails for beginners.
3. Ice fishing in Finland
Calmness, silence and stillness: yes, fishing is still considered a sport, and it can be done either through a hole in a thick layer of ice or on a warm summer day. This activity raises red noses across Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, and Finland is a great choice to enjoy glacial views while waiting for your catch. Just don’t forget your thermal underwear.
Entering an unfamiliar frozen lake can be deadly, and not having a fishing permit can result in a fine.
4. Dog sledding in Norway
Feel the fresh air blow over your face as you glide through the Scandinavian snowlands as a pack of frisky husky dogs tow you at speed. Dog sledding is a breathtaking attraction and many travel agencies across Scandinavia organize day trips for beginners. But if you think hounds will do all the work, think again: make sure you’re in good shape and expect your arms to hurt in the morning.
Visit the Wilmarkscenter near Tromsø in Norway to interact with friendly husky puppies before a day sleigh tour. Some tour packages will also warm you up with an authentic Sami feast with reindeer stew.
5. Ice climbing in the European Chamonix Valley
If snowkiting doesn’t give you enough of a bird’s eye view experience, then ice climbing will give you the adrenaline rush you crave. Climbing down the icefall is not an activity for the faint of heart (or inexperienced), so if you want to experience the thrill, sign up for a beginner class and get ready to hang on tight.
The icefalls of Chamonix, located on the border of France, Italy and Switzerland, have many ice climbing sites – the perfect place to test your nerves. The best places are within driving distance of Chamonix and there are plenty of courses for beginners. The mountain views are beautiful enough to distract you, but while you’re clinging to the icy edge, we advise you not to look down.