Who Cares If It’s Cold—Let’s Have Some Fun Outdoors!
Ahhh…winter! For some, it’s the time to head for a sunny southern climate, but for most true-blue northerners, it’s one of the best times of the year. Hiking through a pristine forest blanketed in fresh snow, schussing down the slopes of a nearby ski resort or maybe taking your first polar bear plunge—there are few things that make you feel more alive. It’s almost always better when you join others in the fun. That’s what you’ll find at one of the many great winter festivals across the country every year. Let’s look at some of the best:
- The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, in Saranac, New York—This 10-day event, first held more than 125 years ago, features an entirely volunteer-built ice palace, constructed entirely of ice blocks. There’s a parade, fireworks and some interesting athletic competitions, including the frying pan toss. The opening ceremonies are on Ground Hog Day.
- The Ely Winter Festival, in Ely, Minnesota—Another 10-day affair, this festival highlights the Scandinavian influence in the area. There’s the world Molkky Championship, based on a centuries-old Finnish game. You’ll also find snow sculpting by professional artists and can rent snowshoes to venture off into the woods near Listening Point. The 2024 festival starts on February 1.
- The Dartmouth Winter Carnival, in Hanover, New Hampshire—Of the many winter festivals across New England, this is typically the marquee event. For more than 100 years, the Ivy League school has hosted this tribute to the school’s winter sports program. For the hardiest of souls, there’s a polar bear swim, and you can also compete in the human sled dog races. There’s also one day during the carnival when ski rentals are just 99 cents. This year’s event runs February 8-11.
- The Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado—Another centennial event, this Rocky Mountain extravaganza combines the traditional with the unusual. You’ll enjoy snowboarding and ski-jumping competitions, as well as horse-drawn skiing and the world’s largest s’more party. It starts on February 7 and lasts five days.
- Fur Rendezvous, in Anchorage, Alaska—For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, head way up north for this 12-day event. The World Championship Sled Dog Race is held every year at the Fur Rendezvous and there’s the Alaska Native blanket toss (where people are thrown into the air). There are outhouse races and the famed “Running of the Reindeer.”
