The Best Way to Learn to Love Winter

The key to getting through the next few months? Learn to love winter.

While every new season comes with a sense of possibilities, this one feels a little different. Over the last few years, I know so many people who are forgoing their warm weather winter vacations for a variety of reasons. We could all complain (let’s be honest… we are all complaining, and it’s ok to do a little of that), or we could reframe the narrative.

What if every time the temperatures dropped, we decided to not only embrace it but love it?!

I personally love winter, snow, and cozying up in front of a fireplace after a day in the elements (okay, I watch a fire on Netflix, but I swear it brings the cozy!). The key to embracing winter is stocking up on the right gear. It makes it so much easier to get outside, or making the most of that weekend away at a winter lodge.

You will get through this winter, even if you aren’t sunning yourself on the beach (and if you do live on the beach, no need to brag in the comments).

Invest in Solid Outdoor Gear

There’s an old Scandinavian saying that there’s no such thing is bad weather, only bad clothes. If you want to embrace the outdoors, you gotta stock up on outdoor gear that’s about function over fashion.

Fun Winter Activities

We’ve made a pact with our friends with kids that we will head out doors on weekends, no matter how cold.  We also like to work in a nice picnic lunch because keeping warm makes you hungry (we also just love to eat). If you’re looking to infuse a little more outdoor activity into your life, here’s some gear to consider.

Snow shoes
Walking in a winter wonderland sure gets a lot easier when you’re wearing snow shoes! An aluminum pair with super-simple binding can be added to most winter boots, and will help with float and traction on flat to moderately hilly terrain.

XC skis
I’ve never quite mastered the art of cross country skiing, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like trying! It’s great exercise and a fun way to get out in the winter. Best part is that you’ll really have earned that apres-ski IPA or Irish coffee.

Ice skates
Do you have a nearby outdoor rink? Lucky you! Finding used skates is so easy—from eBay to Facebook Marketplace or a used sporting goods store, you can easily find a pair that’ll do. Make sure they have adequate ankle support, and keep the blades nice and sharp by wiping off all moisture after use. You’ll need a pair of guards as well. Now start practicing that salchow!

Sleds
Is there anything more fun than flying down a hill on a sled or tube? You can certainly buy a cheap plastic one at any ol’ hardware store, but investing just a little more will give your sled some longevity. If you have the budget (and space! Not something we have much of in Brooklyn), LL Bean’s Sonic Snow Tube is as good as it gets! With a rubber inner tube and nylon shell, this thing is fast, sturdy and will last FOREVER. For something more economical, check out Lucky Bums toboggan sleds or LL Bean’s saucers.

Rumpl

It’s like a sleeping bag meets blanket and even though its not water proof-just resistant, it offers a dry space to sit down and not soak your tush.

Stanley Camp Crock
Socializing with friends only outdoors doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a meal together (more than 6 feet apart of course). So I bought this to transport soup or chili.  The 3-quart capacity makes it much more convenient than a thermos and it keeps things hot for 12 hours.

I’m still searching for a fondue backpack like the one I had in my episode from Gstaad—no luck! If you know of one, do tell!

Bonfire pit

Are you blessed with outdoor space? This is the year to invest in a great bonfire pit. Outdoor happy hours with friends is very 2021! Solo Stoves are gorgeous, and allegedly reduce smoke—which is nice when you don’t want to walk away from a campfire completely reeking of it. But you can find much more affordable options at your local hardware store, on amazon, etc etc.

If a bonfire pit is too much of an investment how about something a little more manageable?  I live in the city with lots of fire ordinances that prohibit having a fires, keroscene burners and grills, but these fit the bill and you can make s’mores over them!

And since we’re on the subject, level up your outdoor happy hour game with a Stanley insulated beer thermos. It even comes with an attached beer opener.

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