40 Must-Do Winter Adventures | Featured Adventure
For many, winter is the season to do little other than curl up by the fireplace with a hot drink. But how can you stay inside when a transformed world of outdoor activities awaits? Besides, the warmth of a hearth is even more satisfying after a day spent in the snow.
Whether you seek the thrills of backcountry skiing, the challenge of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or the simple joys of sledding and ice skating, there is a winter adventure worth bundling up for and getting out there.
Covering six Western states, one province, a bit from the Northeast, and encompassing all skill levels in various sports, here is our list of the top 40 cold-weather hot spots for adventure on Outdoor Project.
Washington
Watching a skier from Artist Point. Photo by Outdoor Project Contributor Anthony Kasner.
- Artist Point: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
- Cabin Creek Nordic Ski Area: Cross-country ski.
- Hidden Lake Lookout: Backcountry ski, overnight stay.
- Lake Elizabeth: Snowshoe, cross-country ski, hike.
- Lake Valhalla: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
- Mount St. Helens Worm Flows Route: Snowshoe, backcountry ski.
- Paradise Snowplay Area, Mount Rainier National Park: Sledding.
- Reflection Lakes and Inspiration Point, Mount Rainier National Park: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
Oregon
Winter is a beautiful season at Crater Lake. Photo by Outdoor Project Contributor Jess Beauchemin.
- Abiqua Falls: Snowshoe, cross-country ski, hike.
- Black Butte: Snowshoe, cross-country ski, hike.
- Cloud Cap Road: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
- Mount Bachelor: Sled, hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, backcountry ski.
- Snow Bunny Play Area: Sledding.
- Tumalo Falls: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
- The Watchman, Crater Lake National Park: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
British Columbia
Enjoying the ride down Journeyman Peak. Photo by Outdoor Project Contributor Adam Cowcill.
- Alexander Falls, Callaghan Country: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
- Meadows + Solitude Loops: Snowshoe, cross-country ski, overnight stay.
- Journeyman Peak: Backcountry ski, overnight stay.
Idaho
Skinning in to the Pioneer Yurt. Photo by Outdoor Project Contributor Calvin Perfall.
- Fishhook Yurt: Backcountry ski, overnight stay.
- Pioneer Yurt: Backcountry ski, overnight stay.
- Williams Peak Hut: Backcountry ski, mountaineering, overnight stay.
Utah
The view from Catherine's Pass. Photo by Outdoor Project Contributor Calvin Perfall.
- Catherine's Pass: Backcountry ski.
- Hidden Falls: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
- Scott Hill: Snowshoe, backcountry ski.
Colorado
The valley section of the Mount Sanitas Hike. Photo by Outdoor Project Contributor Rini Sugianto.
- 10th Mountain Division Ski Huts: Snowshoe, cross-country ski, overnight stay.
- Evergreen Lake House: Ice skating.
- Loch Vale, Rocky Mountain National Park: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
- Mount Sanitas: Hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski.
- Ouray Ice Park: Ice climb.
- Thunderhead Peak: Backcountry ski.
- Upper Fish Creek Falls: Snowshoe, cross-country ski, hike.
California
The Pear Lake Ski Hut. Photo by Outdoor Project Contributor Aron Bosworth.
- Andesite Peak: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
- Big Bend Sledding Hill: Sledding.
- Castle Dome: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
- Castle Peak: Backcountry ski.
- Donner Ridge: Snowshoe, cross-country ski, sledding.
- Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
- Mount Tallac: Snowshoe, cross-country ski.
- Pear Lake Ski Hut: Backcountry ski, overnight stay.
Northeast
Making the climb up Little Jay. Photo by Outdoor Project Contributor Eric Adsit.
- Little Jay (Vermont): Backcountry ski.
- Mount Washington Lion's Head Route (New Hampshire): Mountaineering.
Article by Outdoor Project Team Member, Jesse Weber.