It’s been an early winter and I’ve seen many kids and adults cross country skiing, sledding, snowboarding and generally having a good time in the snow. The parking lots have been full at ski areas, Nordic centers and every trail head for skiers, snowshoers and dog walkers. I imagine that many of you may be some of these enthusiasts. People who spend extra time outside in winter seem to have lots of fun, whether or not they consciously plan to exercise.
The snow surfaces of winter offer a chance to experience freedoms not available during the summer. The low friction surface allows us to cover greater distances with less effort. The gliding sensation of winter can be exhilarating and make us thirst for more! So, let’s share our secret.
I’m on a mission to introduce people to healthy winter fun. I have seen individuals who merely “put up” with winter, become active outdoor people. One of the most effective introductions is when friends bring friends outside. You can be the most influential connection for getting other Mainers off the couch and outdoors to exercise. It’s no secret that if people have fun while exercising, there is a higher probability that they will continue, and the cycle to healthy habits grows stronger.
There are a number of ways that we can bring our “winter challenged” friends outside. Events, programs and promotions are available across the state. Learn to ski, skate or snowboard packages make entry to these sports easy and affordable. Group experiences bring people of similar abilities together in a supportive atmosphere of skill building. Every alpine area and many Nordic centers offer great value with their learn to ski or snowboard packages. One of the best favors a friend can do is to leave the first time lesson up to the professionals. The learning progression can be quick and easy when correctly implemented. Taking a friend to the “top of the mountain” or on a “fabulous (exhausting) Nordic tour” can lead to frustration and a strain between friends.
Share outdoor winter fun with children by enrolling them in the WinterKids Passport Program. This is a program for Maine fifth, sixth and seventh graders which offers free and discounted admission at alpine, Nordic and skating areas. During the past 11 years, WinterKids has introduced thousands of Maine kids to lifelong, healthy, winter activities.
Events can also be a catalyst to going outside. A local sampling includes: the Tin Mountain Round Up, a charitable canned food drive at Lost Valley; Saturday night fever at Shawnee Peak; Jib Jam at Mt. Abram; the Sugarloaf Charity Challenge; No Bib jib at Sunday River; or watch skiers compete in the Bates College Winter Carnival at Black Mountain. On Jan. 12, National Winter Trails day features free and discounted learn to ski or snowshoe lessons. Maine centers include Pineland Farms, Carter’s and Sunday River XC Center. To learn more about how you can get a friend outside this winter, visit skimaine.com.
Greg Sweetser is the executive director of the Ski Maine Association, a non-profit trade association representing the ski & snowboard industry in Maine. Greg is a lifelong skier who also enjoys snowboarding and Nordic tours, and he serves on the boards of WinterKids and the Ski Museum of Maine.