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We get it—some bears would rather spend their winter hibernating inside where it’s warm. But as nice as it sounds to curl up in a warm blanket with a good book and cup of hot cocoa, there’s a lot of fun to be had and memories to be made playing outside in the snow. Now that we’re well into the winter season, we thought we’d share some of our favorite winter activities with you to help inspire your own snowy adventures outside the bear den this winter!

SNOWSHOEING

If you enjoy hiking, then snowshoeing is a must-try winter activity. When compared to other winter activities like skiing or ice skating, snowshoeing is a very beginner-friendly activity that allows you to experience nature in all of its winter splendor. While snowshoeing is a bit more involved than sledding or building a snowman, it is a great way to get a workout in while enjoying the outdoors.

As you plan your first snowshoeing adventure, we recommend taking some time to read this great article about snowshoeing  gear, technique, and safety precautions to help guide your adventure. To get started, you’ll need a pair of warm, waterproof boots and snow pants or gators. Moisture-wicking wool socks are a must, along with warm gloves, a beanie, and pair of sunglasses. Depending on the type of terrain you’ll be exploring, there are many different snowshoes to choose from. We recommend a sturdy pair that’ll support your weight, float through fresh snow, and have spikes on the bottom for extra traction on icy slopes. If you’re trying snowshoeing for the first time, be sure to ask your local outdoor store if they offer rentals so you’re able see which pair of snowshoes will work best for you.

SLEDDING

Sledding is one of our favorite winter activities for one simple reason: anyone can do it! All you need is a hill, snow, a sleigh, and you’re in business. Don’t forget to dress warm by wearing a good coat, beanie, and gloves—even if the sledding hill is just at your local park—and don’t forget to bring snacks!

BUILDING A SNOWMAN

When the roads are covered with snow and that persistent winter storm doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon, it’s best to stay close to home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get out and play in the snow. Building a snowman is a classic winter activity the whole family can have fun doing together. Heavy, wet snow that sticks to itself makes it easy to roll each ball around the yard until you have three snowballs big enough to stack on top of one another.

Once your snowballs are stacked, the creativity can begin. We suggest dressing your snowman—or snowgirl—with a straw hat, Hawaiian shirt, and grass skirt. You could even try turning your snowman into a snow-bear! Be sure to build your snowman in the shade to help keep him intact once the sun comes out. Then, lightly spray him with water when you’re all done because the water will eventually freeze and solidify your snowman into a masterpiece the whole neighborhood can enjoy!

SKIING

Whether you’re lucky enough to live near a ski area or have to make a vacation out of it, there’s no better way to make the most of winter weather than with a trip to the ski hill. If you’ve never been skiing, we recommend you rent equipment from a trusted ski shop and invest in a lesson or two before you go get after it on your own. Those first few lessons will pay for themselves once you’ve mastered the basics and are eventually able to link those first few turns down the mountain! Don’t believe us? Just see how much fun Flapjack the Bear was having when he hit the slopes this winter—you could even go as far to say skiing’s so easy even a bear can do it!

STAY WARM OUT THERE!

To help you stay warm out there, we've created this delicious Raspberry Hot Chocolate recipe made using Kodiak Cakes Raspberry Fruit Syrup.

Raspberry Hot Chocolate

(makes 2 servings)

Prep time: 5 mins      

Cook time: 5 mins      

Total time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups milk of choice
  • ½ cup finely chopped chocolate
  • 3 tbsp. Kodiak Cakes Raspberry Syrup
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • Marshmallows for topping
  • Whipped cream for topping

Directions:

  1. Combine milk, chocolate, Kodiak Cakes raspberry syrup, and cocoa powder in a saucepan.
  2. Heat, whisking occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and fully combined.
  3. Pour hot chocolate into a mug and top with marshmallows and whipped cream.

Regardless of how you get out and play this winter, be sure to have fun, be safe, and have lots of laughs. Who knows? You may just become the type of bear that actually looks forward to winter! Remember to share your winter adventures with us on Facebook and Instagram at @kodiakcakes—now go play in the snow!

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