Staying Frosty in the Summer - Exciting Outdoor Activities

Beneath the heat of the summer sun, millions of winter sports aficionados find themselves pining for the brisk thrill of snow-laden adventures. According to Statista, the United States alone boasted over 15 million snowboarding participants in 2020, with skiing attracting an even larger crowd. Indeed, the allure of winter sports — the rush of descending snow-covered slopes, the exuberance of executing a perfectly timed jump — is undeniable.

Yet as winter's white transforms into the vibrant hues of summer, enthusiasts often face a conundrum: How to keep the adrenaline flowing in the off-season?

Luckily, we're not about to suggest hibernation or a months-long cryogenic sleep. Instead, let us introduce you to an array of summer activities designed to quench your thirst for outdoor adventure and keep your winter sports skills sharp.

Staying active during the off-season is about more than just keeping boredom at bay and passing time until those first snowflakes fall again. Keeping active and enjoying the outdoors have a multitude of benefits for your health and wellness, including lowered risk of cardiovascular disease (from exercise) and improved mood (from vitamin D). By finding activities for every season, you will maintain your endurance, flexibility, balance, and passion year-round.

In the following sections, we will traverse through an exciting journey from the world of magnet fishing to the thrill of sand dune skiing. These alternative sports promise not only a rush of adrenaline but also the opportunity to hone skills complementary to your winter pastimes. So tighten your virtual seatbelts, readers. We're about to embark on a summer expedition that keeps the frosty spirit of winter alive all year round.

Activity 1: Magnet Fishing

If you've ever relished the icy thrill of ice fishing, then we've got the perfect summer counterpart for you: magnet fishing. Rather than hoping to reel in a trout or pike, this increasingly popular pastime involves casting a strong magnet attached to a durable rope into bodies of water and seeing what treasures (or otherwise) you might ‘catch'.

Why magnet fishing, you might ask? Well, it holds a lot of the same appeal as trekking across the beach with a metal detector. You combine the thrill of not knowing what you might find with the joy of being outdoors. Noteworthy magnet fishing finds include an Enigma machine, Civil War cannonballs, and World War II relics. Every cast of your line has the potential to bring you face to face with an object that has a unique story to tell.

Moreover, magnet fishing provides a great way to keep active. The process of casting the magnet and reeling it back in can be physically demanding, offering a decent upper body workout – especially when you’re hauling up heavy things like an entire cash register or bicycle. And let's not forget the environmental aspect. While it's thrilling to find items of historical or monetary value, magnet fishing is also about cleaning up our water bodies by removing metallic waste.

If you're ready to take the plunge, Magnetar offers a variety of high-strength magnets perfect for this hobby, along with comprehensive kits to get even the newest fisher started in no time. Don your fishing hat, head to a local body of water, and see what you can reel in! Remember, always check and follow local regulations and guidelines while magnet fishing, and always prioritize safety. Happy fishing!

Activity 2: Mountain Biking

When summer's heat melts away the winter snow, mountain biking takes the baton from skiing and snowboarding as an adrenaline-fueled, heart-pounding outdoor adventure. Much like slicing through a fresh blanket of snow on skis or a snowboard, mountain biking offers the rush of speed and the thrill of navigating diverse terrains.

Mountain biking is far from just a substitute for winter activities, though. It’s a sport that holds its own appeal and draws in a variety of outdoorsy folk from around the world.

Navigating rocky trails, sharp corners, and the occasional small cliff provides a unique thrill that will appeal to those winter sports fans who don’t want their mountain time to be limited.

Health-wise, mountain biking is a stellar cardiovascular exercise that helps improve stamina, leg strength, and core stability. These physical enhancements can pay huge dividends when winter comes around and you're back on the slopes. It also keeps your agility, reflexes, and coordination honed for when you do hit the snowy slopes again.

Even if you're a beginner, there is nothing to worry about – mountain biking caters to all skill levels. Start with a decent mountain bike and safety gear like a helmet, knee pads, and gloves. As for the trails, check out your favorite local parks or dedicated mountain bike trails. Look for beginner-friendly trails at first, then gradually progress to more challenging ones as your skills and confidence increase. You wouldn’t start on a black diamond slope on your first day, after all!

So, ready to switch your snowboard for a mountain bike this summer? Your body and the slopes will thank you when winter returns!

Activity 3: Hiking and Wildlife Photography

Just as snowshoers delight in trekking across snow-covered terrains, hikers find joy in traversing sun-dappled trails. When summer spreads its warm hues across our landscapes, pulling on a pair of sturdy hiking boots can be every bit as rewarding as strapping on your snowshoes.

Hiking offers an exceptional way to maintain your physical fitness during the off-season. Much like snowshoeing, it's a fantastic cardiovascular exercise that promotes muscular fitness, reduces heart disease risk, and even combats symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to research done by Harvard University. Navigating uneven terrains and steep inclines mimic the physical challenges of an intense day on a snowshoe trail.

There is more to hiking than fitness alone, much like the other activities on this list. There is the exploration of new trails, the beauty and tranquility of being in nature, and the satisfaction of completing each new trek.

These intrinsic rewards make the entire experience worthwhile. Even those with a more creative mind can enjoy hiking by incorporating things like wildlife and landscape photography or sketching. This makes seeing that family of deer or elusive fox even a more engaging and satisfying experience. 

Keep in mind, if you do choose to take part in these activities, you must still be patient and respectful toward your surroundings. A zoom lens, for example, will allow you to take photos without disturbing the wildlife. National parks, nature reserves, and conservation areas often have a list of trails waiting to be explored. Make sure you follow all posted rules and guidelines to ensure the safety and wellbeing of you and the wildlife around you. 

So, grab your hiking boots this summer and embark on an exploration of the great outdoors. Your snowshoes might miss you, but your body and mind will be grateful for the change of scenery.

Activity 4: Rock Climbing

Ice climbing enthusiasts, meet your summer counterpart: rock climbing. This challenging sport not only provides an adrenaline rush similar to its winter equivalent, but also requires strength, agility, coordination, and strategic thinking — all key aspects of many winter sports.

Rock climbing offers an incredible full-body workout, targeting your arms, core, legs, and even your fingertips - talk about muscles you don’t even realize you have. This sport significantly improves muscular endurance and flexibility, ensuring you're in peak physical condition when the winter season rolls around.

Climbing isn't just a test of physical endurance; it's also a mental chess match with nature. Every rock face, or 'problem' as climbers affectionately call them, demands careful thought, strategic planning, and an adaptable mindset, all before you've even started your upward journey.

Climbing is no walk in the park - it can be as taxing on the mind as it is on the body.

If you're just starting out, it's a good idea to begin your journey at an indoor climbing gym. Here, you'll find a safe, controlled environment that's perfect for learning the ropes (quite literally!). With climbs designed for all skill levels, and professionals readily available to guide you through techniques and safety protocols, you'll be scaling heights in no time.

Activity 5: Summer Skiing on Sand Dunes

Can't bear the thought of swapping your skis for anything else, even in the summer? Sand skiing might just be the summer adventure you're looking for. Much like it sounds, sand skiing involves rushing down towering sand dunes instead of snow-covered slopes. This increasingly popular activity provides the rush of speed and thrill of descent that skiers love, all without a flake of snow in sight.

One can draw many parallels between sand skiing and its frostier cousin, but they're not identical twins. While the balance, agility, and bravado required might be similar, sand skiing presents its own unique challenges. It may be no surprise that sand creates more friction than snow, demanding a slightly different technique and added effort to maintain your pace. The sensation of carving a turn in sand is somewhat different, but the experience is just as thrilling. 

This increase in resistance means that sand skiing can be an even more intense workout than its snowy counterpart. By the time winter rolls around, you will be flying down even the most difficult slopes with ease thanks to the work that has gone into your balance and strength during the off-season. 

When it comes to the best locations for sand skiing, the world is open for exploration. The vast dunes of the Sahara Desert offer an incredible sand skiing experience for those in Europe, while the Great Sand Dunes National Park in the USA allows for sand skiing on any dune that is away from vegetation. One of the most widely-visited sites in the world for this sport is Peru, where countless people film themselves gliding down Cerro Blanco. 

When it comes to equipment, traditional snow skis can sometimes be used, but sand-specific skis or sandboards are heavily recommended for the best experience. Sand skis are usually shorter and wider than snow skis, often with a metal lining that decreases friction and increases fun on the dunes. Waxing your skis can also significantly enhance how well you glide over sand. And, of course, don’t forget a good pair of boots for the uphill trek, as well as plenty of water to stay hydrated in sandy, desert environments. 

Activity 6: Surfing and Stand-up Paddleboarding

Just as a snowboarder rides the winter waves of powder, a surfer glides along the crest of a summer wave.

And similarly, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in many ways mirrors the tranquility of cross-country skiing.

These activities not only capture the essence of their well-loved winter counterparts but also challenge your balance and coordination in new ways. After all, water behaves a lot differently as a liquid than as a powder. 

An excellent core workout, surfing and SUP also aid in improving balance, full-body coordination, and cardiovascular fitness. These sports are a great way to enjoy the water in the warmer months while staying in shape. 

If your only experience with a board and water is in the winter months, you may want to take some lessons from a certified instructor.

They are there to help you understand things like wave patterns, board handling, and proper techniques to keep your balance and stay on top of the water instead of in it. 

Basic equipment includes a surfboard/paddleboard, a leash to keep your board from getting lost at sea, and a life jacket for safety. You may also want to invest in a proper wetsuit to protect you from the harsher aspects of ocean sports. Choosing the right board is the first step in the process - beginners will want a long, wide board for greater stability in both sports. As you improve, you may want to look into shorter boards that will increase maneuverability.

As for great spots to try your new skills, it’s best to start out at beaches known for gentle waves and soft, sandy bottoms. There’s a lot less to hurt yourself on if you fall in that case. As you get more comfortable, you can expand your horizons and seek out bigger waves. Some great beginner beaches in the US are Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, La Jolla in California, and Cocoa Beach in Florida. Don’t let a lack of snow get between you and the feeling of a board under your feet.

Conclusion

For winter sports enthusiasts, summer doesn't have to be a dormant period. With activities like magnet fishing, sand skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding, you can continue to stay active, have fun, and even discover new passions.

Each of these summer activities provides not just an avenue for physical exercise, but also an opportunity to build and maintain skills relevant to your winter sports pursuits. From the strategic planning required in rock climbing, reminiscent of mapping your path down a ski slope, to the balance and coordination needed in surfing that echo the demands of snowboarding, the bridge between summer and winter activities is often stronger than we realize.

So, as the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, don't put your adventurous spirit on hold. Instead, embrace these exciting summer activities. They will not only keep you excited during the off-season but also ensure you're physically and mentally ready when winter returns, and it's time to hit the slopes again. Because the off-season is just another name for a new kind of adventure season.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nurlana Alasgarli           

Content Specialist

Nurlana Alasgarli is a professional copywriter with more than 6 years of creative writing experience. Having lived and experienced all over the world, there are many writing genres that Nurlana follows, including adventure, outdoor and winter sports. Nurlana brings life to content creation, captivating her readers.