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If you can’t head south and get out of the cold, RVing in winter can be challenging. RVs aren’t built to keep out the cold, and their plumbing systems aren’t made to stand up to freezing temperatures. That said, as long as you find ways to keep you and your pipes cozy, winter RVing doesn’t have to be terrible.
One of the best ways to make winter RVing fun? Finding winter outdoor activities that allow you to continue to enjoy the great outdoors throughout the cold months.
Not sure what kinds of winter outdoor activities to try? Here are some favorites below. My family has tried a few of these and we look forward to trying others as we continue our wintertime RV adventures.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is an excellent option when it comes to winter outdoor activities. We haven’t actually tried it yet, but I’ve heard that if you enjoy hiking, you’re likely to enjoy trekking through the wilderness in snowshoes, and that seems to make perfect sense. My family adores hiking, so we will have to give snowshoeing a try as soon as possible.
In order to stay safe, make sure you stick to marked trails while snowshoeing. You’ll also want to avoid avalanche zones. Bring trekking poles for stability, start early to ensure you have plenty of daylight to work with, and wear layered, moisture-wicking clothing to stay as warm as possible.
Don’t have snowshoes of your own? Most popular snowshoeing destinations play host to local rental companies.
- Top Snowshoeing Destination: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Nearby RV Parks: Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake (open year-round with winter facilities)
Sledding & Tubing
A winter activity my family has had the chance to enjoy? Sledding! I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t enjoy snow sledding or tubing, and I’m betting you and your kids will love it just as much as my crew does.
One of the best things about sledding is that you don’t need much equipment or expertise, and you can sled down hills wherever you can find hills and snow together. (We’ve even found some little hills that allow us to sled on a bit of snow in Oklahoma!)
If you don’t have the room to store a traditional sled, consider buying inflatable tubes for easy storage. It’s also possible to rent a sled in many popular sledding destinations. Either way, be sure to wax your sled or tube before sliding for best results.
- Top Sledding Destination: Breckenridge, Colorado (Carter Park)
- Nearby RV Parks: Tiger Run Resort (heated RV pads with mountain views)
Downhill Skiing
I have always wanted to give downhill skiing a try, and I have heard a number of Fulltime Families members say their very favorite winters were spent skiing. There are a huge number of places to do this, and there are even some spots where you can ski in spring, camping in the valleys where it is relatively warm and making your way up into the mountains to ski.
Always, always make sure you and your family members wear helmets while skiing, and make a point of staying on trails suited to your skill level. It’s also a good idea to stretch before you hit the slopes in order to avoid injury.
Most ski resorts offer multi-day lift passes, which will save you money. Rental equipment is also always available in ski towns, so you don’t have to own your own equipment. Many ski resorts also offer lessons, which can be nice for newbies.
- Top Downhill Skiing Destination: Park City, Utah
- Nearby RV Park: Park City RV Resort (heated RV sites near ski shuttle stops)
Ice Skating
Ice skating is easily my favorite of all winter outdoor activities. There’s something magical about gliding across ice, and I’ve spent many hours daydreaming about jumping and spinning like the pros do. Unfortunately, I can’t do much more than skate in a circle, but I still get a lot of joy out of ice skating.
This is one of the only winter sports that can be done pretty much anywhere. Even warmer towns and cities have ice skating rinks, and many have outdoor rinks set up, meaning there’s really no excuse for not going ice skating before the winter is done.
Remember that you should only ever skate on designated rinks. If you do skate on natural ice, make sure it has been checked and approved by professionals. Wear a helmet to protect against falls and make sure you wear long pants, even if you’re skating in a warmer environment.
- Top Ice Skating Destination: Lake Placid, New York
- Nearby RV Park: North Pole Resorts (winterized RV camping near skating venues)
Fat Tire Biking
Fat tire biking is something I just learned about, and now I can’t wait to give it a try! Essentially this is just bicycling except with bigger tires that can easily get you through snowy places. I love biking, so this sounds like an amazing way to be immersed in a winter wonderland.
It’s important to ride on well-groomed winter trails when fat tire biking. This helps riders avoid getting stuck. You’ll also want to stay on top of your bike’s tire pressure in order to maintain optimal traction. Add lights and reflectors to your bike to combat the low light conditions often found during the winter.
Don’t want to invest in a fat tire bike of your own? Not to worry, rentals are available in many places.
- Top Fat Tire Biking Destination: Sun Valley, Idaho
- Nearby RV Park: Meadows RV Park (open all year with trail access)
Stargazing
My family enjoys stargazing all year long. That said, there is something extra special about snuggling up outdoors on a crispy winter night to stare into a cold, clear sky and marvel at the wonders of the universe together. We recently did some stargazing together at Big Bend National Park and it was absolutely incredible.
To make sure everyone is comfortable during your winter stargazing adventure, make sure to dress warmly. You might even carry a few blankets to cover up with as you gaze into the night sky.
A flashlight with a red filter is a must-have, especially if you will be near other stargazers, who will not appreciate the light pollution created by a regular flashlight. You may also want to download a stargazing app to help you identify planets and constellations—we like Sky Guide on iPhone.
- Top Stargazing Destination: Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Nearby RV Park: Rio Grande Village RV Park (in the park with stunning views)
Hot Springs Soaking
Another thing we did in Big Bend? We hiked to a natural hot spring for a wintertime soak. This was an amazing experience that I highly recommend and cannot wait to try in other locations. Mammoth Hot Springs looks particularly appealing and is now on my list of must-visit places.
No matter where you choose to soak, remember to follow the guidelines the park puts in place and avoid off-limit pools. Drink plenty of water while soaking, as you aren’t likely to feel thirsty but dehydration can still be a real problem.
To avoid large crowds at popular springs, visit earlier in the day. You may also want to carry a water-proof bag to keep your belongings dry.
- Top Hot Springs Destination: Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
- Nearby RV Park: Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park (open with limited facilities in winter)
Clearly, there is no shortage of amazing winter outdoor activities to choose from. Yes, enjoying these activities will require you to brave the cold, but trust me when I say it’s totally worth it. The fresh air, sunshine, and movement will do wonders for your mood and attitude, and getting out and doing things is sure to make winter RVing a more enjoyable experience.
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