If you fancy a bit of fun in the snow with a friend or date, here’s Badoo’s guide to fun winter sports (and a couple of more unusual ones)...
Spring may be on the way, with the sun popping out occasionally (yes, even in England!), but for those who love a bit of fun in the snow, there are still plenty of places to go. Whether you’re with a group of friends, on an intimate trip with someone you’re dating, or hoping to meet new friends, a flight or a drive into the mountains will give you all the snow fun as you could possibly want.
Here are a few things you could get up to while you’re there...
You don’t even need to go too far from home for this one, as most cities have skating rinks. Why not skate and chat with mates, or for something a bit more romantic, maybe teach your date how to do it (don’t worry, falling over is part of the fun). Banish the idea of skating rinks being dismal, dingy hangars that smell of damp socks, as there are now plenty of seasonal skating rinks that can be found in gorgeous locations such as Somerset House and the Natural History museum in London until well into spring.
Skiing and snowboarding
It goes without saying that one of the best things to do in the snow is hurl yourself down a big hill on a plank or two. Whether you prefer skiing or snowboarding, a leisurely green run, or the thrill of pelting down an Olympic black, there resorts that are perfect for you. That’s not to mention the incredible scenery, mountainside restaurants selling hot wine and filling food, and the lively après-ski bars and clubs in most of the big ski resorts (or perhaps snuggle up in front of a roaring fire in your own chalet, if that’s what you prefer).
Cross-country skiing
Fun as it is, downhill isn’t the only way to ski – cross-country skiing is also a great way of getting out in the snow, and has an even longer history (in parts of the world, they used to do it in prehistoric times). Though cross-country takes a bit more effort, nothing quite beats sweeping smoothly along between the trees on a gorgeous sunny day with friends. Why not take a picnic with you, and sit down in breathtaking scenery for a lunch you’ll never forget.
Tobogganing
Another one that doesn’t require any specialist equipment beyond a nearby hill and some snow, you can go tobogganing on a bin bag if you want to, though you’ll go further on a sledge (and your bum won’t get as wet). The best thing about tobogganing is that you can run out with friends as soon as the snow’s fallen, and start having fun straight away. Or get a toboggan built for two, and have a more romantic, if still silly, time.
Snowmobiling and ice-driving
If you’re a petrolhead and prefer letting the engine do the hard work, you can still have a lot of fun in the snow, on a snowmobile. These surprisingly fast and powerful machines are great for covering distance and feeling the wind in your hair, and for bouncing over uneven ground (you may even get some air with a bit of practice), and there’s even often space on the back for a friend. Or if that isn’t crazy enough for you, try slinging a specially tuned sports car round a frozen lake at high speed – you’ll truly discover the meaning of sideways driving!
And other weird and wonderful things…
There are plenty of even crazier activities to do in the snow. If you’re bored of regular skiing, why not try out kite-skiing, in which you’re dragged along by a kite (there’s even a horse-drawn variant). Meanwhile ski experts may want to try heli-skiing, where you’re dropped off at the top of a mountain by helicopter and have to find your own way down. Or why not have a go at dog-sledding, either as a passenger or with the reins in your hands, while those looking for more surreal thrills can try snow kayaking, or even going downhill in a wok or on a shovel!
But if the above sounds too much like hard work, why not just build a snowman, chuck snowballs at each other and then retire to the pub for a warming drink?