It will be news to no one that we’ve have some cold days lately – not your average winter chill, but the bitter, biting cold that makes you cough immediately upon breathing outdoor air. The good news is that warmer weather is on the way and the recent snow has opened up a whole world of outdoor winter recreation opportunities. The North Country’s snowbound forests and icy waterways are truly beautiful in winter, as long as you’ve got the right attitude and enough layers. You could hibernate, but we think getting outdoors is the best way to embrace the season. Here are 11 suggestions for outdoor activities, ranging from mild to wild, that you can do locally this winter.

1. Take a snowshoe hike.  As the snow continues to pile up, snowshoes provide extra float that keeps you on top of the snow and traction to grip icy surfaces. Snow adds new dimensions of beauty and serenity to the woods, and the ice formations along creeks and rivers can be stunning. Two great beginner friendly winter hikes nearby are the Red Sandstone Trail in Potsdam/Hannawa Falls and the Lampson Falls Trail in Clare. If you’d like to try snowshoeing but aren’t ready to commit to buying a pair, Wear on Earth in Potsdam has rentals. 

2.  Go ice fishing. A huge diversity of lakes, rivers, and ponds make St. Lawrence County a fishing destination year-round. Ice fishing equipment is relatively simple, requiring just an auger, tip-ups and jigging, and bait.  You’ll want to bundle up – the wind can really whip across open ice. If you’d like to try your hand at competition,  the Northern Pike Challenge in Louisville February 21^st offers thousands in prize money. Check out the DEC recommendations for ice safety before you go.   

3.  Track an animal.  Winter is the best time to find evidence of what wildlife is up to when we’re not around. The best time to go is a day or two after a snowstorm. Pick a track, make note of its size, stride length, and gait, then follow it for as long as you can.  Animal tracking is an art that takes imagination, patience, and time.  But knowing which animals we are sharing the woods with can really enrich your outdoor experience. Click here for a few examples of animal tracks you’ll see locally. To learn more, Tracking and the Art of Seeing by Paul Rezendes is a great book on the subject. 

4.  Go ice skating.  A major perk of the sub-zero degree temperatures we’ve had lately is that ponds and outdoor ice rinks are now safely frozen over. If you’re lucky enough to have a pond on your property now is a great time to dust the snow off the ice and skate a few laps. Many local towns have outdoor skating opportunities. Morristown has a great outdoor rink with free rentals, and Lake Placid’s oval is open to the public. Across the St. Lawrence, Ottawa’s famous Rideau Canal, the world’s largest skating rink, is now open for the season. 

5.  Try skiing.  Whether downhill or cross country is your flavor, there are ample opportunities for skiing in the North Country.  Higley Flow State Park in South Colton has an extensive groomed trail system, and a groomed track can also be found on the St. Lawrence University Golf Course in Canton. For downhill, our closest local hills are Titus Mountain near Malone and Big Tupper (currently closed, check here for updates) in Tupper Lake.  Titus has rentals and lessons available for new skiers.

6.  Build a snow shelter.  Building snow shelters is fun for all ages, and knowing how to build one could save your life if you find yourself spending an unexpected night outside. A quinzee is a simple shelter made by hollowing a space inside a pile of consolidated snow. Building a safe quinzee that will stay warm relative to the outside is a skill that takes time and practice. Try one out in your backyard using these instructions.  

7. Ride a snowmobile.  St. Lawrence County is a snowmobile mecca, with over 500 miles of snowmobile trails.  Highlights include the system near Brasher Falls in the northeast corner of the county and the extensive network between Colton and Cranberry Lake in southern St. Lawrence County. The St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Association is the best place to go for info on local clubs, trail conditions, and more. You’ll want to wait until there are at least six inches of snow on the ground before you hit the trails. 

8.  Become a backyard birdwatcher.  Many hardy bird species, including chickadees, blue jays, cardinals, and goldfinches, are year round North Country residents. By building a pinecone bird feeder, you greatly increase your chances of observing them. All it takes is a pinecone, some string, peanut butter, and birdseed.  Instructions for building a pinecone birdfeeder can be found here. Building the birdfeeders is a great activity for kids, and watching the birds will captivate them (at least for a while). 

9.  Try dog sledding.  No, I don’t mean hitching up your family pup for a ride around the backyard.  Call of the Wild Tours in South Colton has a full team of Siberian Huskies and offers dogsled rides and other excursions around their 600 acre property.  The owner, Spencer Thew, is a veteran of dogsled races across North America including the Iditarod. They also offer kennel tours, multi-day mushing excursions, and even the opportunity to drive your own sled. It’s not cheap - rates start at $50 for a 15 minute ride - but for some it’s a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed.      

10.  Visit a sugarbush.  Most years the sap doesn’t really start flowing until mid-March, but it’s never too early to start anticipating warm, freshly made syrup.  Check out www.slcmaple.com for a list of local producers. Many offer sugarbush tours during New York State Maple Weekends, occurring March 21-22 and 28-29 this year. 

11.  Plan for Spring and Summer.  Some days, the weather may be too nasty for even the hardiest winter explorer.  When the wind chills dip below zero, it may be best to stay in and plan ahead for new adventures in the spring and summer. Research a summer backpacking trip, examine Google Maps for a new fishing hole, or map out your garden for the spring. Then you’ll be that much more ready to enjoy the warmth when it comes.