I Used To Hate Winter

I used to hate winter. It’s cold and my hands instantly become dry and cracked. Having horses, I dreaded the frozen water buckets and having to take my gloves off a million times while doing chores. Then there’s the snow. I’m either shoveling out paths and gates, or just dragging myself through two feet or more of powder. And when there isn’t snow, there’s ice. I’m not steady on my feet. I fall a lot on ice.

Like I said, I used to hate winter.

But then I discovered ice fishing.

And snowmobiling.

And ice camping.

And snowshoeing.

Over the last few years I’ve found there’s two keys to enjoying winter:

1. Find something you really enjoy doing during the winter months, and
2. Acquire a lot of warm clothes.

It’s been 15 years since I first went ice fishing. Fifteen. Years.

I swore Darrell would never convince me to walk on a frozen lake, but somehow I found myself agreeing to go. Those first few trips were not overly fun. My boots were inadequate, my gloves did nothing to keep my hands warm, and the wind got through my jacket in no time.

Then I started wearing Darrell’s floater suit, bought warmer boots, learned how to dress in layers, and bought a great pair of mitts. Ice fishing not only became tolerable, it was enjoyable. 

Instead of going months without fishing, we can now get out fishing throughout the winter. I look forward to it every year. My ideal winter starts with a week of -20C before the snow falls, so the lakes can get a good base of ice.

While ice fishing gave me a new appreciation for winter, the winter activity I look forward to the most is snowmobiling. Want to enjoy winter? Buy yourself a snowmobile. You’ll be broke all winter, but you’ll be happy (at least when the snowmobile is working).

I won’t admit how many times I check the OFSC trail app in a day to see the status of the trails.

Again, good clothing, and heated handlebars, make a big difference in the enjoyment level.

Last year we added helmet communicators so we could speak to each other while riding and listen to music along the way. What a game changer! It’s nice to be able to plan your lunch stop without having to pull over and get off the sleds.

Riding the trails is such a great way to spend a day. We’re not big distance riders. We like to head out, enjoy a few hours, see the sights, maybe stop for a bite to eat, and get home to do everything else. Last year we had an awesome moment where we came across a deer wintering area and pulled over to watch them chilling in the trees. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen that many deer before.

The snowmobiles have made it possible to enjoy another winter activity – ice camping!

We went ice camping once before we bought the sleds. We decided to buy snowmobiles on that trip. Lugging all the camping gear on foot was a pain, and as I stopped pulling to give my heart a break and catch my breath, I vowed to have mechanical help on the next trip.

Camping on the ice and being able to fish from your cot all night is a pretty cool thing (no pun intended). I like that we’re able to continue doing our favourite activities all year round this way.

We also extend the camping to winter camping, in a typical campsite, not on a frozen lake. Whether we take the trailer or use the ice hut on land, getting out in the winter is such a joy. It’s quieter with the snow dampening the sound. The days are shorter so you plan your activities differently, and it typically forces us to slow down and relax more.

There’s something special about sitting around a campfire while the snow gently falls.

And then there’s snowshoeing. I’ll never understand why I like it so much. It’s just walking around with massive footwear. But it’s the only way to get around in many cases and I find myself smiling when I’m out with the snowshoes.

The common denominator with all these activities is the ability to stay warm.

Winter cold is nasty, but I find it so much easier to beat than summer heat. Dress in layers. Wear appropriate materials. Buy the best boots and gloves one can afford. Use a heater when camping or the handlebar warmers when snowmobiling. Do whatever you can to dress warmly.

Like I said, I used to hate winter. Now I enjoy it. Which is really nice when you live in Canada and have many months of the cold to look forward to!