Ski down a hill or curl up by the fire, but enjoy your winter break

By Maren Marie Hintz

December 19, 2005 | Snow and ice are on the ground, breaths are casting their own shadow, and the Christmas aisle at Wal-Mart is always full of abandoned carts and empty shelf space. All that can only mean one thing; it is finally winter break. Students who have spent the last four months studying, cramming and complaining about school, now find themselves with lots of extra time on their hands. Outdoor activities are always a favorite, but there are some things you need to know before braving the winter weather.

Skiing and snowboarding are traditional activities, and there are plenty of options for all kinds of budgets. Many resorts offer discounts to students, and there are half day passes for those trying to fit in some fun between shifts at a job. If you don't have your own equipment, most sporting good stores with rent you what you need for a cheaper price than you would find at the resort.

If you are traveling to your preferred destination, you might want to consider looking at lesser known resorts to lay your weary bones. Skier Brent Harsh said, "Several years ago, I stayed with a group of friends in a small, non-descript condo at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon and it was the best skiing and the cheapest stays I've ever had on a ski trip. One of my all-time favorites."

For those who prefer snowboarding to skiing, make sure to check in advance with the slopes you plan on going to. "Be aware that some of the resorts in Utah, like Deer Valley and Alta, don't allow snowboarders," Poka Yoke, an avid skier, said.

With many resorts to choose from in the Utah area, transportation can be an issue. Terry Morse said, "There are several private shuttle services between Park City and Salt Lake. Using the service every day of a trip would get pricey, but it's good for a single day."

If athletic snow activities don't appeal to you, there are other options for outdoor winter activities. Camping is a fun activity normally associated with summer, but many brave souls face the frigid temperatures in the winter months as well. Southern Utah provides many possible campsites, and the National Park Service has all the information you will need. Regarding camping in that area of the state, Robert B. said, "Personally, winter is my favorite time to camp in southern Utah."

Winter camping can be cold and difficult, and proper preparation should always be made. Just like regular camping, never go winter camping by yourself. It is extremely cold, and the proper supplies must be brought to ensure a safe trip. Vadim Kin said that she had camped at Arches National Park twice, and found the days reasonable but the nights long and cold. She said what keeps her coming back is the lack of other campers.

"On the plus side, winter is when you can still have the place to yourself. I would only go to Arches in winter," Kin said.

Snowmobiling can be a fun winter activity, but it requires expensive equipment. If you do not own your own snowmobile, there are places you can rent them for a day, or you can always just make friends with someone who has thier own.

"Now I'm not saying that you have to have a snowmobile to be my friend," junior Amelia Jensen said, "but it certainly doesn't hurt."

Those staying in Logan, or close to it, might want to consider a cheap day of fun sledding down the famous Old Main Hill. Junior Tracy Tucker said that the danger of the hill is what keeps her coming back.

"I like that there are trees you have to dodge. It also ices over really well, so the sled really flies," Tucker said. "You need to be careful though, because I had a friend break her pelvis in an Old Main Hill related accident."

Not all activities over winter break must be done outdoors. Sometimes this break from school can be a good time to relax and catch up on television or movies you may have missed through the semester. And there are always books that can be read from the warm comfort of your own bed.

"My favorite winter activity is not participating in winter activities. It is far too cold. I would rather stay inside where it's warm," junior Jared Sagers said.

So whether you love the chills and thrills of outdoor activities, or you crave the warmth of a hot-chocolate filled indoors, be sure to enjoy the winter reprieve from school. Before you know it, skiing and sledding will once again be replaced with school and studying.

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