As a Canadian born and raised in Newfoundland, I’ve always had a deep connection with winter. Those extreme snowfalls during my childhood were opportunities for thrilling adventures on skis, snowmobiles, and hockey skates.
Today, I live in Vancouver, BC, where the proximity to large mountains and ski resorts offers many unbelievable winter activities. With all my experience participating in a handful of these adventurous winter activities, I thought I would make a hefty list of ideas to help you find the best winter activity to try this winter season.
Let’s take a look at 19 adventurous winter activities for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies:
1. Backcountry Skiing
Downhill skiing and snowboarding are both extreme and thrilling on their own, but if you want everlasting memories and an experience like nothing before, you may want to try a backcountry skiing adventure.
If you are unfamiliar with the unmarked areas where you are, I recommend booking a backcountry skiing tour with a reputable company. The last thing you want to do is to put yourself in danger in unfamiliar territory.
Nothing compares to the exhilaration of adventuring into the untouched wild on your skis. It is far from the busy ski resorts and groomed trails; the entire purpose is to create your own way down, enjoying every second of being free. Connect with nature, enjoy your views, and take it all in.
Backcountry skiing offers you a skiing experience that many will never get to experience, the slopes you ride will be fresh, untouched powder that you can enjoy to the fullest. I know that it can be annoying at a ski resort as it is busy, the nice trails are marked up, and the fresh snow is no longer there. Often, this makes it hard and even icy, which is not the best ski experience.
If you want the best possible skiing experience, explore the backcountry with your pals or book a backcountry ski tour this winter.
Is skiing not your thing? See 23 Skiing Alternatives for non-skiers here!
2. Snowmobiling
I didn’t start riding a snowmobile regularly until I was in high school, which sucks, I missed out on a lot of fun. Snowmobiling is easily one of my favorite winter activities. Heading out on “sled” from my front door was amazing in Newfoundland! I could leave my house, speed up a few trails, and meet my friends in a matter of minutes. We would explore trails, and mountains, and have fires out in the middle of nowhere.
Anywhere that gets snow will often have snowmobiles for rent, or snowmobile tours available for booking. If you have never gone snowmobiling, you are in for a treat. The ride is thrilling, but the views and exploration make it an unforgettable time.
My favorite thing when driving a snowmobile was finding deep, fresh powder and getting to rip through it. This is called boondocking, which is just leaning your snowmobile and turning in deep snow. It’s like driving through clouds, and it is extremely satisfying.
Traveling to make a snowmobile trip is a great idea; there are so many places in the world that offer amazing snowmobiling. Here are some recommendations:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Newfoundland, Canada | A bit bias, but Newfoundland is an adventure all on its own during the winter. If you are looking for a true getaway, then this is it. There are amazing snowmobile trails throughout the island; definitely check out the west coast and the northern peninsula. |
| British Columbia, Canada | If you are looking for some of the best snowmobiling in the world, you need to come to BC. There are rentals and tours offered throughout the province, but here are the best places: Revelstoke, Golden, Whistler, Sicamous, and more! |
| Alaska, USA | I have never been, but Alaska offers some crazy amounts of snow and I can only imagine the exciting snowmobiling that is offered in the state. Check out places like Anchorage for an ultimate Alaska snowmobile adventure. |
| West Yellowstone, Montana, USA | If you are looking for scenic snowmobile adventure, Montana offers just that. There is a number of guided tours you can check out and you will not be disappointed. |
| Grand Mesa National Forest, Colorado, USA | Colorado is no surprise as a recommended spot for snowmobiling. You will get lots of snow, but also great views from Telluride to Aspen. There is a huge network of groomed trails that will help you explore the area! |
Keep in mind there are different types of snowmobiling, choose to go trail riding, or you can do a backcountry adventure exploring the mountains! The snowmobiles used are much different as the power/track needed to get through deep powder snow is quite different.
3. Ice Climbing
Imagine scaling a frozen waterfall with ice axes digging into the solid icy surface, all while the cold air is nipping at your face. That’s the rush of ice climbing. Unlike the predictable terrain of indoor rock climbing at the gym, every ice formation is unique and ever-changing with the weather. This means that every climb is a new challenge, making it almost as strenuous mentally as it is physically.
If you’re unfamiliar with the icy peaks and the tools used to go ice climbing, you can always hire a guide or take part in an ice climbing course. It’s most important to prioritize safety, as this activity is extreme, and a few minor mistakes can lead to serious injuries.
Ice climbing is a thrill, not only the activity itself, but he elements you are placed in. It is cold, wet, and snowy, not your typical comfortable weather for any activity. This makes ice climbing one of the hardest types of climbing available in the world!
The best part about this activity is the satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment you get once you complete a climb. You can celebrate with friends, brag to your family, and enjoy every minute of being “above average” as a human being.
4. Snowkiting/Kite Skiing
Picture yourself gliding across a snowfield, powered completely naturally by the force of the wind pulling your kite that is anchored to your body. That’s snowkiting for you, also known as kite skiing, which is basically the winter version of kitesurfing.
There’s certainly an art to controlling the kite, you will need the proper coaching or a guide to get you started. If you have experienced kitesurfing in the ocean, this may be the perfect winter sport for you to casually jump into. Understanding the fundamentals of how the kite moves you and how the kite works is crucial. If you do not know how to ski, then figure that out before you try this sport out.
What sets snowkiting from other winter sports is the freedom. There’s no need for any slopes or ski lifts; an open snow-covered area is all you need to have some fun. The best spots to learn are over snow-covered frozen lakes and ponds, as there are no trees to get in your way, plus the winds are higher.
The moment you catch that first perfect gust and you start gaining speed, you feel weightless, and then you realize you want more and more. If you’re on the search for a winter sport that’s a little different but big on thrills, snowkiting could be your next winter obsession.
5. Heli-Skiing
Have you ever thought about skipping the long lines at the ski lift and getting dropped off at the top of a snow-covered mountain by a helicopter instead? That’s heli-skiing for you.
You’ll need some solid skiing skills before you think about hopping on a chopper and skiing down a mountain. This isn’t your usual groomed ski slope; it’s untouched powder in places most people only dream of skiing. And since you’re out in the wild, you have to know what you’re doing as there are higher risks for avalanches.
Just outside Vancouver, BC, where I am living, there are many heli-skiing tours offered, and some of them are pretty costly. However, it makes sense as you are getting a helicopter ride, and some of them offer multi-day trip options where you stay at lodges. These are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This is the ultimate skiing adventure as you mix backcountry skiing with a heli ride and a winter lodging experience; you really can’t get a better thrill on skis.
Remember, with adventure comes responsibility. Always ski with a guide, and make sure you’re equipped for anything the mountain throws at you. Safety comes first, even when chasing thrills!
Read our related heli-skiing posts:
- What is Heli-skiing? (The Ultimate Guide)
- How Much Does Heli-Skiing Cost?
- Is Heli-Skiing Dangerous? (The 5 Primary Dangers)
6. Winter Ziplining
I was a zipline guide in Newfoundland at Marble Zip, which is operational year-round. So, we would go ziplining in the winter, which is honestly a thrill you have to try. As a zip guide, the winter experience was amazing but required some more work as we had to go beat the ice off of the lines as it accumulated because of the waterfall beneath our zip cables.
Just imagine snow-covered trees, snowflakes falling, frozen rivers, and all the natural beauty the winter can offer, then picture it as you fly through the air on a zipline. That is exactly what it’s like; it is an amazing ziplining experience, and the thrill is even better in the winter.
Not all ziplines stay open year-round, but finding the ones that are open are well worth the visit. As an ex-zipline guide myself, I highly recommend getting dressed up in your winter gear and that you go zipline in the snow! I certainly will go in the winter again soon!
7. Alpine Mountaineering in Winter
Imagine climbing white peaks and exploring snowy valleys, where every step is tough, but the views are incredible. That’s winter alpine mountaineering for you.
This isn’t your typical hike in the woods. This is a true test of skill, endurance, and mental strength. Imagine climbing steep snow-covered ridges with the wind biting at your cheeks. As you finally finish up for the day you still need to set up camp in the cold.
Now, for those who are new to the alpine world, it’s super important that you do your homework. The challenges of winter increase in the high altitudes; it’s no joke, as many people have lost their lives doing just this. Understanding weather patterns, mastering your tools, and wearing the appropriate gear is critical.
But don’t let this scare you too much; there are plenty of courses and guided climbs that are designed for those looking to get started.
Close to me in Vancouver, BC, there’s a rich mountaineering culture, with plenty of peaks to conquer and clubs you can join. Whether you’re aiming for a one-day trip or a multi-day expedition, there are options for everyone.
8. Wild Ice Skating (Frozen lakes, rivers, ocean, etc…)
I played hockey my whole life; ice skating was a skill of mine, so taking it into the wild was a no-brainer. Skating on ice at the local hockey rink compared to the ice on a lake or river is incomparable. There is something majestic about outdoor ice skating; you feel free.
I decided to book a trip to Alberta a few years ago, I wanted to go skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort, see the mountains, and explore all the winter activities that Banff National Park has to offer.
We ended up visiting the Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise; what a beautiful view! I couldn’t believe the snow-covered mountains and trees, along with the huge frozen lake. But what I didn’t know was that you could rent skates and skate on Lake Louise, so my girlfriend and I did just that! See it all in my Banff Travel Vlog here on YouTube!
We were skating in a winter wonderland, and it is something I will never forget! Also, in Calgary, we rented skates, and we went skating on a river. It was like a race track for skating, super cool and unique.
If you get the opportunity to skate outside on a natural ice skating surface, do it! It is a lot of fun, it’s exciting, and it will make memories for life.
9. Glacier Hiking/Trekking
Imagine hiking across ancient ice, navigating deep blue crevasses, and witnessing formations that have been in the making for thousands of years. Welcome to the extreme adventure of glacier hiking!
This isn’t your typical stroll in a park. Glaciers are living, moving rivers of ice, and every step on them is a thrilling step back in time. The surface you are walking on might be thousands of years old, and the amazing views of snow and ice structures are breathtaking.
If you’re new to this, be careful as glaciers can be risky. The ice can be slippery, and there are hidden crevasses that can be extremely dangerous. It’s very important that you have the right equipment, like crampons and ice axes, and, more importantly, the right knowledge on how to use them.
For those interested in glacier hiking, guided tours are the way to go. Many guides offer hikes designed for various experience levels, making sure you are safe at all times.
Here are some of the best glacier hiking/trekking locations in the world:
| Glacier | Description |
|---|---|
| Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland | Explore Europe’s largest glacier, where you will have nothing but breathtaking Alpine views, making it a must-visit for every glacier enthusiast. |
| Sólheimajökull, Iceland | Sólheimajökull offers a striking mix of ice and volcanic ash, creating a moody and otherworldly landscape, perfect for a surreal glacier hiking experience. |
| Perito Moreno, Argentina | Arguably South America’s most iconic glacier, Perito Moreno stands out with its massive ice walls that often calve into the turquoise waters below, offering hikers a dramatic, ever-changing scenery. It is known as the most accessible glacier available to hike. |
| Mer de Glace, France | Located in the heart of the French Alps, Mer de Glace is a testament to nature’s icy beauty, giving hikers a picturesque journey through enormous glacial valleys. |
| Athabasca Glacier, Canada | Situated in my backyard, the Canadian Rockies, Athabasca Glacier is perfect for hikers to see ancient ice up close, all while surrounded by majestic mountain backdrops. |
| Mendenhall Glacier, USA | Located in Alaska’s wilderness, Mendenhall Glacier offers a unique blend of serene ice caves and blue-hued formations, making it a must for adventurers looking for a unique glacier experience. |
10. Winter Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping any time of the year is an extreme sport that scares the living heck out of me. Doing it in the winter is a good twist as you are bundled up in your winter gear, the snow if covering all around you, and it almost feels like a winter wonderland.
The experience is magical during the winter, making it a must for me to add to this list of awesome winter activities.
There are only a handful of places you can go bungee jumping in the winter, and one is pretty close to me in Whistler, BC. The Whistler Bungee is a famous bungee jumping location in Canada. It is a wild experience in the winter, you are jumping over a glacial-fed flowing river known as the Cheakamus River. The height is 160 feet high, so the thrills are real, and they are extreme.
If you are on the search for an extreme thrill, then winter bungee jumping is the perfect pick for an adrenaline junkie.
Here are the best winter bungee jumps you can check out:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Whistler Bungee, Canada | 160-foot platform jump bungee jump located in the forest over a glacial-fed river. The trees are snow-covered during the winter and the experience is unimaginable. See more on their website here. |
| Tignes Ski Ramp Bungee | Ok, this is unlike any winter experience in the world; it is a mix of ski jumping and bungee jumping. You fly off a ski ramp while you are connected by 2 bungees, you fling around in the air, but you have a view of the towering mountains in the Alps. Watch the video here to see what its all about. |
| Skypark Sochi, Russia | Here at the Skypark Sochi, which is an AJ Hackett location, there are 2 Bungy jumping options, the 69 meter and the 207 meter. They offer bungee jumping year-round, so you can experience bungee jumping in the snow at this location. |
11. Go Ice Fishing
As a Newfoundlander, I have gone ice fishing a number of times. It is a great adventurous activity in the winter, you head out on your snowshoes or snowmobile, find a spot on the lake, and then drill a hole with an ice auger. You can go extreme and have an insulated ice fishing shelter, or choose to stick it out in the cold.
The whole concept of ice fishing still amazes me to this day. You are standing on thick ice, with a hole, where you throw your fishing line and lure into the water. You just hang out until a fish is on the line. When you get a big one it is thrilling, if you have ever had a fish on the line you understand what I’m talking about.
Even if you don’t catch anything, the experience itself, of being outside in the fresh crisp air with snow-covered everything around you, is just phenomenal.
For newcomers, always remember that ice fishing requires a unique set of skills and knowledge, especially when it comes to safety. The ice thickness is what you have to pay attention to the most, it must be 4 inches to walk on, and if you plan to park a snowmobile on it, make sure it is 7-9 inches thick. It’s always a smart idea to start with a fishing guide who is a seasoned pro to show you how to get things started. Plus, a pro knows where the fish are!
12. A Snowshoe Adventure
Imagine hustling your way through a beautiful snow-covered forest, each step leaving an imprint, and you feel like you’re in a snow globe. That’s the beauty of a snowshoe adventure!
This isn’t just a simple winter walk; it’s about immersing yourself in the snow-covered land around you. You get to explore places you may have never thought of exploring. The extra grip of a snowshoe and the deep snow make the trek so much different than the typical hiking trail. It is almost like a backcountry skiing trip.
If you’ve never tried it, snowshoeing might seem like a simple and basic activity. But much like hiking, it comes with its challenges. The type of snow, the terrain, and even the weather can make each adventure unique. And with snowshoes on your feet, you are motivated to find your own path, finding untouched areas and seeing views from a new perspective.
You can do your own snowshoe adventures, but you can also find snowshoe-guided tours and treks that take you to some amazing places that this world has to offer.
13. Winter Camping
Camping in the warm weather can be challenging, but camping outside in the cold winter months is a whole different type of extreme. Being properly prepared with the right gear is most important. You need to stay dry, you need a winter tent, and you need the proper knowledge of how winter camping works.
One wrong move in the winter can be life-threatening; that’s why you should ease your way into winter camping to learn what its like in all types of temperatures. Furthermore, it’s a great idea to jump into it with a professional by your side. This can help you understand all the safety requirements needed for winter camping.
I will say, camping in a tent in the winter is an experience that you need to try. Waking up with snow around your tent, looking outside and seeing snow-covered mountains in the distance is surreal. Pairing all of this with a nice warm cup of coffee to start the day sounds like a dream for us outdoor enthusiasts.
If you want to connect with nature and understand what winter is all about, pitching a tent in the snow is exactly how you do it.
14. Chase the Northern Lights
If you are looking for a winter traveling experience, you need to explore up north this winter to find the Northern Lights. Imagine standing under the night sky, the stars twinkling above, when suddenly waves of green, pink, and purple start dancing across the horizon. That’s the magic of chasing the Northern Lights!
Seeing the Northern Lights is just the icing on the cake. The entire traveling experience is what makes this a must-do winter experience. The luckiest time of year to see them in Canada is December to March, and expect it to be between 10pm and 2am.
This means you want to camp it up outside, in a tent or an igloo, while you have your small fire blazing and all your winter gear on to stay warm. Don’t worry, the cold is worth the visual experience!
Knowing that these lights are never guaranteed makes you feel and act like a child; you wait hopelessly, praying that the lights come out for a show. When they do, you get an adrenaline rush and become excited like a kid on Christmas morning.
For first-timers looking for the show, there are several guided tours available that not only offer the best spots for viewing but also share insights into the folklore and science behind these lights.
To chase the Northern Lights is to chase a dream; it’s a rare moment of nature’s beauty that will stay with you long after the lights fade.
15. Polar Bear Plunge
The Polar Bear Plunge is an event you can participate in worldwide where people plunge into a freezing body of water. Often it is a cut-out section of a frozen lake or pond that you dip into just like a polar bear. It’s exhilarating; the cold hits you faster than you can imagine, and you need to take deep breaths to relax your body and your mind.
Sometimes, these are events designed to raise money for a cause, or others it is a small group looking to have an exciting time. Either way, it is a daring winter activity you can try if you can handle the cold.
Make sure you are careful and do this activity in a safe environment where you can quickly warm up post-dip. Hypothermia is very possible if something were to go wrong during a polar plunge, so make sure you are doing it at a safe event or location. Avoid polar plunging by yourself in random locations, as you increase the risk tremendously.
16. Cross Country Skiing Adventure
I started cross-country skiing with my mom at a young age. I always loved downhill skiing more at the time because I enjoyed the thrill of zooming down hills and feeling the adrenaline rush from the speed. However, as I got older, I could understand how adventurous cross-country skiing really was.
It is like a mix of downhill skiing and snowshoeing; you get to enjoy some speed, but you also need to put the work in to trek in the snow. Many places offer trails and backcountry-style cross-country skiing adventures. These are unreal, and in my opinion, they deserve more praise.
You can start off by trying cross-country skiing at a local cross-country ski area that offers simple trails, but to turn this sport into the adventure you really want, you need to try a backcountry adventure.
There are a number of cross-country skiing backcountry adventures around the world. Many offer luxury lodges to stay at, log cabins, and you can even take a tent to go full adventurist. These adventures are a great way to connect with nature, and also get some amazing exercise for your body.
17. Try Snowbiking
I had a dirtbike at a much younger age than I had a snowmobile, and as I got older, they created this machine called a Snowbike. It is a dirtbike converted into a snowmobile machine. When I saw one I knew I had to give it a go! These things are crazy to ride, they are lighter weight and easier to make sharp turns compared to a normal snowmobile.
You really need experience riding a motorcycle of some sort, as well as snowmobile experience, before you consider trying snowbiking.
You can always convert your own bike into a snowbike, or you can buy one. I recommend renting one somewhere before doing so as not everyone likes them as much as normal snowmobiles.
However, these machines are intense and a thrill ride unlike anything you have ever experienced. Rent one out and go riding for the day, you will not regret the experience, trust me.
18. Speed Flying
If you enjoy parachute sports like paragliding and skydiving, this may be the perfect adrenaline sport for you this winter. Imagine flying down snow-covered slopes, not only with skis but with a parachute over you. This is what is known as speed flying or speed riding.
It is a mixture of paragliding and skiing, it’s all about experiencing the mountains in the most adrenaline-packed way that is humanly possible. Every single second you are strapped in, flying down the mountain is a constant thrill.
It is dangerous, don’t get me wrong, but with proper training and awareness, this can be a thrilling winter activity for almost any adrenaline junkie. You will feel like a bird racing down the mountain, capturing mountain views in new perspectives every couple of seconds.
If you’re on the search for a winter sport that gets your heart racing, speed flying is something you may want to consider doing.
19. Dog Sledding
There’s something serene and primal about gliding across a snow-covered landscape naturally powered only by a team of huskies. If you have never gone dog sledding, you may want to give it a go. You do not need any experience for most tours as you are not in control; the tour guide controls the dogs as you sit comfortably in the sled component.
You get to enjoy the winter trails as the dogs carry you through the winter wonderland around you. It really transports you to a simpler era, where humans and nature worked together. You get an appreciation for how the world has evolved to what it is today.
You get to hear the jingle of the harnesses, the paws pushing through the snow, and the cold crisp air hitting your face; it is a soothing winter experience.
For those looking to try dog sledding out, you are in luck as many tours are great for beginners, they often teach you the basics and ensure a safe, memorable journey. Dog sledding is not just a typical ride in the snow; it’s a journey back in time, celebrating the strong bond between humans and their loyal canine companions.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!