With the Winter Olympics just getting started, we love to see what kinds of traditions and customs occur on different sides of the globe. It’s especially fun to see the creative activities people think of during the winter months when it can be more of a hassle to go outside.
There are so many fun winter activities like skiing, skating, drinking spiced wine and having snowball fights, in addition to more traditional holiday activities like Illuminations in Japan, Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) in Germany, and Sinterklaas in Holland. To get more wintry inspiration, check out these albums: skiingsnowSnowboarding
So let’s see what happens during winter around the world!
If you happen to be snowed in and also have a pack of dogs on hand, like these guys in Canada, then dog sledding is a great mode of transportation. Not only do you get to hang out with some furry friends, but you can easily get where you need to go without worrying about the next blizzard.
Another winter favorite is skiing. In Rapperswil, Switzerland, they like to have Throwback Thursdays where they use their old wooden skis and drive VW vans. Ok, we made that part up about Throwback Thursdays, but obviously we weren’t lying about the wooden skis or the van!
While walking is something that you do every day, winter walking is a whole different story. We like to do as the penguins do and lean forward a bit so as not to go sailing backwards and hit the ground with a thud. It seems as though this art is being perfected in Schladming, Austria
While we don’t normally think of Kansas (USA) as the igloo capital of the world, these kids sure seem to have the foundations right. Large amounts of snow and ice are great for building the igloo of your dreams.
A beloved Christmas tradition in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA) is the making of gingerbread houses. Because this is an indoor activity, it is perfect for snow days. Be warned: if you’re a candy lover, then this activity is definitely for you.
Ice fishing is one of those uniquely winter activities (unless you happen to live at the North or South Poles) that is memorialized in many cartoons. You never know what you’re going to find down under that ice, right? In Nebraska (USA) they come prepared.
During the cold months, you can’t seem to get away from the rich gooey cups full of hot chocolate. In Paris, people take their hot chocolate seriously – none of that cocoa mix from a can, but rather melted chocolate swirling in a warm mug just waiting to be devoured. Mouth watering yet?
While skiing may be the number one winter sport, snowboarding is its edgy cousin. In Warth, Germany, people take snowboarding seriously and prefer to hike instead of take the ski lift.
For those who like to combine mountaineering and snow, snowshoeing is a great sport. In the Rocky Mountains in Truckee, Nevada, USA, you can find stunning winter views and a great workout.
Another fun winter activity, and one that’s great for the little ones, is making snow angels. This art has been perfected in Stockholm, Sweden, where snow covers the ground for almost half the year.
One of the most popular sports in the Winter Olympics is figure skating. This sport takes on a whole new beauty in Bergamo, Italy, where you can watch some of the professionals practice.
Skiing is one of the most popular sports, and with the amount of incredible ski spots it can seem a daunting task to choose where to go. Often, you can find some mountains not too far from you, like those in Tokyo, Japan. Check out that amazing sunset!
For those who really like to be in control, snowmobiling is your best pick. Being able to drive an engine powered sled through the ice and snow is exhilarating, especially with views like this.
It’s easy to have fun in the winter, but what about exercise? Running and many other outdoor sports are out of the question. But wait! Cross country skiing can give you a killer workout, while also allowing you to see stunning views. Strap those skis on!
For those who love an old-fashioned pillow fight, why not take the party outside? This snowball fight in Berlin, Germany, happened with our very own EyeEm team. We’re not afraid of a little fun! As long as no one gets hurt…
One of our favorite winter activities is rolling up giant balls of snow to build snowmen! We keep waiting for them to come to life and sing songs, but that hasn’t happened yet. Check out this snowman with a view in Nakano, Japan
While hiking a mountain is fun in the summer months, it’s a walk in the park compared to climbing a mountain in winter. Because Japan is comprised of roughly 70% mountainous terrain, climbing mountains could likely be considered a national pastime.
