Not everyone dreams of powder days and chairlifts—and that’s okay. Whether you prefer snowy hikes, birdwatching, or getting cozy by the fire, there’s a whole world of winter fun waiting just outside your door. Here are eight ways to get out, stay active through the winter, and fall a little more in love with the coldest season.
Lonesome Lake, White Mountains, NH. Photo by Amuthan Arulraj (AMC Photo Contest).
1. Try Snowshoeing
As the old saying goes: “If you can walk, you can snowshoe.” Snowshoeing is a great way to clear your mind, connect with nature, and explore the Northeast’s snowy woods and frozen lakes at your own pace. It’s also a fantastic cardio workout! (You’ll burn anywhere from 400 to 1,000 calories an hour out there.) Don’t own a pair? Visit the L.L Bean Gear Library at Highland Center, rent gear from Joe Dodge Lodge, or stay at one of AMC’s Maine Lodges, where guests have free access to snowshoes all winter.
Check out these resources for more snowshoeing tips:
- Snowshoeing for All Levels
- 7 Easy Snowshoe Trails to Try This Winter
- 8 Urban Snowshoe Routes
- Where to Snowshoe on the Appalachian Trail
Find an AMC Snowshoeing Outing Near You
Photo by Chris Menarx (AMC Photo Contest).
2. Go Winter Birding
While many birds migrate south, plenty stick around, from chickadees and nuthatches to downy woodpeckers and crossbills. Some Arctic birds even migrate south to us in winter, meaning this is the perfect time of year to spot species like snowy owls and common redpolls. (Birds bulking up for the cold also means that winter is one of the best times to see fluffy, round birbs. Yes, you read that right.) Grab a pair of binoculars, download an app like Merlin, and head outside to see who’s still around.
Want to become a winter birdwatching pro? Here’s a guide to identifying winter birdcalls across AMC’s region.
Community Snow Observation demonstration. Photo by Corey David Photography.
3. Track Snow Depth with AMC’s Research Team
Participate in research this winter! Snowpack data from the White Mountains and Western U.S. tell a similar story: winters are getting shorter, with warmer average temperatures and fewer snow days. AMC researchers have been studying snow and winter in the Northeast for over 30 years, but they rely on data collected by the outdoor community.
You can help researchers this winter by participating in community snow observations. All you need to do is to pack a smartphone and a ruler or an avalanche probe on your winter adventure. Your measurements will help scientists improve snow cover estimates for avalanche safety, flood predictions, agriculture, and ecosystem science.
Record a Community Snow Observation
AMC Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods. Photo by Cait Bourgault.
4. Embrace the Hygge
You’ve probably heard of the Danish concept of hygge (hoo-ga): the feeling of coziness and contentment that comes from slowing down and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Trade overhead lights for candles. Indulge in coffee and sweet treats. Turn off your phone and be fully present with your people. Watch the weather from a window seat while you enjoy a steaming mug of hot cocoa and a relaxing book about the outdoors. Curl up by the fire in an AMC blanket. Winter is also the coziest time to visit AMC’s lodges!
Mt. Moriah, White Mountains, NH. Photo by Corey David Photography.
5. Take a Winter Hike
With proper gear and planning, hiking in winter can be absolutely magical: crisp air, snow-dusted trees, and no crowds. That said, cold-weather hiking comes with a different set of challenges and risks. Pack the right food and gear, layer wisely with non-cotton layers (wool is particularly good for staying warm and dry in the winter outdoors–check out Minus 33’s new AMC collection for more!) and make sure to check the weather and trail conditions.
Here are some tips from AMC experts on planning your winter hike:
- How to Winter Hike: 5 Tips to Get You Started
- How to Plan a Winter Hike
- Nutrition for a Winter Hike
- 6 Winter Treks to Frozen Waterfalls
- How to Avoid Needing a Winter Rescue in the Backcountry
Maine Woods, Maine. Photo by Harry Hayashi (AMC Photo Contest).
6. Go…Camping?!
That’s right. For the truly adventurous, winter camping offers deep quiet, starry skies, and the satisfaction of knowing you can thrive in just about any condition. With the right gear and know-how, you’ll discover a peaceful side of the outdoors few people ever see. Start with the basics: a four-season tent that can handle wind and snow load, an insulated sleeping pad (or two stacked for extra warmth), and a cold-weather sleeping bag rated down to at least 0°F. Add layers galore, including dry clothes for sleeping, a warm hat, and thick socks.
You can make your own pulk sled to pull your gear across the snow instead of carrying it on your back. Pack your water bottles upside down so the lids don’t freeze shut, and stash one in your sleeping bag overnight to keep it liquid. Make sure to drink more water than you would in other seasons, and don’t forget to eat, eat, eat—your body needs calories to stay warm, and your metabolism is your built-in furnace.
Here are some pro tips on setting up the best winter campsite. For more information, check out the Essential Guide to Winter Recreation or the White Mountain Winter Recreation Map & Guide, both from AMC books.
AMC Family program. Photo by Paula Champagne.
7. Play in the Snow
Who says building snow forts is just for kids? Lean into the wonder and silliness of all that white stuff by building having a sculpture contest, cruising down the neighborhood sledding hill, tracking wildlife, or building a snow maze. Here are some of our favorite winter outdoor activities for kids (or adults who just like to play).
AMC Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods. Photo by John Meader.
8. Stargaze on a Clear Night
Winter skies make for some of the best stargazing of the year—crisp, dark, and full of bright constellations like Orion and Gemini. Bundle up, bring a thermos, and head out to see what you can find! Did you know that AMC’s Maine Woods are a certified International Dark Sky Park? Stay at one of AMC’s Maine Lodges for front-seat access to the darkest skies this side of the Mississippi, or head to Highland Center for See the Dark Weekend, December 19-21, 2025. And if you can’t make it up to Maine or New Hampshire, here’s a guide to the best stargazing spots across the Northeast. (Make sure you keep an eye out for the Northern Lights!)
AMC Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods, Maine. Photo by Cait Bourgault.
If you’re used to waiting out the winter season indoors, try flipping the script this year. Go for a snowy walk, join a community science project, or plan a weekend at an AMC lodge where you can explore by day and warm up by the fire at night. You might be surprised how much joy you find out in the cold.