Oregon does a lot of things well. It is a top-10 economy in the nation while also containing a unique mix of large businesses with small start-ups. It boasts the best ice cream on earth, despite often-cloudy skies. This attracts people, making it the sixth fastest growing state by population.
But Oregon does horribly with snow. A literal inch of the scary white stuff will paralyze entire cities: school shuts down, cars are abandoned, church gets cancelled. To students who are not from the Northwest, this is a foreign concept, and this year has been particularly bad. So bad, in fact, that my college just had its third snow day of the year.
Thus, in honor of the snow in Oregon, I have made a list of 12 fun things to do when school is cancelled and there is snow on the ground:
1. Have a snowball fight.
It’s timeless for a reason. There is simply nothing like building your own snow fort and flinging snow at your friends’ faces.
2. Go sledding.
While skiing and tubing are superior to sledding, they are also expensive and often hard to get to in bad weather. Sledding provides an affordable option to still experience the thrill of gravity.
3. Read.
Reading is generally fun. But any bookworm will tell you that there is nothing better than burrowing into some covers while it’s frigid outside and losing yourself in a book.
4. Research Subarus.
If you are from a snowy climate, you get it – everyone has a Subaru because they are incredible in snow. If you are in the market for a new car and stuck inside because your car can’t do snow, consider a Subaru.
5. Eat an icicle.
It’s like a popsicle, but better.
6. Learn a new soup recipe.
Soup in general is delicious. Its tastiness is only magnified in cold weather. While you’re stuck inside, try your hand at a new recipe.
7. Do a movie marathon.
When else will you have time to watch all 10 hours of the Lord of the Rings, every grueling episode of Star Wars, or all 18,000 Marvel movies?
8. Go for a snow hike.
Dress warm and be ready for some tough climbing, but the end is so worth it.
9. Sleep in.
Again, when else can you do this?
10. Make a snow angel.
It is so freeing to wag your limbs around in powdery snow and make something beautiful.
11. Play spikeball.
The game was meant for sand, but it’s just as good in snow.
12. End the day with a mug of hot cocoa.
After playing in the wet, cold snow, warm up your tummy with some hot cocoa. Recap with your friends about your adventures and end your day with a sweet touch.
