For many college students in Minnesota, winter is characterized by Netflix binges, naps and overall hibernation until they are forced to walk to class in the bitter cold. Could it be possible that there's something else out there besides frigid temperatures and boot-ruining slush? The best way to kick the winter blues might just be to get outside and embrace what you've been hiding from.
1. Build a snow fort (and sleep in it)
There's nothing quite like waking up surrounded by mother nature. Grab some friends and a shovel and start piling! Good news: Outdoors.com says your fort will hover at a balmy 30 degrees. What perfect weather for a winter's nap.
2. Make the trip to Bayfield's Ice Caves
These sea caves are a popular kayaking spot in the summer months, but winter brings "breathtaking" to a whole new level. You'll have to take a short mile walk across the frozen Lake Superior to access the caves, but once you do, you'll be sure to wonder why you had not done it sooner.
3. Help the homeless
Take a few hours out of your week to volunteer at a local homeless shelter. It's important to remember that some people don't have a warm place to go home to after class or work. If you're short on time, you can donate your old winter jackets, hats, gloves or scarves. Your gifts will warm both hands and hearts this time of year.
4. Host a winter bonfire
If you love sitting around roasting smores during the summer, you're sure to love it even more on chilly a winter evening. The mixture of hot and cold will combine to make for a truly sensational experience you'll never want to leave.
5. Have an impromptu photoshoot
If your profile picture is still from Lollapalooza in 2013, it may be time for some new snapshots. Grab your friends and head for a patch of undisturbed snow. A fresh snowfall creates an amazing backdrop. Plus: beanies and mittens? What could be cuter?
6. Try your hand at ice climbing
It's a lot like rock climbing; It's just way, way slipperier. Oh, and it's also freezing outside and you're dressed in 15 layers to stay warm, but hey, same thing, right? It's not an activity for the faint of heart, but if you think you're ready for the adventure, it will not disappoint. You're looking at spending about $150-$250 if you want a private company to show you the ropes, but booking through the UMN Rec Center will only cost you $50 - $70.
7. Organize a massive snowball fight
This isn't your regular snowball fight, this is a cool snowball fight. Create a Facebook invite and tell everyone you know. Your friends, professors, neighbors, grandma and pet hedgehog. Everyone is down for a good ol' fashioned snowball fight x 1,000. Teams, alliances, surprise attacks, etc. All is fair in love and snowball fights.
8. Go dog-sledding
Yes, you can actually go do this. If you can't train your own dog to pull you around the backyard on a sled, you can just leave it to the professionals. Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge offers half, full or multi-day adventures.
9. ... Or just play with your own dog
If you think dog-sledding might not fit into your schedule, bring your dog to a local dog park and run around with her. You won't be able to help but smile seeing the joy on your pup's furry face because Dogs. Love. Snow.
10. Take the Polar Plunge
Some people think jumping into a freezing cold lake in the middle of winter is fun, others think it's crazy. Regardless, the bragging rights stand either way. Plus, you're helping out Special Olympics. Do it for the cause or do it for the story, but there's no good reason to not do it.
11. Go winter camping
There is nothing more serene than the Boundaries Waters in the winter. Grab your friends and some cold weather gear and head up to this highly untouched wilderness, free from litter, pollution and even traffic noise. It's recommended you at least watch a YouTube video on how to cook with a propane stove. If you can't figure it out, don't worry. There's always trail mix.
12. Attend Crashed Ice
Yes, this is exactly what it looks like. Athletes race down hills, over bumps and around turns on a course made on solid ice in a relatively new sport called "ice cross." The world championships will be hosted in St. Paul once again on Feb. 26-27. Get there early for a good spot because more than 100,000 people have showed up for the last four years.
13. Watch people slip and fall
Find an extra slick spot on your walk to class and set up camp. Karma will probably get you back for this one, but it makes for a funny Snapchat story, right?
14. Slip and fall yourself
This fun game can be played anywhere, at any time. Simply walk outside and commute to class, work, your friend's apartment or Target. At some point you will certainly fall. Just remember, we're laughing with you.
15. Give curling a go
For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, it's that sport in the winter Olympics where you probably thought people were just sweeping the ice. It is, however, a sport requiring a lot of skill and practice. If you've ever wanted to give it a shot, UMN has their own curling team for you to check out.
16. Celebrate hockey
It doesn't get much more Minnesotan than hockey. Whether you're a player or a fan, hockey is a tradition in Minnesota. Grab some friends and play a pick up game of pond hockey or catch a Minnesota Wild or Golden Gophers game. PSA: The Wild take on the Blackhawks outside at TCF Bank Stadium on Feb. 21. It's going to be a big deal.
17. Try something new
Never been ice skating? Always wanted to learn how to snowboard? Wondered what you were missing when all your friends decided to play intramural broomball? There are plenty of things winter offers that summer simply can't. Go ahead and give them a try. You never know where you'll find your passion.
18. Stay inside
Alright, so maybe winter isn't for everyone, but sometimes the best way to enjoy winter is looking at it from your living room window. Grab a blanket, some hot cocoa and put "Frozen" on. After that frigid walk to class, you deserve this.
