If you ask me, every season is hiking season. There are a lot of people that will disagree with me, but I really think there are great benefits of taking a hike in the frigid cold.
1. You'll burn more calories than a hike in the warm sun.
Arguably one of the best perks, any physical activity in the cold burns you more calories in the same amount of time you'd do it in the spring or summer. When you exercise in the cold, your body is working harder and your metabolism increases, which burns more fat and calories to provide you with the energy you need to get up that mountain.
2. The scenery will put you in awe.
Winter is so beautiful, and we usually appreciate it's beauty only from the couch-to-window view. Although the trees colors in fall are magnificent, summer is so bright, and the flowers in spring are gorgeous, winter has a sort of magical feel when you really to get to see it. Especially on a hike, there are not as many other people on the trails, and everything just seems still.
3. You'll feel refreshed.
Ok, sometimes the winter air can be suffocating if it's windy enough, but when you pick a good day, every breath feels really fresh. Sometimes that cold sting can really get your thoughts straight.
4. Your endurance and heat tolerance will increase.
You're basically training your body to adapt to nature and when you start running more in the spring I'm sure your mileage will start at a further distance than you expected.
5. It's free.
Staying inside is free too, but hiking is a great social activity, so if your friends also complain about feeling sluggish and tired during hibernation season, drag 'em up the hill with you.
6. You won't drown in your own sweat.
My least favorite thing about hiking in the summer or spring is getting sticky in my own sweat and having to keep taking my jacket off and putting it back on when I hit windy or chilly spots under the trees. In the winter, the more layers the merrier.
7. You'll get your thoughts straight.
Any exercise, or outdoor activity, is a great way to clear your mind. And while the hike may be shorter when it's cold, something about the winter atmosphere will help you go deeper into your thoughts, rest your mind, and start off the new year totally refreshed.
8. It makes the warmth a lot more satisfying.
The heat in my car never felt so good and the hot cocoa at home never tasted any better.
