I’ve lived all my life in the Pacific Northwest. Tons of my friends grew up skiing as we live less than an hour away from a world class resort. However, my first time ever up on the mountain was at the age of 28. This is even funnier because my husband grew up skiing at this same world class resort.

I am afraid of heights and yet I took to snowboarding fast. I loved it. Now I am skiing instead, don’t ask about the injury that happened, everyone is tired of hearing about it. lol

Last year was a long, hard winter here in the Seattle area. But my family and I didn’t even notice. We were too busy relishing the fact that the snow was kickin’ in the mountains and just waiting for M-Fri to get done so we could head back up. The winter went so fast.

Previously, I would have been one of those complaining about the weather a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I love a snowday! But, it was over 2 months before you could safely jog outside. I go nuts with just indoor cardio!

So our new ski addiction was perfect timing. However, I know this isn’t an option for everyone. Whether you have no slopes to ski or just the very high price tag. There are a lot of different ways to turn your cardio into plain old winter fun.

Snowshoeing is the first one that comes to mind and it’s something hubby and I have wanted to try for a while. Living in the land of the outdoors as we do, there are a lot of places to rent snowshoes. If you have an REI around you, give them a call. They do rentals of all sorts of equipment.

Cross-country skiing doesn’t need a lift ticket. Like hiking and snowshoeing you are really working hard. But unlike the other two, you get to slide a little with the ski’s and enjoy a little bit of the ride. Depending on your area, these should be available for rent as well. Or if you know you are ready to commit and have some fun, check out craigslist. We’ve gotten great deals on our equipment from there.

Sledding is a great family workout. I can remember quite a few winters of grabbing super cheap, round sleds and heading to the mountains with my Dad. My brother and I would make so many trips up the little slopes. So why does that have to be only for kids? Who doesn’t like sledding down a bouncy hill? Just think of the great workout you are getting while hiking back up.

These are great ways to get some winter workout fun. Winter doesn’t have to be a dull season spent indoors. Spend it outside and watch the winter months fly by!