Life may slow down in the winter but that doesn’t mean you have to hide indoors until cabin fever sets in. Bundle up and let these ideas inspire you to venture out and enjoy the snow.
Snowshoeing
Don’t let the snow deter you from enjoying the outdoors this winter. Winter is an excellent time to strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore the hiking trails under a blanket of snow. Campbell Mountain and The Three Blind Mice trail network offer an array of options close to town while the more adventurous can opt to summit Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park and the spectacular views that encompass it.
Fatbiking
Why limit biking season to dirt? Fatbiking is growing in popularity and with many trails remaining partially dirt or hard packed snow, fatbiking is the perfect solution to biking year round. Go for an adventurous ride up Campbell Mountain and the Three Blind Mice or take a leisurely stroll along the KVR Trail.
Cross Country Skiing
The KVR Trail is a great place to go cross country skiing. A mellow 2.2% grade and hard packed snow most of the winter months makes this trail a perfect place to take the skis. Starting at the Smethurst Parking Lot and skiing along the KVR Trail to the Little Tunnel is a local favourite after a fresh snowfall.
Snowmobiling
You don’t have to drive far to find deep snow. With the mountains located right behind the village of Naramata and many forestry roads remaining accessible for most of the winter, there’s no shortage of areas to go snowmobiling. The Chute Lake area is the most accessible and a great place to familiarize yourself with the terrain.
Birdwatching
Bald eagles, swans and even pelicans can be found in the Okanagan Valley during the winter months. Take a stroll down Old Main Road to see a flock of swans feeding in the shallows of Okanagan Lake or go for a hike around Campbell Mountain to find dozens of bald eagles nested in the trees below.
Words and images by Caillum Smith (Preserved Light Photography)
