7 Favorite Winter Pastimes for Grand Canyon Whitewater Enthusiasts

Since the rafting season takes up only about half of the year, Grand Canyon whitewater enthusiasts find many other creative ways to enjoy the outdoors during the offseason. The combination of breathing fresh air combined with the endorphins provided by physical activity produces a combination worth chasing. Check out the list below to see some of the favorite pastimes that take up river guides and river rat’s time during the “not-rafting” months.

Colder Climate Winter Pastimes

Skiing: A favorite pastime of many a rafting guide during the off season and a great way to put some of those river certifications to good use. The exhilaration of downhill skiing or the relaxation or cross country can provide a fantastic reason to spend the day outside. Breathing in the mountain air and appreciating all of the glory that snow brings helps many an outdoorsman get through a cold winter.

Snowboarding: A bit more aggressive than skiing perhaps, snowboarding provides similar advantages to skiing. Whether going for the tricks or just changing it up from skiing, hop on board and glide down the mountain to escape into the wilderness below. Those glistening crystals of ice below create the ultimate surface for gliding through life. Snow lovers rejoice when a storm dumps tons of fresh powder.

Snowshoeing: Hiking through a winter wonderland? Now that sounds like a fairy tale. Though likely a bit more strenuous, the rewards of a day spent tromping through glittering snow and the beautiful scenery encountered can rival any conventional hike. The endurance and physical exertion of snowshoeing leave an active individual happily filled with endorphins and memories created throughout the day.

Warmer Climate Winter Pastimes

Paddle Boarding: Places like Arizona and Florida stay pretty warm through the winter months and many locals take this time to do the alfresco activities, even if it doesn’t involve whitewater rapids. Paddle boarding is a fantastic way to have an outdoor experience while getting exercise. Many a river rat will empathize with the need to be on the water as much as possible. What a great way to combine being outside with paddling?

Running: Clear the mind and calm the soul with daily runs. Whether through neighborhoods or into the woods, partakers can experience this refreshing sport outside and off the treadmill. The step by step rhythm does much to rid the mind of the daily bump and grind. That combined with those fantastic heart benefits create a win, win situation.

Hiking: See some amazing places while feeling the burn. Some take this to a backcountry extreme and see utterly remote places. Some do a daily loop and use it to calm the day and step out of busy lifestyles that consume many individuals. The physical and mental benefits cannot be stressed enough.

Golfing: Those snowbirds know a thing or two about the best ways to decompress. Spending ample time in the sunshine and enjoying the company of friends while striving for those birdies and avoiding the bogies. What a perfect way to step outside and relish in what mother earth has to offer.

What are your favorite winter pastimes? How about planning your next whitewater trip?