Winter Play
Watch Nature or Athletes in Action
by Annie Fast
Photo Courtesy: @Bigbravenomad
You don’t need to be a seasoned skier or an adventurous alpinist to make the most of winter’s magic. The colder months offer countless ways to escape the winter blues and embrace the season—whether you’re drawn to serene, snow-covered landscapes or the high-energy buzz of cheering for your favorite sports teams. Winter is the perfect time to explore new destinations and experiences.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite, California
Yosemite is a hidden gem and a serene wonderland when draped in snow. Wintertime transforms the park into a tranquil black-and-white canvas, echoing iconic photographs of Ansel Adams who famously photographed the park, starting in 1916. The silence of the off-season allows visitors a chance to appreciate the park’s grandeur and creates the perfect setting for both adventure and relaxation.
Although the higher-elevation Tioga Pass closes for winter, visitors can still access Yosemite Valley and Wawona through well-maintained roads (but carry chains or traction devices). Once in the valley, guests can unwind in cozy lodges while soaking in breathtaking views or explore popular natural attractions, including Bridalveil Fall and the scenic Valley Loop Trail. For those seeking a bit more thrill, ice skating in Curry Village beneath the towering Half Dome offers a magical experience you won’t forget.
Make time for the Yosemite Exploration Center and Theater, a treasure trove of natural and cultural exhibits, and the nearby Yosemite Museum, which delves into the rich history of the region’s native peoples.
Snow enthusiasts can head west to the historic Badger Pass Ski Area, a local favorite since 1935. Here, you’ll find 10 groomed trails for downhill skiing and snowboarding, with rentals and lessons available for adults and children, starting at 4 years old. If Nordic skiing or snowshoeing is more your style, Badger Pass also offers 25 miles of groomed trails to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re sliding on the snow or watching the action from the sundeck of the lodge, the park’s winter magic will scratch that winter itch.
National Elk Refuge
Jackson, Wyoming
Photo Courtesy: New Thought Media
Find a winter wildlife experience like no other at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming. This 24,700-acre sanctuary is only a mile from bustling downtown Jackson. The protected refuge of grasslands, wetlands and forests comes alive during the colder months. Each winter, the massive herd of up to 7,000 elk migrates down from the high country in search of food, gathering in the shadows of the majestic Teton Mountain Range.
But elk aren’t the only stars on the refuge. This ecosystem is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including pronghorn sheep, bison, wolves, coyotes, foxes, bald eagles, trumpeter swans and a host of other bird species. It’s a wildlife watcher’s dream, offering countless opportunities for spotting animals in their natural habitat.
In winter, visitors can take a leisurely drive along the plowed 3.5-mile Refuge Road while tuning into the National Elk Refuge’s free winter audio tour (available on Spotify) to learn about the wildlife, landscape and history as you pass by. For a more immersive experience, the popular horse-drawn sleigh ride brings you right into the heart of the elk herd, offering an up-close view. Sleigh rides depart regularly from the visitor center, where you can also purchase tickets or reserve your spot by calling ahead. See nersleighrides.com.
Athletes at Play
Photo Courtesy: Idaho Steelheads
Basketball
Experience the heart-pounding excitement of NBA action at Portland’s Moda Center, where the Portland Trail Blazers go head-to-head with powerhouse rivals such as the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2026, the WNBA welcomes a 15th franchise team and Portland will get to see elite women to play at its Moda Center home. If you can’t wait, head north to Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, where four-time WNBA champions, the Seattle Storm, continue to dominate the court.
Hockey
For hockey fans, the action heats up on the ice as well. The Seattle Kraken have quickly become a force in the NHL, with an ever-growing fan base filling the 17,000-seat Climate Pledge Arena. There’s nothing quite like joining the chants of “Let’s go, Kraken!” as the team battles it out for victory. In Boise, the Idaho Steelheads take to the ice in the ECHL league, thrilling their fans with fast-paced games at the Idaho Central Arena. Offering more than 36 home games per season and in a buzzing downtown Boise scene, the arena is the perfect spot for an unforgettable night of hockey.
Ski Racing
For ski racing fans, the season’s premier event arrives in Sun Valley, Idaho, at the 2025 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals. From March 22-27, watch the most elite ski racers from around the world—potentially including Team USA’s own Mikaela Shiffrin—race for glory in events including downhill, Super-G, giant slalom and slalom at the final and crowning event of the World Cup season. Beyond the thrilling races, Sun Valley comes alive with a festive atmosphere, offering a full schedule of activities around town.
Annie Fast has made a living in the snowboard and ski industries, as an editor at Transworld Snowboarding Magazine and as a freelance writer. She was a correspondent for the Summer Olympics in Paris and will cover the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.