How to Keep Busy While You Wait for Winter Adventures to Start
By: Puranjot Kaur Khalsa
Okay – I’ll admit it. I’m excitedly awaiting the first real snowfall on Mount Desert Island. (If you rolled your eyes at that first sentence you probably don’t want to keep reading. . . or maybe THIS is the season, whether you’re an Islander or visitor, when you learn to EMBRACE the winter!)
Although not traditionally known as a major winter destination, I think Acadia is one heck of a place to visit when the white stuff flies. This is the time of the year when many locals come together in our attempt to be patient as we await the first cross-country ski or snowshoe of the season.
Here are some ideas getting winter ready while you wait:
Keep In Shape
If you want to ski or snowshoe long miles this season, you’ve got to put in the time to get ready. Build your strength and stamina now and you’ll avoid injury later. Squats and lunges are a good place to start. Work on your core, quads and hamstrings – and don’t forget to stretch! The MDI YMCA is a great place to keep up.
The Great Basement/Shed/Garage Switch-Up
It’s just about time for the annual basement gear swap – that time of year when the bikes move to the back and the skis, snowshoes and sleds to the front. Making that momentous move takes weeks of deliberation. After all, you don’t want to do it too early!
Feet First
Nothing’s worse than sore or cramped feet. Make sure you’ve got the right ski boots or boot for snowshoeing and spend some time in them before you hit the trails. Even if you’ve worn them for years, the first few days can be a time for hot-spots to develop without breaking them back in.
Gear Up: Go Shopping!
There’s always new gear each season, and it’s so much fun stuff to check stuff out. You don’t always need a big-ticket item like a new set of skis. There’s the smaller stuff too – socks, hats, mittens. Comb used gear on the Bar Harbor Barter & Swap, or hit up local island shopping. Don’t forget that the Midnight Madness Sale is coming up on December 7, 2018.
Pray for Snow
Do a snow dance, a crazy blizzard dance, rub your Snow Buddha’s belly, offer up anything you’ve got to Skadi, the Norse goddess of snow – whatever feels right for you! It’s all helpful. 😉
Check Out Some Ski “Eye-Candy”
Ski and winter films just keep getting better and better. Each fall, a new crop of mind-blowing footage and ground-breaking stories are released to the Universe and those of us that LOVE snow go nuts. It sure helps pass the time. Though a bit into the actual winter season, the venerable and stoke-heavy Banff Mountain Film Festival comes to Ellsworth, Maine on February 1, 2, 3 of 2019. Contact The Grand Auditorium for more information.
Wax, Scrape, Repeat
Melt the wax and iron it in. Scrape and brush, making those skis smooth for gliding. Both skate and classic skis need glide wax and this process can keep you busy for at least a month! (Only slightly kidding)
Become a Weather & Map Nerd
Skiers, especially, are a bit obsessive about weather. Either you’re already addicted to the daily reports like On the Snow or Intellicast, or you will be soon. And, once the season officially starts, be sure to check-out the latest trail conditions from our rock star volunteer trail groomer at Friends of Acadia.
When you live in Maine or visit during the winter, it’s bound to be cold and it’s bound to snow. Make this the year that you take some time to see the beauty in it. And remember: If you choose not to find joy in snow, you will have less joy in your life. . .but still the same amount of snow. 🙂
