Winter is coming and we felt the first of it this week – the wind so cold it feels like its burning your face! It’s just the beginning! If you are an outdoorsy person, there are lots of opportunities to stay active in the winter. If you are an inside person, you might be looking for some alternatives to activities in the freezing temperatures.Â
It’s hard to imagine when you are used to the cold – but there probably some people at TRU this year that have never seen snow before in their lives. To these people I say – make the best of it! There are a lot of cool ways to stay active in the winter if you are prepared to brave the weather too. But, if you’re really not feeling the chilly climate, there is no shortage of inside activities to keep things interesting this winter! Try something from the list below!Â
If you’re feeling outdoorsy…
Go snowshoeing
Not everyone is interested in skiing or snowboarding, although it is a popular sport in Canada. Coming down a mountain at high speeds can be intimidating, but if you’re still interested in being active in the snow, snowshoeing might be an option for you! Bonus – renting snowshoes is far less expensive than a ski pass!Â
Snowshoeing doesn’t take any skill and you can go at your own pace. There are a few paid trails in and around Kamloops, but you can also go for free at local parks. In most cases, it will require taking a personal vehicle to get to these destinations. It’s a great way to stay active and capture the awesome winter views that Kamloops has to offer. Hike Kamloops has some amazing blogs on snowshoeing in Kamloops.Â
Public skating
There are multiple rinks in Kamloops that host weekly public skating times. If you’re all for the Canadian game, there are Stick & Puck times too! It is required to bring your own skates, helmet, and stick to participate at one of the local arenas. While skating isn’t technically outside, it’s likely that the rink will be on the chilly side. Check your transit app to find which rink is nearest you!Â
Public skating comes at a very little cost. Take your partner for a fun skate date for under $12! If you don’t own skates or can’t find someone to borrow from, check out a consignor sports store to pick some up at a discounted price. For public skate and stick & puck times, check out the city’s skating schedule.
Go tubing at Harper Mountain
If you’re a thrill seeker, but don’t want to break a leg on the ski hill, your best bet is to hit up the tubing park at Harper Mountain. Located only 30 minutes from Kamloops, Harper Mountain is an adventure for a group of friends that only takes up a half day!Â
Dress for the weather, and if you’re lucky, it’ll be a nice sunny day up on the mountain! At $16, a tube park ticket is the most you’ll pay for an activity on this list but it’s definitely a fun afternoon that you can’t get anywhere else.Â
If you’re feeling indoorsy…
Rock climbing
Ever think to yourself: “Hey, my forearms need a workout today!†(Anybody?) If that’s you, or you’re just looking for something different, why not try indoor rock climbing!
Cliffside Climbing Gym, near Walmart, is a short bus trip or walk from TRU. It’s easy to get started for the first time with a wide range of climbing levels available. You can climb for height or try bouldering closer to the ground.  Drop in for under $20 today and get those forearms warmed up!
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Swimming
It’s a little chilly to go for a swim down in the river at this time of year. No beach? No problem! Did you know that your TRU campus card gives you FREE access to the Tournament Capital Center Aquatic Center? Whether you’re into lane swimming or you’re happiest hanging out in the hot tub, swimming is a fun change up from the go-to activities. Â
Busy during the day? The TCC pool is open early till late, from 6:00 AM until 11:00 PM on weekdays. Get your swim on!
TRU Fitness classes
Stay active in the heart of our campus at the TRU Gym for fitness classes! De-stress with a quick workout between classes or a yoga session to close out a busy day. TRU Fitness Classes are first-come-first-serve and FREE to students and faculty. If you’re active on a budget or your transportation is limited, TRU fitness classes are the easiest and most affordable option you can find!Â
TRU Recreation and Fitness offer eight different class types, including Bootcamp, Yoga, HITT, Bootcamp Circuit, Freestyle, Sweat Express, and Stretch, Roll & Restore. Check out their schedule.
What are you waiting for? Get moving and beat those winter blues! After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year! Can’t wait to see you out there, #TRUfam
