8 “Outdoor Experiences” To Try Inside this Winter

Posted on January 8th, 2020

goldsprints

By Ed Husar – www.goldsprintsfx.org, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Sometimes it’s too cold or wet to get outside — we totally get it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to play.

Throughout the colder months, there are plenty of “outdoor experiences” happening throughout the region. Most of the activities are things that you can practice indoors and then take those skills back outside when the weather is more favorable.

8 “outdoor experiences” to try indoors this winter

  1. Hit the climbing gym: The River Rock offers climbing and bouldering for all ages and ability levels. It’s a good way to test climbing and get comfortable before hitting outdoor spots. Perfect for beginners: A Yoga & Climbing event, as part of the Experience Outside series, is Feb. 25 at The River Rock. Learn more.
  2. Go swimming indoors: Did you know the water is always 84 degrees at the Green Ridge Recreation Center? The pool is open daily for open swimming, fitness classes, and instruction. You can find the pool schedule here.
  3. Participate in the Gold Sprints: Riders on stationary bikes compete against each other in front of spectators. Each race takes approximately 30 seconds. Racer progress is displayed via projector for everyone to see with bragging rights and prizes on the line. Competitions happening in January and February at Deschutes Brewery.
  4. Prep for spring backpacking: Not sure what to carry on a hiking or backpacking trip? Trying to pack lighter or with some newer gear? The Ultralight Backpacking Clinic on Jan. 22 will give you all the advice you need from an experienced Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. Learn more.
  5. Consider caving: Even when it’s cold outside, the temps inside a cave can be a lot warmer. Roanoke Parks and Rec is offering three different wild caving trips this winter. And while wild caving can be a lot of fun, a commercial option – such as Dixie Caverns – is a good starting point. Learn more.
  6. Learn on a local tour: Explore places in the region that you haven’t been with a guided food or beverage tour. Shaken or Stirred? on Jan. 25 provides a hands-on experience as you learn to make classic cocktails. (It’s a skill that might come in handy for summer backyard parties!) Learn more.
  7. Participate in a race that happens indoors (kind of): WazUPwidis is an urban run and stair challenge on Feb. 1. The objective of wazUpwidis is to run through, up and over a few of Downtown Roanoke’s landmarks, traversing surprisingly difficult elevation in two of the city’s parking garages and finishing with a breathtaking climb and descent in the Wells Fargo Tower. Learn more.
  8. Get skills training: If you play outside, chances are that you will need some first-aid knowledge at some point. Learn how to be better prepared when you need it at a Wilderness First Aid Skills Clinic on Jan. 15. Learn more.