The sun is getting stronger and the days a little longer. I know how good both of those feel. Spending time in the fresh air can have a positive impact on our health. Even a short walk can make a difference. But if you want to challenge yourself and have never cross country skied or snow shoed the weather is in your favor with the temperatures on the rise.

If you really want to challenge yourself the ice is pretty good for ice climbing and in some places where the sun has melted the ice and snow, rock climbing is happening. My older son guides those interested in this type of challenge with his business Equinox Guiding Service. He takes people out so they can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and have a blast. He provides all of the equipment, instruction, and encouragement. You can have little or no knowledge and be successful. I certainly recommend guide Noah Kleiner! Tell Noah I sent you and perhaps you’ll get a discount.

Camden Maine is well known for its celebratory take on winter. Home to the Camden Snowbowl, this tiny town has a vibrant ski community, both downhill and cross-country alike. Camden Hills State Park is full of trails that provide enough outdoor entrainment for us all, and you can skate your heart out on the local lakes. To top it all off Camden hosts the International Toboggan Championships, and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds. A weekend-long celebration through downtown and over to the Snowbowl itself draws people from all over the country to try their hand at a speedy trip down the toboggan shoot on homemade sleds.