World

Chill Thrills

15 ADVENTURES FOR THE SERIOUSLY SNOW STOKED
SWAP THAT ISLAND FOR A SNOW FIELD, WE DARE YA!

Controversial opinion: winter is seriously underrated. Don't get us wrong, we love a balmy paradise as much as the next former backpacker, but the world is home to some ridiculously epic, insanely unique cold weather experiences. You're missing out if you're sleeping on them.

From getting slammed with snowballs in a Japanese Yukigassen game, to going ice fishing in the coldest inhabited region on Earth, these are the chill thrills that make us want to book a flight to the Arctic/Scandinavia/Kyrgyzstan asap. BYO puffer jacket and sense of adventure. Wimps not welcome.

Click play to watch

NORWAY
STAY WITH SÁMI REINDEER HERDERS

The indigenous Sámi people live in the northern parts of northernmost parts of Europe and Russia’s Kola Peninsula, and are historically, seasonally nomadic reindeer herders.

A trip to this part of the world involves some serious cultural immersion; staying in traditional lavvu tents and getting up close and personal with Rudolf, Prancer and Vixen. The whole reindeer gang. If you’re into pristine wilderness, you should probably get to the Arctic asap.

Click for SÁMI, SÁMI, DIFFERENT

AUSTRALIA
DOG SLEDDING DOWN UNDER

Australia is many things—epic stretches of coastline, humid rainforest, red desert. But is there enough snow for dog sledding? The answer is YEP.

Forget the Arctic, all you have to do is head to Victoria’s Alpine National Park region and you’ll find a few companies offering bona fide husky dog sledding. You’ll join a pack of 10 doggos on a race down snowy ski slopes and across backcountry bush in a mesmerising whirl of white.

Click to SLEIGH ALL DAY

Click play to watch

JAPAN
JOIN A YUKIGASSEN GAME IN HOKKAIDO

Also known as ‘the world’s most epic snowball fight’ the Japanese take their snow battles seriously.

So seriously they turned it into a legit sport. Yukigassen (which literally translates to snow-battle) is played with seven players and 90 snowballs per side, on a court that features small snow barriers that players can hide behind. The concept is a bit like dodgeball, in that if you’re hit by a snowball you’re out. The aim of the game is to either capture the opposing team’s flag or just smash each and every one of them with a snowy hard hitter. Whichever you choose.

Click to SNOW YOUR ENEMY

INDIA
TRACK SNOW LEOPARDS IN LADAKH

The rare and elusive snow leopard can be found across roughly 12 central Asian regions, but arguably the best perch for great cat sightings is wild Ladakh.

Sitting high (literally) at an altitude between 3,300 and 6,000 metres, this region gets super cold and delightfully snowy in the winter time. Perfect for spotting leopards on the prowl. Prepare yourself for a real adventure—you’ll be flying over the Himalayas, then driving and trekking into pow-covered valleys.

Click to GET SPOTTED

KYRGYZSTAN
TACKLE THE KYRGYZSTAN SKI SLOPES

Uncrowded runs? Cheap ski prices? Deep powder? If you’re looking for an off-beat, adventure-fuelled ski destination—Kyrgyzstan needs to be added to your winter bucket list. Stat.

This landlocked Central Asian country has been a popular snow spot for Russians and Kazakhs in the past, but the rest of the world is only juuuuust starting to realise it's a competitor to North America and Europe. With a bunch of parks to choose from, flowy tree runs and epic off-piste, plus cosy yurts to rest your head after a big day on the slopes, Kyrgyzstan won’t disappoint.

Click to TALK YURTY TO ME

RUSSIA*
GONE (ICE) FISHING!

... In the coldest inhabited place in the world—Yakutia. Located in the Republic of Sakha, in Russia’s far east, Yakutia sits along the Arctic Ocean where temperatures can get down to -64°C some winters.

In Yakutia’s autumn, you can join locals in some traditional fishing, known as ‘munkha’. This is a unique, innovative fishing ritual that involves multiple ice holes and one super large net. It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding. Every year entire villages can gather hundreds of kilograms of fish—a haul that will feed them all through the winter.

* This is a region in Russia, and travel to Russia is strongly discouraged / impossible right now. BUT! That doesn't mean we can't add the tiny town of Yakutia to our bucket lists. One day...

Click play to watch

SWITZERLAND
SNOW POLO IN ST. MORITZ

This is for those of us who want a fancy snow experience. And it doesn’t get fancier than the prestigious ‘high goal’ snow polo tournament on St. Moritz’s frozen lake.

An annual bash originating in 1985, this equestrian spectacle sees two teams compete for victory in the world’s highest-paying tournament on snow. To truly enjoy the exclusive snow polo event, consider splashing out for a VIP ticket (you’ll probably spot a celebrity or three) and indulge in world-class gastronomy and free-flowing Champagne.

Click for SOME HORSING AROUND

ANTARCTICA
RUN A MARATHON IN ANTARCTICA

Not feeling challenged by a 42-kilometre jog on regular old asphalt? You could give Antarctic ice a go.

This has got to be one of the most intense races in the world, with contestants fronting up against snow and ice, an average windchill of -20ºC and an altitude of 700 metres. Worth it to join The 7 Continents Marathon Club? Heck yeah. Don’t expect a PB though, those Antarctic winds are gnarly and can blow at a steady 10 to 25 knots any given day. Wild.

Click and BE BLOWN AWAY

Click play to watch

SWEDEN
GET COSY IN A SWEDISH ICE HOTEL

You don’t think the word ‘cosy’ can be synonymous with ‘ice hotel’? Guess again. The gang at ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi have created a fairytale-like wonder.

Located in a tiny Arctic village up in Swedish Lapland. This hotel is rebuilt every winter because—if you’re still not understanding—IT’S MADE ENTIRELY OF ICE. They use snow and ice blocks from the Torne River to build a veritable fortress including an ice bar, ice church and some seriously cool (sorry!) suites.

Click and ENJOY THE ICE OF LIFE

CHILE
GO VOLCANO SKIING IN CHILE

Gorgeous refugios, world-class steaks and powder-packed volcano bowls: welcome to skiing in the Andes!

Backcountry Chile is home to a bunch of ski-able volcanoes, like Volcano Lonquimay, Volcano Villarrica and Volcano Lanin, where you can slide down their steep sides in a magnificent flurry of snow and adrenaline straight into a volcanic hot spring. VAMOS, AMIGOS.

Click and YOU'LL LAVA IT

USA
SNOWBOARDS BY DAY, SPIRITS BY NIGHT

From professional snowboarding to coffee roasting to beer brewing, the gang behind Shelter Distilling in Mammoth Lakes are a versatile bunch.

Nowadays they’re focused on creating spirits that mirror the grand nature of the Eastern Sierra. They’re all about finding adventure on the mountain and then sipping on a spirited something or other (pick your delicious poison) as a sundowner.

Click and DRINK IN HIGH SPIRITS

USA
SNOW BUGGY THROUGH STEAMBOAT

Never heard of Steamboat Springs? Grab a world map and put a pin on it!

This winter haven in Colorado is chill thrills central, from world-class skiing and snowboarding to jumping on a fully enclosed UTV snow buggy. These monster buggies seat up to four people and will see you shredding (in a different way) across the pow-packed landscape.

Click and GET SNUGGY IN A BUGGY

Click play to watch

UGANDA
CLIMB RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Forget Kilimanjaro. Did you know that six of Africa’s 10 highest peaks are all in one Ugandan national park?

And did you know the region reaches such heights that there’s snow and ice and glaciers to be found? IN AFRICA, NO LESS. The Rwenzori Mountains NP is probably one of Africa’s best kept secrets, meaning you’ll probably have the park all to yourself. If you’re a technical climber, tackle the famed Mt. Stanley's Margherita Peak for a serious snow challenge.

Click and TAKE A U-GANDER

USA
GET TO THE CHOPPER (AND THE GLACIER!)

This has got to be one of the most epic ways to get to a glacier. And just generally scope out wintertime Alaska.

The gang at Alaska Helicopter Tours will fly you over the ridiculously massive, and ridiculously beautiful, Knik River Valley glaciers. Just a short flight from Anchorage.

These flights operate year-round, but we reckon winter is your best bet, with a heap of glacier landing options available where you can get out of the chopper and walk the brilliantly blue frozen landscape. Gotta be seen to be believed!

Click and CHOP CHOP

Click play to watch

CANADA
STORM WATCHING AT THE WICKANNINISH

Fancy braving the elements without actually being in them? British Colombia’s most epically cosy spot for a bit of winter storm watching is the luxurious Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino.

Perched on the very edge of the coast, this location has long been a go-to local spot for watching the wild waves break upon the rocks.

Strap in, winter in BC brings gale force winds, huge waves, snow and energetic skies. This landscape really comes alive during winter. Chasing an adrenaline rush? The lovely people at the Wickaninnish Inn have complimentary rain gear on hand for any brave explorers.

Click because IT'S EN-LIGHTNING

Click play to watch