Embrace the Freeze
Your Guide to Thriving in North Dakota Winters!
By Liz Kemp
December 6, 2024
North Dakota winters are truly legendary. The short, chilly days can really bring you down, but there are several easy ways to combat the cold and enjoy winter, even thrive here!
Know How to Dress For The Weather
Layering purposefully with the proper materials can help fend off the chill!
Start off with a quality wool base layer. Wool helps your body regulate temperature and is naturally moisture-wicking.
Grab some fleece, polyester, or more wool for your mid layer. Sweatpants or leggings are a great option but avoid cotton. For little kids, a pair of fleece footie pajamas is an easy choice.
Last is the outer layer. Finding a great pair of boots, snow pants, and a coat can seem daunting and expensive, but they are key to actually keeping warm and enjoying the snowy outdoors. Shop spring sales and thrift stores year-round for quality pieces.
Get Some Sunlight
The sun likes to make itself scarce in these winter months. Taking advantage of the days when the sun is shining can make a significant difference! Studies show that exposure to the sun can boost immunity, improve sleep, increase your vitamin D, and lift your mood – bye, bye winter blues! Aim for 20 minutes a day (when possible), and as much skin exposure as the temperatures allow. Choose a walk or find another outdoor activity to get your sun intake.
Stay Active
A simple walk will greatly boost your mood, and an inexpensive pair of ice cleats can make it much easier. If you want to do something more challenging, our region has many opportunities available:
- Ice skating or hockey in Grafton’s Centennial Center or its outdoor rinks, Cavalier Arena, Pembina Ice Skating Rink, Schumacher Park in Drayton, or Park River Skating Rink.
- Skiing at Frost Fire in Walhalla.
- Cross country skiing or snowshoeing – Leistikow Park in Grafton and Icelandic State Park have rentals available for their trails.
- Icelandic State Park also has unique options like kick sleds and ski shoes to try, as well as full moon night ski events.
Find Your Friends
Odds are you aren’t the only one struggling with the short days and cold temperatures. Plan a sledding party with hot chocolate or meet at the skating rink! For easy indoor options, call up some friends for a cozy soup potluck, join a book club, gather your girlfriends for a craft night, summon the guys for a game night. See if your local library, societies, or clubs are hosting events. Looking forward to fun activities can make those long nights feel shorter!
Look For Beauty
Amid the bleak, gray days, glimmers of beauty do stand out. It is easier to catch a gorgeous sunrise or sunset this time of year. Clear, dark skies offer up a picture scene of northern lights and constellations! Frosty days coat the trees in a layer of shimmer and sparkle. Enjoy all this beauty from the comfort of your car with a hot beverage.
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Liz Kemp is a busy mom of three, farm wife, and outdoors enthusiast. A life-long North Dakotan, Liz followed her husband back to the family farm and has lived in Cavalier for the last seven years. She loves the community opportunities small towns have to offer and enjoys getting to know all the unique spots. When not homeschooling and managing schedules, Liz spends her time exploring Pembina County with her kids and enjoying all the outdoor activities this area has to offer. Local favorites include hiking Tetrault Woods State Forest, swimming and camping at Icelandic State Park, and kayaking the Pembina River!
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