Winter Safe Activities

by | Jan 17, 2022 | COVID-19, Wellness Blog

If you want to spend time with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is the safer choice! You are less likely to be exposed to COVID-19 during outdoor activities, even without the use of masks. – CDC 

Weigh the Risks

COVID spreads more easily indoors, in crowded areas, and when others aren’t wearing masks. In general follow COVID-19 best practices when participating in any activity that includes others that aren’t part of your household: 

  • Wear a well-fitted mask that covers your mouth and nose; regardless of vaccination status 
  • Stay 6 feet away from others 
  • Avoid crowds 
  • Wash or sanitize your hands often 

Safer Outdoor Activities

  • Run, walk or bike at your local park 
  • Hike on local trails 
  • Take your pet for a walk around the neighborhood 
  • Ski or snowboard at your local skiing hill 
  • Go sledding at your neighborhood sledding hill 
  • Ice fishing or hunting with others in your household 
  • Ice skate at your neighborhood rink 
  • Pick up curbside meals or get food delivered  
  • Roast marshmallows by a firepit 
  • Have an outdoor barbeque 
  • Go to a drive-thru light festival 
  • Create your own outdoor movie party 

Less Safe Indoor Activities

  • Exercise at a fitness center 
  • Walk around the mall  
  • Attend a class at a yoga studio 
  • Swim at your local pool or waterpark 
  • Ice skate at an indoor rink 
  • Eat inside at a restaurant 
  • Watch movies with friends 
  • Have a game night 
  • Bake and decorate cookies with friends 
  • Chat with friends at a local coffee shop 
  • Watch a movie at a theater 
  • Watch a musical performance or play 
  • Attend a sporting event or concert 
  • Shop during peak times and holidays 
  • Visit Santa at the mall 

Get Outdoors & Explore Winona

Lake Lodge

Winona’s Lake Lodge is open and ready for winter season with rentals available including ice skates, snow shoes and more! You can choose to get a pass or a daily rental.

 

  • Broomball Stick with Broomball $1
  • Hockey Stick with Puck $1
  • Ice Skates $4
  • Snowshoes $6
  • Winter Seasonal Pass $15
  • Full Calendar Year Pass $35

Ice Skating Rinks

There are several ice skating rinks to visit in Winona that are perfect if you have your own skates!

These neighborhood rinks are not staffed or supervised, so please skate responsibly and at your own risk.

Sledding at St. Mary's

St. Mary’s University has the most popular sledding hill for Winona locals. The hill is located a short ways past the bridge crossing over Gilmore Creek. 

Don’t have a sled? Make a DIY sled out of a tray or a cookie sheet or make one yourself with cardboard, garbage bags and duct tape.

Coffee Mill Ski & Snowboard

Located in Wabasha, Coffee Mill is a great place to go skiing or snowboarding. You can get season passes or daily rentals. Their warming house also has concessions if you want to grab a bite to eat or something hot to drink.

  • Weekends & Holidays (Before 3PM) $45
  • Saturday & Sunday (Evening after 3PM) $28
  • Weekdays (Thurs–Fri) $28
  • College Night (Thurs 4PM–8PM) $20
  • Ski Package $25
  • Snowboard Package $35
  • Helmet $10
  • Season Pass with College ID $325

They also offer classes if you are a beginner and looking to learn how to do something new! 

Mt Lacrosse

Mt Lacrosse is a skiing & snowboarding hill located in Lacrosse, WI. 

  • Mon–Thurs 12–8PM $61 & 3–8PM $40
  • Friday & Saturday 10AM–8PM $64 & 3–8PM $40
  • Sunday 10AM–7PM $64 & 2–7PM $40
  • Ski Package Open–Close $38 & 3PM–Close $29
  • Snowboard Package Open–Close $43 & 3PM–Close $34
  • Season Pass $579

Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is available through the Outdoor Education & Recreation Center (OERC). They have climbing available to WSU students on Wednesdays & Thursdays at noon till the ice melts!

Tickets are $20 for students. Reserve your spot to climb at Ice Park!

Chilling with family and friends outdoors is your safest option. Grab your coats, mittens and gloves and get outdoors to explore all the winter activities Winona has to offer!

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Amy Nelson

Amy Nelson graduated in 2020 with a degree in Art: I-Design. As a student, she worked with the University Marketing & Communications team as a writer and photographer. She was hired after graduation to support public health communications during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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