“Whatever adventure comes along, I am down for it,” Kovala said. “I don’t like being inside. No weather conditions stop me. It keeps me sane. People should always step out of their comfort zone and try new things. I wasn’t comfortable with ice climbing, but I love it now. That’s when the fun starts - when you push past your own barriers and do more. The outdoors is my obsession and I’m always thinking of my next climb or hike or paddle. There is always something else to do and see. There is always another adventure waiting. That’s why you do it.”
Fat biking is gaining in popularity as well and is an ideally suited activity for the region. More and more trails are being opened up to fat bikes.
“Fat biking is a ton of fun,” Walden Mountain Bike Club president Rob St. Marseille said. “You can ride on packed snow and also on ice. The low tire pressures allow the bike to float on top of the snow and allow for traction on slippery surfaces. Riding the fat bike on the ski trails is amazing. It is great exercise and allows a rider to experience the beauty of winter on a bike. Fat bikes can be ridden on any packed trail or along the road. It is not permitted on MSV trails. Several of the cross country ski facilities in the North offer fat biking on their trails. Our club also has fat bike days and also hosts a fat bike demo day at the Naughton trails.”
Combine any of these activities with winter camping and people are set for an unforgettable experience. Winter camping adds the element of a true adventure. Spending multiple nights in the bush in a hole dug out of snow will leave a lasting impression.
Glass goes on two or three multi-night winter camping trips. He loves camping so much that he does it year round. This outdoors experience is for hardy folk for sure. Glass has been doing it for seven seasons. He started in high school in an outdoors education program. Glass goes on two or three multi-night winter camping excursions on average. He hikes into places by snowshoes and builds a quinzhee.
“Winter camping adds a whole other level,” Glass said. “I like it better than summer camping. It’s more work, but it’s more peaceful, especially when everything is just dead still. The quinzhee is the best way to go. It gives the most insulation for the least amount of work. They are strong. I’ve had eight people stand on one and it didn’t collapse.”
The fun begins outside the door. Warm clothes, a bit of gear and a positive attitude will make sure you’re enjoying every second of it.