PEC’s Guide to Loving NEPA’s Snowy Season
Most people who grew up in NEPA remember the magic of snow days. Sledding on the levee, neighborhood snowball fights, and snow angels in the back yard before racing inside for some hot chocolate and the hope that school would be closed again tomorrow. But somewhere along the way, we became adults and that excitement shifted. Now the phrase I hear more often is “I hate winter.” So what changed?
Whether you still find joy in the winter cold or you’re counting down the days until spring, winter isn’t going anywhere in NEPA. In fact, we still have two months to go! Time to reframe how we think about winter and reconnect with the parts that made it wonderful as kids.
Here are some ways to get outside, soak up the fresh air and intense winter sun, and actually start loving the season again:
Community events make the cold feel a little less intimidating. WinterFest celebrations at places like Nesbitt Park, hosted by the RiverFront Parks Committee, Lackawanna State Park, and the town of Jim Thorpe offer family-friendly outdoor activities, nature-based learning opportunities, and ways to warm up.
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Maybe sledding isn’t your thing anymore, but activities like snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or simple winter hiking might be! If you are unsure and don’t want to invest in your own pair quite yet, organizations like the Rail-Trail Council of NEPA and Lehigh Gap Nature Center also offer winter snowshoeing pop-up events with limited free gear rental.
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A huge part of winter enjoyment comes down to gear. You don’t need anything fancy or expensive, just layers, wool socks, and a windproof coat. When you’re not freezing, you’re actually able to notice and enjoy the quiet beauty of a frozen river, the fresh snow on rhododendron leaves, or the stillness that winter brings. If you’re still unsure, NEPA has a ton of locally owned outfitters with friendly, knowledgeable staff who can help you find your best fit.
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Any time outside counts and will boost your spirits. While a 6-mile snowshoe hike might be good for some, a ten-minute walk around your local park is still going to feel great. Give it a try!
NEPA winters shaped so many of our beautiful childhood memories, and they can still shape new ones! Meet the season halfway, embrace the cold, and choose to see the joy – one snowy step at a time.
Learn MoreWinter Fun at NEPA’s State Parks
