The past week has been unseasonably warm and the chinook that rolled in really did a number on our snow base. All things being equal, it was nice to have a few warmer days.

However, with 10 - 15cm of snow in the forecast for the next few days, break time is over. The best thing about a fresh dumping of snow is that you don’t have to go very far to enjoy some winter activities. While a trip to the mountains might be out of the question until the weather breaks, you can strap on the snowshoes or crosscountry skis and head out to a nearby park or grab the tobaggan and be the first to lay down tracks on a nearby hill. Even if you’re not looking to get the pulse racing, you can grab your camera and go exploring. You might find some spectacular landscapes or some interesting animal tracks. The more often you can get outside and play, the more you’ll come to appreciate the special qualities of winter.