Do you find yourself in a state of dread with the temperature dropping and the inevitable winter consuming the fun warm weather as we know it over the summer months. Don’t panic I think there are reasons to embrace it. Check out the following as I outline what’s good in the winter months for an inexperienced winter adventurer. Plus, How you can line up some awesome adventure based winter missions in the near future and the gear you need.
Skiing/Snowboarding
This stands out above all as it’s an activity with such a limited window for when you can actually get on the snow and enjoy what it has to offer. If you’ve considered a trip to the snow if the last few years and nothing came of it, I reckon you’re missing out and this year you should commit. Why? It’s fun, you can’t have a bad time at the snow unless the weather is so bad you can’t get up the hill. In that case, I feel for you but the mountain villages are always a good time.
Photo Cred:@peteoswaldfreeskier
Why make your way up the mountain and risk the body when you could stay inside wrapped around something warm? Because of fun, the mountain beckons a good time. This is universally agreed upon by everyone I’ve encountered on the mountain and around this scene at all levels of ability! You don’t need to be shredding the advance trails up the mountain to enjoy it. You just need to be up there learning something new and taking it all in.
Where to start with gear?
Snowboards – A good way to start this is grabbing a board/binding combo as they’re affordable and always well suited as an entry level board that you can progress on.
Skis – We have a great range of skis available with a number of entry level packages from the top brands. A great way to get into the sport without breaking the bank can be last season’s gear if you’re interested in this check out our clearance tab here.
If you’re brand new to the scene I would recommend trial without full commitment and the best way to do this is renting your gear to give it a try. We have a rental fleet at some of our major stores which could be a great option for your first trip to the snow.
Tramping
Tramping is something that NZ has readily available all over the country. Why be put off in winter? it’s understandable if you have a few reservations. But I reckon we can wash those away with a little look the list of the easily accessible beautiful places around our country.
Pouakai Circuit, Taranaki
Wairere Falls track, Matamata
West coast, Auckland
Places to go?
Sections of the Hillary trail (Auckland)
The Pinnacles overnight tramp (Coromandel)
Waiorongomai Valley tramping tracks (Te Aroha)
Wairere Falls Track, read more about it here (Matamata)
Medlands Beach to Anchorage (Nelson)
Charming Creek Walk (West Coast)
Key Summit (Otago)
To find something in your local area check out our trail running/walking blog where we have over 100 trails listed nationwide!
Gear you need to get started:
Boots: A basic set of Tramping boots will provide support and traction on a variety of terrain check out the Torpedo7 Routeburn hiking boot for a durable boot that’s going to be comfortable.
A quality waterproof shell is another essential: A great entry level men’s option is the North Face Venture Shell Jacket, women’s is the Marmot Precip. There are plenty of options out there you just want an outer layer that will shelter you from the conditions if they change on you. You can find warmth in the layers piled underneath the jacket
Line up an adventure or multisport race to get into.
After looking through the growing list of adventure events available in New Zealand it’s hard not to get inspired! Whether you want to tackle a big multi-sport race or just a fun run that’s a part of a Xterra event. Also, there’s the massive bonus of your health improving constantly when you’re training consistently. Here’s a few events around the country to get your imagination spinning and you to start dreaming of what you can do.
September
October
November + December are stacked with events being hosted nationwide
For training advice and strategies of how you can fit it into your winter months see here.
Cheers for checking out the blog and I look forward to seeing up the mountain or outside somewhere overcoming the elements this winter. 👊
AUTHOR
Alex Murray
Marketing - Torpedo7
