With Minnesota winter in full swing, following a couple fake outs of a second and third fall, News Talk 830 WCCO staff came together to share their favorite winter activities. So if you’re looking for something new to try this season, here’s a few ideas.
Vineeta Sawkar — Host
Vineeta Sawkar in her hockey gear.Vineeta Sawkar
Favorite winter activity: Snowshoeing, ice hockey, and ice fishing
There is no way I can pick just one activity that I love to do in the winter. My list is long. Embrace the snow and cold, or go crazy. That's my motto. Tromping around in fresh snow in my snowshoes is something I just started doing a couple of years ago. It was a way to still see friends outside when we couldn't be together inside. Snowshoeing is a way for me to enjoy fresh, crisp winter air and chat with friends. Playing hockey on Sunday nights is another favorite activity. My team is called Mid Ice Crisis, and we have a blast every week. I am the worst one on the team, but I enjoy it so much! Lastly, I am eager to get back to ice fishing. We used to take our kids on Lake Mille Lacs when they were a lot younger. When my son's hockey schedule started to get busy, it was hard to make the time. But now I am looking forward to getting back out there when we have a free weekend, and I'm looking forward to a fun and busy winter enjoying everything Minnesota!
Vineeta Sawkar snowshoeing.Getty Images
Jason DeRusha — Host
Favorite winter activity: Drinking indoors by the fireplace
Ah yes, the Minnesota winter. The time many of you fire up the 4-wheelers and the snowmobiles, the ice houses and the hockey skates. In the winter time, I love nothing more than gathering friends and family around the fireplace with a beautiful bottle of red wine or brown whiskey. Yes, I put on my winter coat (earned from eating delicious ground pork chili) and cuddle up with my two greatest loves -- my wife, Alyssa, and a glass filled to the brim.
Dave Harrigan — Producer
Dave Harrigan with.Dave Harrigan
Favorite winter activity: Downhill skiing
My favorite activity to get out and enjoy Minnesota winters is downhill skiing! I skied a lot as a kid, but as an adult I went several years without skiing. But now that my daughter is old enough, I was able to bring her out a few times last winter, and now I can't wait to do it again this winter! It's been a wonderful way for us to bond, and it's been wonderful seeing her show the same excitement about the sport as I did growing up.
David Josephson — Producer
David Josephson cross country skiing.Getty Images
Favorite winter activity: Cross Country Skiing.
Enough said.
Dan Edwards — Digital Content Manager
Favorite winter activity: Enjoying holiday light displays
One of my favorite things about winter in Minnesota is all the spectacular holiday lights displays. From great neighborhood displays to Christmas in Color at ValleyFair, GLOW at CHS Field, and the light show at the Arboretum, the variety in displays just hit different, especially with a thermos full of Spyhouse coffee and a fresh layer of Minnesota snow.
Laura Oakes — News
Laura Oakes on a walk with her dog.Laura Oakes
Favorite winter activity: Snowy dog walks
I love to take snowy dog walks around some of St. Paul's most beautiful neighborhoods. My husband Chris and I choose different routes each weekend, checking out the many architectural styles and character of the historic pockets around us. They're especially magical at holiday time, with more houses than not twinkling with lights and beautiful greenery. We can walk for hours sometimes, which helps tire out our "spirited" pooch. Yak Traks and hand warmers are a must if it's "cold" cold, and a fire once we get back home is a cozy treat.
Jordana Green — Host
Jordana Green snowboarding with her children.Jordana Green
Favorite winter activity: Snowboarding
We love snowboarding at Afton. I learned to snowboard at 45-years-old, and it was my greatest physical accomplishment (until beating cancer twice). My kids learned with me, and it was a lot easier for them! Now, it's something we can do all together. I hope I'm strong enough this year to keep up with them and catch that flying feeling during a great run.
Rusty Ray — News
Rusty Ray snowshoeing.Rusty Ray
Favorite winter activity: Snowshoeing
I have come to enjoy snowshoeing in the past few years. I knew skiing or skating were not in my wheelhouse (not nearly coordinated enough, get frustrated easily), so I asked my wife for snow shoes a few years ago for Christmas. I love going out, especially on the Chain of Lakes where I live. It’s really spectacular, and the stillness of winter in our woods and on our lakes is really something special. As a native East Coast guy, I feel like I am slowly embracing the cold winters here!
Jimmy Erickson — Executive Producer
Favorite winter activity: Thinking about spring!
Thank god for the invention of the Golf Simulator, and remember that we are only a few weeks from days starting to get longer!
