Winter Outdoors

By Emily King

The Norwegian have a term called “friluftsliv”, which translates to “open-air living”. The concept celebrates being in nature purely for recreational reasons, no matter the time of year or the temperature. Norway even has several outdoor kindergartens, where the children spend 80% of their time outdoors, as well as “libraries” where you can borrow outdoor gear for recreation. 

Norwegians take their outdoor recreation seriously and have legislation that protects their right to roam the outdoors, regardless of land ownership. They are permitted to hike, cycle, ski, swim, or tent camp in any uncultivated land without needing the landowner’s permission, as long as they are considerate, respect the wildlife and property, and clean up after themselves. 

Just like Western Pennsylvania, Norway has four seasons, with long months of snowy, cold weather, and depending on the region, stretches of days with very little sunlight. But unlike most Americans, Norwegians think of cold weather not as something to endure, but as something to celebrate. They look forward to the winter months, which they spend skiing, tobogganing, shoe shoeing, dogsledding, whale watching, and more.

The benefits of spending time outdoors, regardless of weather or temperature, are impressive. Even on gray days, winter sunlight can help regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep, energy levels, and mood. Cold weather movement also burns more energy because your body has to work harder to keep warm. So that winter walk or even playing in the snow with your kids can be a great workout. Outdoor activity also supports heart health, blood pressure, and immune function, a fantastic way to celebrate American Heart Month.

Though you might be disappointed with the whale watching on the Ohio River, there are plenty of ways you can integrate some of that Norwegian love for the outdoors into your

Pittsburgh winter:

• Hit the slopes! Plan a drivable winter weekend getaway with a trip to Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, Wisp, or Snowshoe. Or keep it local at beginner-friendly Boyce Park, just 20 minutes from downtown.

• We’re lucky to have a great variety of local parks with beautiful trails that look downright magical in the snow. Bundle up for a winter hike in North Park or take a drive out to Moraine State Park to hike, snowshoe, sled ride, or go ice fishing.

• Check out the websites for your favorite local and state parks. Many of our region’s parks hold winter festivals, offering free winter activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, skiing, and more. 

• Some of your favorite warm-weather activities are just as enjoyable in the winter. Did you know the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is open all winter long? Many of the zoo’s animals, like Siberian tigers, polar bears, snow leopards, and red pandas, love cold weather and are more active in the winter. Though some areas of the zoo are closed during the winter, you’ll experience less crowds and lower admission rates. 

What’s your favorite way to get outdoors during the long Pittsburgh winter?