The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler... that's right, winter's coming!
Don't get us wrong, summer was awesome and fall can be fun too, but deep down in our hearts we're already excited for the snow to come.
If you’re like us and want to help these next couple of months pass just a little more quickly, here's a few of our ideas to stay stoked and get ready for winter.
1. Get in shape
Even though we’re not snowboarding and skiing, we can still make our bodies think we are. Exercising those riding muscles will do wonders for your fitness – think plenty of squats and lots of stretching. When winter comes around, we’ll be strong, fit, and ready to ride!
Need some encouragement? Hit up our girl @zitadeset
2. Prep your gear!
If you haven’t already, get all your equipment ready for next winter. Clean your goggle lenses and wash all your winter clothing (including gloves, hats, and facemasks!). Give your snowboard/skis a good wax and clean your bindings. Use a screwdriver to make sure all your straps and screws are tight. You’ll be thankful when that first snowfall comes (pssst its not far off - keep an eye on SilverStar's webcams!)
3. Watch movies
Sometimes there’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa with a good movie on the TV, so why not make it snow related? It’s sure fire way to get you stoked for winter to come again and it might give you some good ideas of tricks or places you want to visit. Plus it’s always great to support fellow girl shredders. Here are our favourite all-star all-female movies right now:
Shades of Winter - Between - about a group of female skiers and surfers - epic adventures around the world. It's cinematic and empowering and just great.
The Uninvited – crazy street snowboarding by some top names in the biz
Four – a series following four rising stars in freestyle skiing, who are bringing in a new era of the sport (in other words, the era of crazy huge freestyle tricks that will blow your mind)
4. Create something!
Even if you’re not super arty (trust us, we feel ya), there are always things you can make at home. Here's some of our ideas:
Print out photos and make a scrapbook of last season
Draw a design of a snowboard/pair of skis that you’d love to have
Make an edit of your videos from last season
EXPERT - draw a park feature you’d like to ride next season
If you upload your artwork onto the gram, make sure you tag @nothinginthepantry in your masterpiece so we can share the stoke!
5. Skateboard
We’re a huge advocate of being on a board all season long, and skateboarding is a super fun option. If you have a bit of concrete, you can skateboard, and learning a trick on a skateboard can be just as satisfying as on a snowboard or skis. Check out our guide for beginner skateboarders if you're feeling intimidated!
6. Retail Therapy
Start looking at next year’s gear and maybe buy yourself a present. If you’re like us, cry over the fact that you can’t afford the new Salomon Gypsy Pro or Nitro Victoria Pro... but even if your bank account is as thin as our patience for winter, you can usually still find a bargain on FB marketplace or your local shops (did someone say FALL SALES?!).
If you are in the Okanagan area of BC, head into Attridge and check out their fresh winter goods. In the Banff region? Drop into the Rude Girls Shop and tell them we say hi! Or maybe even treat yourself to some NITP merch. You deserve it.
7. Read
Getting lost in a book or magazine dedicated to skiing and snowboarding might be just the thing you need to pretend you’re at the slopes. There are some great books and magazines out there that will definitely inspire you for next season.
We love...
Curator (book) - for incredible artwork and stories
Snowboarder Magazine (online or print) - for all the latest in snowboarding
Newschoolers (online) - for the hub of skiing news
Heroes (book) - the first book dedicated to women's snowboarding
Support print and get inspired!
8. Make a bucket list for next winter
This is a guaranteed option to get amped for next winter. Write a list of things you’d like to achieve – this could be anything from runs you want to be able to link turns down, tricks you’d like to land in the park, or even competitions you’d like to enter.
9. Learn avalanche safety tips
If you’re spending any time in the mountains you should have some basic understanding of avalanche safety. There are HEAPS of great resources online to start learning, and you never know when it will come in handy.
10. Volunteer
We’re living in a time of tremendous social change. What can you do to help society? Pick up litter, take part in a rally, donate to movements. Use your time smartly and winter will come even quicker.
And finally, don’t worry. There’s only 7 weeks until the season starts! That’s only 49 days... 1167 hours... Not that we’re counting.
What are you doing in the lead-up to winter? Let us know in the comments below!
Written by Hannah Hurley - Official NITP Blog Writer.