With 2017, students are brought a new term and the usual dump of Saskatoon snow, but this doesn’t have to be a cause for despair. Instead, ring in the New Year with the excitement of trying a few different activities and take the opportunity to cross some items off of the Sheaf’s winter bucket list.

1. Skating at the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink: this skating rink by the Delta Bessborough is located in the heart of downtown Saskatoon and is the perfect way to get a little bit of outdoor activity and post-holiday cheer in your life.

Take advantage of the different activities Saskatoon has to offer this winter.

With no admission fee, the rink is open to the public during both the day and the evening. Skate rentals are available at the rink and washrooms are on-site. Skate for awhile and then grab a coffee or hot chocolate downtown to warm up!

2. The Enchanted Forest walk-through: this is a holiday favourite in Saskatoon, but if you missed this magical light display over the holidays at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm and Zoo, don’t worry — you can still check it out.

On Jan. 8 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., the Enchanted Forest is open to the public to walk-through the display for the evening, and there will also be hot chocolate and a bonfire! This is a great chance to view the display at your own pace. Admission is $5 per person or $20 per family.

3. PotashCorp WinterShines Festival: from Jan. 28 to Feb. 5, the PotashCorp WinterShines Festival is happening in and around downtown Saskatoon. The Festival features a number of events, including a soup cook-off at the Farmers’ Market, an ice carving display and a snow park. This may just be the pick-me-up you need when you’re feeling those end of January blues.

4. Jan Lisiecki at Convocation Hall: Born in Calgary, Alta., Jan Lisiecki is a world-famous classical pianist. On Feb. 21 and 22, Lisiecki is coming to Saskatoon to play two concerts at Convocation Hall on campus. This is a performance you don’t want to miss — not only is Lisiecki incredibly talented, but he’s also a world-renowned artist at only the age of 21.

5. Winter hike at Cranberry Flats: if you want to get out of the city for a while and do something that is cost-free, try hitting up Cranberry Flats Conservation Area. Only a 15-minute drive outside the city, Cranberry Flats is home to numerous hiking trails and gorgeous views of the South Saskatchewan River.

It might be a good idea to save this bucket list item for closer to term two midterms, when you need nature’s healing touch the most.

6. Day ski/snowboard trip: if you can’t make it to the mountains this year, you’re in luck! Just hours from Saskatoon awaits a few ski hills that will suffice for a day trip for you and your friends. Duck Mountain, Table Mountain Regional Park, Wapiti Valley Ski Area and Blackstrap Provincial Park are all destinations that make for a great day trip. Be sure to pack a lunch, snacks and thermoses of coffee to enjoy on your road trip and to save money!

7. Winterruption 2017: Winterruption is an annual festival in Saskatoon that features podcast taping, live theatre and music. This year’s dates for the festival are Jan. 19-21, and featured venues include the Broadway Theatre, the Bassment, Louis’ Pub and the Refinery. For more information on this festival and to see the line-up, head to broadwaytheatre.ca/events.

8. Musical acts coming to Saskatoon: if you’re a lover of music, there are some incredible shows lined up to play in Saskatoon this winter. From country to folk, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Notable artists include Blue Rodeo at TCU Place on Jan. 17, Marianas Trench at Sasktel Centre on Feb. 6, Eric Church at Sasktel Centre on Mar. 9 and the Lumineers at Sasktel Centre on Mar. 30.

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Naomi Zurevinski / Editor-in-Chief

Photo: Peter Christensen / Supplied