BRIDGET MORRISON

It’s easy to get bogged down during our frigid Saskatchewan winters and spend most of your time inside, cynical and sad. Don’t despair, though — get started with these winter bucket list activities to help you enjoy the season!

First on the list is stereotypical but it deserves to be said: go skating. Whether you choose to hit up an indoor rink — a good choice on those extra windy days — or outdoor rink, it’s loads of fun. If you don’t have your own skates, many rinks offer rentals.

The outdoor Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink is an especially beautiful location with free skate rentals. Enjoy the beauty of the frozen South Saskatchewan river in the shadow of the majestic Delta Bessborough. Practice your figure skating skills or just goof around — either way, grab some friends or a date and hit the ice!

Second on the list: rent or borrow some cross-country skis and hit the trails for the day. The city of Saskatoon maintains several trails in and around the city, including ones in Upper and Lower Meewasin Park which are both great nearby options for University of Saskatchewan students.

Don’t worry if you’re a first time skier — cross-country skiing is an activity for all levels. It’s a great source of exercise, but more importantly, it’s a fun way to experience nature in the dead of winter. Visit the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club’s website for more information on rentals and trails in the city and beyond.

Third, if you can’t afford a hot destination getaway this winter, grab some travel magazines and plan a dream vacation. It might sound cliché but it’s a really fun way to dream away a stormy Sunday afternoon.

Don’t just choose a place and leave it at that — really plan it. Who, if anyone, are you going to travel with? Where would you like to stay? What are your must-see sights? What are you going to pack? Dive into the details. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll have the chance to go and you won’t have to worry about planning a thing!

Fourth, take a trip through the Enchanted Forest. The Enchanted Forest is a holiday light show set up alongside the road in the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park. Sights include “candy cane lane,” hockey and curling game displays and trees throughout filled with lights.

The Enchanted Forest’s 2015-16 season runs from Nov. 21 through Jan. 10. The best part is, you don’t have to leave the warmth of your car to enjoy it, so pack up your car with friends, bring along some snacks and enjoy the magic. It’s $10 per person, or $30 per car for up to seven people, so the more friends you get together to chip in, the friendlier it is to your student budget.

Line-ups are notoriously slow at the Enchanted Forest though, so if you don’t feel like waiting or spending the money, check out some free, local decorations.

Certain streets and crescents set up themed light shows in their yards in Saskatoon. Two neighborhood crescents that partake in this are Brown Crescent, with Charlie Brown lights and displays set up and Murphy Crescent, which transforms into “Smurphy” Crescent. Take a drive by and be astounded at the creativity in these little communities.

The fifth and final entry on the winter bucket list is a classic: a board game night with friends. Board game night will provide lots of laughs and fun as long as the games don’t get too competitive, so know your audience.

Some games I’d recommend are Apples to Apples or Cards Against Humanity, which never fail to get the laughter going. A rousing board game night is the perfect way to light up one of the darkest, shortest days of the year during the winter break from classes. So make some yummy snacks, have your beverages ready and let the games begin!

It can be tough to think about enjoying winter. It’s freezing, it’s dark and you have to put on about 500 layers of clothing before you can even step outside. Get the most out of this winter with these activities and build on them to make your own uniquely Saskatchewan winter bucket list.