There’s no better way to combat the winter blues than by gearing up for some extreme winter sports. But what if skiing or snowboarding just isn’t your thing, or you’ve gone to the same slopes for the past 10 years? Luckily, there are plenty of lesser-known or “unusual” winter sports ready for you to try out around the world. Check out some of the year’s most exciting and weird winter sports that follow.
1. Competitive snowball fighting
You might think snowball fights are best left to kids, but Japan would disagree. Yukigassen, Japan’s snowball-fighting sport, is growing in popularity around the world in places like Norway, Sweden, and Canada. If you aren’t ready to join a 7-person team to take on the snowfight champions, consider being a spectating cheerleader in Hokkaido for the battle royale.
2. Ice canoeing
Perhaps ice canoeing is another winter sport you might not be ready to take part in, but it’s also a thrill to watch. Ice canoeing is a lot like it sounds—canoeing, but through an ice-packed river. One of the most popular places for ice canoeing is in Quebec, where crowds spectate from the St. Lawrence river shoreline.
3. Skijoring
Ever wished you could live out your 1995 “Balto” dreams? You’re in luck. Actually, skijoring is arguably even more exciting than ice-sledding, as skijoring involves being propelled through snow on skis by dogs or even a horse. If you want a rush of adrenaline, try this unusual winter activity sport in Finland, Alaska, or Japan.
4. Wok racing
Imagine hurtling down an ice slide on a wok at 65 mph. In Austria and Germany, this wacky winter dream is a reality. While the idea of the sport might tickle your funny bone, wok racing is actually extremely dangerous because of the high speeds racers reach.
If regular winter sports like snowboarding and sledding make you yawn, you’ll want to try out one of these lesser-known sports, instead. Or, if you’re just in it for the flag-waving and cheers, consider being a spectator at one of these lively events around the globe.
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