For the rest of us, there’s a more appealing alternative: snowshoeing, an activity that takes you into the woods and away from the crowds, burns 500 to 600 calories per hour, and involves minimal spending, little injury risk, and no skill. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.

SNOWSHOEING has become so popular that most ski resorts now offer snowshoe-only trails. Rentals for snowshoes run $10 to $15 per day and poles—important for maintaining balance— a few bucks. One reason for the snowshoe boom is that the shoes have become small and light. Still, you’ll work up a sweat quickly, so dress lightly. Wear a synthetic base layer, topped by a lightweight fleece pullover and, if it’s snowing, a thin, water-resistant jacket. Strap a pair of gaiters around your calves to avoid kicking snow into your boots. Dehydration can set in quickly at altitude, so carry a water bottle holstered to a fanny pack or wear an insulated hydration pack on your back or around your waist. Snowshoeing can be as easy or as tough as you make it; the deeper the snow and the steeper the terrain, the more your heart will pound. Start on packed trails, and pace yourself. If you’re hiking with friends through unpacked snow, take turns blazing the trail so that everyone gets a break. Whatever way you travel, you’ll be energized by the brisk air and beauty of winter.

Percentage more shoulder mass needed to swing a tennis racket if your core is weak.

Source: Sports Medicine

Percentage decreased risk of developing arthritis symptoms in 70+-year-old women who exercised 75 minutes per week.

Source: Arthritis Research & Therapy