Many of us are complaining about the weather, so when a friend surprised me and mentioned that he’s learned to love Wisconsin winters, I asked him for details. He said he took a lesson from the Alaskans, many of whom prefer winter because of the lack of mosquitoes and the ease of travel. Natives helped him learn to enjoy downhill skiing, ice skating, winter camping, ice fishing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and cross-country skiing, all of which we can do in Wisconsin if the weather cooperates. “Winter,” he points out, can be a test of fortitude or Sisu, to use the Finnish expression, “but it’s worth the effort. The right clothing and the adventure of being outdoors makes it exhilarating.”
Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a Danish and Norwegian term that is also appropriate for winter because it embraces the joy of winter. Hygge is creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. Think snuggly sweaters, hot cocoa, the smell and taste of freshly baked apple pie, candlelight, homemade soup, and gathering with family and friends.
Several of the people I interviewed mentioned the coziness and beauty of winter. One friend living near Ashland loves her Christmas lights and leaves them up until the end of February. She writes, “Christmas lights never shine brighter or warmer than when they're covered in snow and it's -24 below outside.”
A Wisconsin Dells hiking friend passes the long winter evenings by knitting or watching movies. During the day, she appreciates her daily walks, relishing the way the angle of the sun casts a special light on her walking paths.
Another nature lover appreciates the silence of snowfalls and the animal tracks. She writes, “You never know what's walking in the moonlight until you get out and make your own tracks.”
A young mother says “Having small children has shown me new ways to have fun outside in the winter. Playing in the woods has been one of our favorites. We like to build forts out of the branches we find and (the kids) could spend an hour chopping ice along the creek. On a nice sunny day, we'll also hit the Milwaukee County Zoo. There are no crowds and the animals are active!”
One friend admitted that winter will never be her favorite season but realizes it offers a lot of beauty and stillness. She says, “It’s a great time to explore something new that requires your full attention.” She views winter as a chance to read a classic, clean out closets, and consider her life, business, and personal goals.
A friend from Hayward pointed out that winter is just as long as summer, so wishing it away is a waste. “A mere 90 days are reserved for blanketing a white escape. (Winter is) the season of slow and saying no. A season of rest and rejuvenation for the mind, body, and soul.”
Another person mentioned how it helps to get out and enjoy winter activities. Here are a few ideas.
- Hike the Great Sauk State Trail in Prairie du Sac which hugs the river. You’re sure to spot bald eagles fishing or riding the thermals.
- Travel to Eagle River and view its impressive ice castle.
- Hike after a fresh snowfall and use an animal track guide to identify what animals are about.
- Photograph the impressive ice formations along the shores of rivers or lakes or a frozen waterfall such as those you’ll see hiking in Mirror Lake State Park.
- Embrace hygge and simply enjoy the coziness of winter.
One Reply to “What we Wisconsinites Love about Winter”
Now that i am living in the south, our winters are much shorter. I do find myself missing the quiet winter days in Wisconsin. Especially when the snow is falling.