Take your New Year's resolutions outdoors for a romp in 2005
by Shari Bishop Bowes
If you're anything like me, the idea of suffering through a long list of stringent New Year's resolutions lost its cachet quite some time ago. I can't even remember the last time I wrote out a list of arduous resolutions for attaining a slimmer, red-meat and sugar eschewing, self-help-book-reading new me. I think I gave it all up for Lent one year, and I haven't looked back since.
These days I try not to write down any rules for myself, but rather make use of some quiet time in the waning days of the year to think about a few new things I'd like to try. I always make sure that a few of the things on my list are completely self-indulgent, like a chocolate body wrap (all the sinful indulgence and none of the calories), or cooking an ethnic meal I've never tried before.
Now you've got to imagine what it's like to live in a town where you run into friendly Olympic athletes every week in the grocery store, and where healthy living is so much more than just lip service. Case in point - I wasn't all that surprised to see people out jogging last week when the mercury hadn't edged much warmer than -20 C.
New Year's resolutions in the Canadian Rockies are best adopted with a healthy dose of the great outdoors. I've got a few in mind for myself (snowboard lessons, a day in the back-country on snowshoes). Here's a few resolutions to ponder that will help you enjoy the Rockies to the max, and reap the benefits of fresh air, sunshine and good, old-fashioned exercise.
• Find out why the Canmore Nordic Centre is this community's beloved Olympic legacy. Strap on a pair of the skinny skis and explore 70 km of trails, or drop in for a classic or skate ski lesson, held every weekend or holiday at noon sharp. Cost is just $30. Wrap it all up with a hot chocolate by the cozy log fire in the day lodge.
• The vertically challenged will gain some real confidence at Vsion Climbing Gym in Canmore, which offers an expansive indoor climbing wall, equipment and lessons. Use the chilly winter days to practice a new skill that you can take outside to one of the Rockies' many beginner climbing routes come springtime.
• Cuddle up with your whole family on a sled dog tour in some of the world's most spectacular winter scenery. Don't forgo the chance to come out from under your cozy blanket to mush the dog team yourself - it's really not difficult, and sled dogs are very well trained. Sled dog tours are offered by some excellent local companies in the Spray Valley, leaving from Canmore, and in Lake Louise.
• Resolve to stock your fridge and cupboards with the ingredients for a quick, on-the-trail lunch, which just might motivate you to get outside for a wintry walk by the Bow River, or a short hike near Quarry Lake. Don't forget that chocolate is considered by many as one of the four essential food groups - especially if it's eaten outdoors. And buy a good quality, light thermos if you don't have one.
• At least three or four times a year, set aside one full weekend, preferably three full days, to enjoy the outdoors as a single, couple or family. Singles can take lessons or tours if they're into meeting others, couples can use the time to reconnect with the best couples counsellor anywhere (Mother Nature, of course), and parents can instill in their young ones a passion for the outdoors that will last a lifetime.
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Resolve to get outside for some family time in the Canadian Rockies in 2005.
• Find out why snowshoeing is all the rage for those seeking adventures on the spiritual side. It's the quiet, the simple rhythm of placing one foot ahead of the other, and the incredible scenery to be found on your own, with a guide or on an interpretive tour.
• Buy a hiking guidebook for an area you've never explored, and set a pack of sticky notes next to it on the table. When spring comes, you'll have the hikes you want to try clearly marked. Write them on a calendar on the days you have free.
• Think about a sport you'd like to try when you're working out at the gym. Focus on what it might be like to rock climb, ice skate or mountain bike and use that as your goal rather than some number on a scale.
• Up the ante on your favourite outdoor activity. If you've never set foot on a trail, vow to join in a hiking group and start walking everywhere. If you're an avid and regular hiker, think about scrambling to a peak that's just a little more difficult than anything you've tried before. And if you can't find one peak you haven't bagged when you look around you in the heart of the Rockies, vow to share your experiences to encourage others with a slide show or family and friends blog.
• Vow to introduce one sedentary friend or family member - or even more importantly, a child - to a new outdoor activity. Share the reasons why you love spending time outdoors, and focus more on how it makes you feel alive, and why it can be so much fun rather than on why it's just plain good for you.
• If you hate to plan ahead, and hate resolutions of any kind even more, ignore everything above and substitute this instead: Get out and have fun, and don't even think about it too much!
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