It’s that time of year again – the days are shorter and the temperatures bitter. It’s easy to complain about the season, but what about all the wonderful things winter has to offer?

Though it may be tempting to spend the next few months bundled up inside, winter can be a great chance to catch up on your reading list while trying something new. Here are a few perfect wintertime activities to pair with your audiobooks.

Snowshoeing

Staying active during the winter months can be difficult. The slippery, snowy roads make a jog seem like a ridiculous idea, let alone most outdoor sports. Thankfully, there is a way to get outside and enjoy the snowy scenery while avoiding slips and wet shoes: Snowshoeing. And whether your goal is to break a sweat or to leisurely check out a winter trail, you set your own pace!

This outdoor activity pairs well with books about mindfulness or outdoor recreation. Try Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escape written and narrated by Alastair Humphreys.

Scenic winter driving 

Between the endless holiday parties, shopping, and visiting relatives, this season is sure to keep you driving all over town. With unpredictable weather and slow drivers, you often need extra time to make it to your destination. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy your journey while taking in the beauty of a scenic drive.

To keep you engaged try a story filled with mystery. A good choice is Michael Connelly’s The Night Fire, a suspenseful crime story narrated by Titus Welliver and Christine Lakin.

Cross-Country Skiing

With a slow pace and relaxed technique, cross-country skiing provides a chance to listen in on your audiobooks on the move. Since many communities offer well-groomed trails and ski rentals, you just need to bring yourself (and your headphones) to enjoy an afternoon of wintery fun.

Use this time to catch up on a book you’ve been meaning to check out for a while. If you haven’t read it yet, try Tayari Jones’ An American Marriage, narrated by Sean Crisden and Eisa Davis.

Shoveling snow

Okay, okay… It’s not as glamorous as some other winter activities. In fact, some consider it winter’s most dreadful chore. But it must be done, so why not enjoy it? Setting up your audiobook under a warm hat can be a great way to pass the time, whether you’re clearing a long drive way or just cleaning off your car. You’ll be offering to shovel for the neighbors just to finish your chapter!

To offset the dullness, tune into a book that keeps you laughing. The heartfelt and hilarious Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life, written by Ali Wong and narrated by the author and Justin Hakuta may be the perfect fit.

Cooking a warm meal

Though it’s not just a winter activity, there’s nothing quite like warming up over a bowl of soup or a cup of hot cocoa. Somehow home-cooked meals taste even better after a long day outside, but (sadly) they don’t make themselves. Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just yourself, have some fun with it.

What warms you up better than a nice cup of tea? This is the perfect chance to listen to The Peppermint Tea Chronicles, written by Alexander McCall Smith and narrated by Robert Ian Mackenzie.

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