MaeveWharton

Do you struggle with staying active during the colder months of the year? Does your warm bed seem to call you back whenever you attempt to leave your house? If so, you are not alone.

As reported by the BBC, 60% of American adults are less active in the winter than in the summer. Darker days, coupled with ice and snow, drive many people into indoor “hibernation” during the winter months. 

However, the benefits of year-round exercise cannot be understated. In fact, outdoor exercise can even help combat the winter-time blues. So, how can one juggle staying active with an innate desire to stay comfortable? Dress warm and embrace the cold! Luckily, the Omaha area offers plentiful opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment.

If it’s winter sports you’re after, look snow further than Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (formerly Mt. Crescent). Crescent Hill, located at 17026 Snowhill Lane in Honey Creek, Iowa, is open to skiers, snowboarders and sledders until March 14. Terrain conditions and hours of operation are subject to change based on conditions, so be sure to check their online calendar on pottconservation.com before you go.

Freshman Elizabeth Morgan has skied at Crescent Hill several times with her family. 

“I went there originally to take lessons and I had a really fun time,” Morgan said.

As the only ski hill in close proximity to Omaha, the hill can get pretty busy, but “the slopes were still so fun, and I met some new friends there,” Morgan said.

Morgan’s favorite part about Crescent Hill is that “the community there is really nice. They have such nice volunteers and workers… Everything’s really well-managed. The ski slopes and lifts are great,” Morgan said.

If you’re hoping to hit the slopes yet this season, Morgan “definitely recommend[s] taking lessons first.” It’s also important to remember that “if you fall, just get right back up,” she said.

Crescent Hill offers lift tickets and rentals for any outdoor needs. Skis, boards, boots and helmets are all available for in-person fitting. Additionally, sledding tickets can be purchased ahead of time to ensure availability.

If you’re more of a boots-on-the-ground type of person, just up the road from Crescent Hill lies Hitchcock Nature Center—a hiker’s paradise with 1,500 acres of land for hiking and camping.

Hitchcock contains 14 miles of hiking trails, with varying terrains and levels of difficulty. The center offers opportunities for walking, trail-running and exploring. Winding trails through the beautiful Loess Hills are sure to refresh your lungs and shake up your everyday routines. 

Marian’s Hiking Club President and senior Elsa Barrett agrees that Hitchcock is a fantastic spot, especially for beginners. She also remarks on the location’s natural beauty and prime lookout spots, from which “you can just absolutely see all of Iowa and the great plains,” Barrett said. 

She also recommends checking out other local hiking spots, such as Fontanelle Forest in Bellevue and the Lewis and Clark Trail in Council Bluffs.

“For sure try Fontanelle…it’s completely worth it,” Barrett said, despite the nine dollars. The 89-member hiking club had a group hike at this location this past fall. 

However, “if you do want a little more challenge, Lewis and Clark is completely free right across the river,” Barrett said. Despite the challenge, it’s Barrett’s favorite hiking spot in town.

For those who aren’t quite ready to hit the trails, “the best place to start is Gene Leahy,” Barrett said. 

And, if you’re not ready to take on any of these new spots alone, “the hiking club is always accepting new members,” Barrett said.

So if you’ve been feeling the February blues, try something new and “just go have fun,” Morgan said. Grab some friends, some skis or boots and head outside—there’s a whole world waiting at your feet.