These past few weeks Grand Forks and a vast majority of the states residing within the Midwest got hit by a large winter storm, leaving entire parts of the country blanketed in snow. With this snowfall of the 2026 winter season also marks the start of an exciting new part of the year for students and Grand Forks residents alike. Many outdoor winter activities are once again open and play a large role in making the University of North Dakota’s recreational landscape unlike any other university in the country.
Some of these activities include back country skiing, ice-skating, snowboarding, and more. One of the best spots on campus to visit for winter gear would be The Outpost, located within the Wellness Center where university students can rent expensive or difficult to find winter gear at a competitive rate for either a day, three day, or week period. The listed prices vary depending on the specific items that are checked out and being rented.
It is incredibly easy to be discouraged by the colder weather, or shorter daylight hours. However, making the most of your time outdoors is essential in maintaining a sense of wellbeing and physical health.
I had the opportunity to speak with second year university student Ana Gomez and ask her what her favorite winter activity is. Gomez stated that “my favorite outdoor activity over the winter is playing hockey with my friends on the outdoor rinks located around town.” Going on to add that “growing up playing hockey it is really cool how easy it is to access a quality playing surface in a public setting, and it has been incredibly rewarding teaching my boyfriend how to skate at the local outdoor rink as he did not have access to ice time growing up.” Ana’s hope is that one day her boyfriend’s skating skills reach a point where he too can take part in pickup hockey games with her and her friends. Highlighting how for many students, winters in Grand Forks mark the perfect time and place to improve their skating skills.
Despite the prospect of enjoying winter activities, it is equally important to make sure you are prepared to face the elements so that you can stay safe and avoid any external injuries to your skin due to the cold weather. Some winter essentials in Grand Forks include dressing in layers, wearing a pair of gloves and boots, alongside a winter hat and coat that is rated for cold temperatures.
In subzero temperatures, frostbite can occur in as little as ten minutes, so it is also advisable to adhere by winter weather advisories provided by local weather services to ensure that you can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities during the winter without putting either yourself or any of your friends at risk.
Lastly, winters in Grand Forks are cold, long, and ultimately as enjoyable as you make them. So, this year instead of dreading the inevitable cold weather that is bound to takeover campus during the winter months, make the most of it. Find a group of friends and see what winter activity you and your group want to take on this winter.
Daniel Silva is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].
