Winter Activities
FREDERICTON, NB – Seasonal depression seems to be hitting extra hard this year. The limited hours of day light on top of the social restrictions due to the pandemic has left people feeling hopeless. Although what many people do not know is that there are many COVID-safe activities accessible right here in Fredericton!
Located at Officer’s Court, downtown, is an ice skating rink which allows skaters the opportunity to use their blades. There is no number limit posted for skaters permitted on the ice at the same time, but with such a large ice surface it is not hard to stay socially distanced. The best time to go is mid-day during Monday through Friday as that is when the least amount are people there.
“Without the restrictions of being in class, we are able to do these sort of things during the winter which is super exciting. And being able to manage classes being online and being able to get your work done and being outside is also a bonus.”, says Layne Olscamp, a third-year St. Thomas student.
Skiing at Crabbe Mountain is a great solution to solve boredom. The hill opens at 10am Thursday and Friday but early birds can be on the chairlift by 9am on the weekend. Although beware Crabbe Mountain is closed on Monday and Tuesday. For a family of four it only cost $130 for day passes and rental skis or snowboards. So getting out and trying a new activity doesn’t have to break the bank. Thursday night is Students and Senior Night. A night pass from 4pm to 9pm is $24.
Sledding is another activity that is great for the whole family and it’s free too! Although it may be hard to find a good sledding hill on the south side of town. Unless your as brave as the students who tried to go down Graham Street. On the north side there are some better options, such as Nashwaaksis Middle School. The well broken-in hill has been a hot-spot this year for sledding enthusiasts.
“It was super nice to get out sledding with my friends today. The weather is perfect for it and it’s great that COVID permits us to get together and go sledding. It’s super fun.”, said Sarah Gorman, another third-year student at St. Thomas.
The closing of bars, lockdown on house parties and cancellation of sports has university students feeling without a purpose besides school work. Although, as said by Olscamp, the restrictions on in-person classes has also created the freedom for students to choose their own schedule. Allowing students to rediscover old ways of entertainment that were simple joys before adulthood.
When looking for a sense of joy or your old life before the bat soup came into play, you don’t have to look further than your backyard! Not just because you are not allowed to but also because joy is in the simple things in life.