Today there were rain clouds blocking the Flatirons in Boulder

This rain is kind of a bummer. Well honestly for all of us east coast transplants its a bit of nostalgia filled relief from the glaring sun. I like these cold rainy days even if they keep us from the sunshiney adventures were accustomed to – but of course I can only take it for a few days. So what do we do in Boulder on a rainy day? I mean all the amazing breweries are still open despite the rain (and the distilleries, the meadery, and all those bars) so there’s always that.

However, I propose doing those things you “save for a rainy day” to prepare for your winter adventures. Here’s four ideas to get you going.

1. Ski/ Snowboard tuning and waxing: This 40 degree rain down here in Boulder is definitely snow in the high country. Ski season will be upon us soon! Places like Arapahoe Basin will likely open soon. Go get your skis and snowboards tuned and waxed so you don’t have to waste a powder day doing it later.
2. Gear: Get your gear in order for the snow sports you already know and love. It may not be the best time to buy new gear but if you need it, now is better than November/ December when everyone is actually headed to the resorts and/or buying holiday presents. Also now is a good time to make sure all of your gear is in working order so you have time to repair it, buy new stuff, or just give it some good ole loving in the form of maintenance.
3. Make Plans: Buy your ski resort passes (they will only go up in price!); make plans for visiting those other resorts that you will need accommodations for; plan a hut trip or winter backpacking; set some goals for winter hikes, fourteeners, or mountaineering; check out Groupon for snow tubing because it will be fun; find out where to ice skate; figure out what passes your friends have
4. Explore new ways to adventure in the winter: Today I saw snowshoes at McGuckins for $25- not a bad price for a great way to enjoy hiking in the winter. Thrift stores often have different sporting equipment so you can try something new for fairly cheap. Sometimes friends have extra gear they want to get rid of for pretty new toys. There’s also Craigslist to find cheaper sporting goods. There’s fun to be had out there and if you have the time on a rainy day to put some thought into what fun you might want to have you’ll be sittin’ pretty this winter.

Cheer up, the sun is due to come out this weekend. Until it does, get excited; winter is coming.

Lizzie Etzel

Lizzie works as a seasonal for City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, spending her days among the flora and fauna of Boulder both on and off the job. When it comes to knowing what to do and whats going on in the numerous open spaces around Boulder, Lizzie is your girl. After graduating from the University of Texas with a Geography: Environmental Resource Management degree, she came to Salida, CO to work in the San Juan National Forest and surrounding areas on a trail crew. Previously she has worked for Boulder County Parks and Open Space, other trail crews, and as an environmental educator. She has a passion for spreading environmental knowledge and bringing nature straight to the people.