When mid-winter comes around, almost everyone starts to feel that same sense of tiredness and depression. Movie-day after movie-day becomes boring and even skiing or ice-skating no longer seems like a fun outdoor activity. This winter, don’t let the cold hold you back; try some of these new, alternate winter sports.

One of the most popular activities among New Englanders is dog sledding. Unleash your inner “musher,” round up a couple of huskies, a sled, and hit the trails. Foreign Language Department Head Ms. Ciulla attempted the sport. “The only time I’ve ever dog sledded was in August in Alaska on grass… It would’ve been much smoother on the snow,” she said, but would be willing to try it again. Dog sledding is a unique way to spend a Saturday; it could provide hours of entertainment as you can attempt to train your dogs to pull you through your yard. If you have the proper materials and dedication, you may just make it to the Iditarod in the future.

Snowshoeing is another potential winter sport that is not common among teens today. Local stores like REI and EMS carry snowshoes, ranging from $150-200. The shoes are pricey for a high school student; however they are a practical investment. Snowshoeing is an intense workout that can get your heart-rate pumping by simply tramping through a snowy forest.

If you’re in the mood for more of a relaxing way to spend your time outdoors, ice-fishing may be the alternate sport for you. If you attempt this, be sure to find a thick layer of ice, as plunging into ice cold water may put a damper on you day of winter fun. Simply chip a hole into the ice, cast a line, and sit back and enjoy the day.

For more of an adrenaline rush this winter, make an attempt to explore the sport of ice-climbing. Thrill is the only word to describe this activity; scaling an ice fall with a pickaxe is no small feat. The Vermont Outdoor Guide Association (www.voga.com) is an excellent resource to explore ice-climbing and several other alternate winter sports. They provide information on beginner classes at various mountains in New England. Ice-climbing would provide an entire day of winter fun and could provide that sense of adventure that your winter is lacking.

While highly entertaining, these activities may be costly. There are free ways to pass the time, and they too can revamp your winter season. Night sledding, a spin on a typical sledding adventure, is an amusing idea for a snowy night. Senior Luke O’Malley is intrigued; “Like sledding at night? Yeah, I’d like to try that,” he said. So call up a group of friends and meet at the local golf course for a night of sled-filled fun, and then head to Dunkin Donuts for a cup hot chocolate after.

The winter season doesn’t have to be bitter and cold, and these activities can add some spark to your day!