January is a dark, cold, and wet month. And it’s occasionally icy. You knew that already, but how do we get through it — and have a bit of fun, too?
Here are some tips:
❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather
Here’s a key life hack for the month: If you do one thing, it should be getting yourself a pair of Yaktrax — or at least something similar. Portland usually has one winter storm that turns into ice, and it’s awful to even walk outside without them. (Hat tip to City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza for this suggestion.)
I’m singling it out because, to be honest, I still haven’t done this — even after last January’s crazy ice storm. But getting through that was awful without them.
🎿 Go Skiing (Downhill or Cross-Country)
When it doesn’t snow in the valley, you can go up to the mountains for the real winter weather.
Mt. Hood has three downhill ski resorts (Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline, Skibowl), multiple cross-country spots (Teacup and Meadows Nordic Center), sledding hills (Snow Bunny and White River), as well as tubing (at Skibowl), not to mention plenty of trails to go snowshoeing.
If you don’t want to be outside, there’s the historic Timberline Lodge for cold brews, warm drinks, and views of the slopes. And if you stay the night, they’ve got a newly refurbished hot tub to soak in.
A few more suggestions for dreaming up January excursions:
- 🎧 Listen to this podcast guide to cross-country skiing. [City Cast Portland]
- 🎧 Listen to this podcast for suggestions on the best snowshoeing trails around Portland. [City Cast Portland]
🎉 Find Reasons To Leave the House
🍴 Try a new restaurant or an old one that’s just right for the season. Senior executive producer John Notarianni suggests Kachka for dumplings. (Tip: get their pickle platter that changes with the season. Sunchokes were my surprise favorite recently.)
👟 Find new incentives to exercise. Senior producer Giulia Fiaoni is planning runs near where the city’s best bakeries are located, so she can indulge in sweet treats afterward. (Or maybe just skip to the bakeries.)
🎵 Check out music and cultural events around town:
- O-Shogatsu, Japanese New Year, Jan. 12
- Portland Folk Festival, Jan. 17-18
- Portland Old Time Music Gathering, Jan. 16-19
- Lunar New Year festivities, starting Jan. 29
One last thought: My suggestion is to find yourself a warm pair of socks to enjoy the winter weather a little more. Not to sound like a Portland stereotype, but my favorites for hanging around the house are made from llama wool.
Your suggestions: What do you like to do in January?
