Top-five exhilarating winter activities: Dogsledding, snowkiting, heli-boarding

The air is crisp and the snow fluffy white powder. Embrace it.

Warm up to winter by trying something completely exhilarating and even outlandish. 

Check out these top-five adrenaline pumpers to amplify your Alberta winter. 

Dogsledding:

Feel the bite of invigorating December as you slide across the snowy wilderness with your team of sled dogs. 

Trek where early explorers set up camp or simply feel your heart race as you whisk around the Canadian Rockies – right by Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country.

Participants may choose to relax in a cozy sled, or drive their own team of huskies with an expert guide. 

More info: Travel Alberta 

Snowshoeing

Snap on a pair of snow shoes and find out what it feels like to walk on clouds.

Tread lightly across deep snow to witness the untouched beauty of Alberta’s backcountry.

En route, visitors will spy a wealth of winter scenery: frozen lakes, alpine forest and mountain wilderness.

Guided tours in the Lake Louise area and Banff National Park are informative and engaging. Snowshoeing trails in Alberta

Snowkiting & Paraskiing

Ever been kiteboarding on windy waves? Snowkiting and paraskiing are pretty much the same thing except you’ll find yourself atop snowy prairies and frozen landscapes.

Where snowkiting requires a snowboard – paraskiing harnesses skis as you glide along your winter wonderland. 

Both sports kick up the adrenaline as you practice jumps and tricks while flying through open air to land on snowy ground. 

Beginners have the option to cruise on ground level minus the jumps, but still experience high speeds and unexpected turns!

Learn more about lessons at Muller Windsports located on Cochrane Hill in

Alberta.

Ice Climbing

Hear the crunch of snow beneath your feet. Swing your arm and imbed your ice pick into frozen wall. Look up. A shiver cascades down your spine. You’re almost at the crystal peak!

Introduce yourself to the thrill of ice climbing with an accredited guide. The Rockies boast a plethora of icefalls and glaciers to challenge the adventurer in you.

Explore more at: Travel Alberta

Heli-Boarding

Stray off the tourist trails by hitching a lift to untracked terrain – via private helicopter.

Discover the natural landscape and fresh powder of the Rockies by booking with a certified guide – trails are carefully selected based on snowfall and weather for optimal enjoyment. Heli-boarding at Banff National Park

Fall and winter jet setting: how to cut stress and stay safe

The idea of flying over the Pacific blue can spur a myriad of emotions within holiday travelers. 

Some love the thrill of globetrotting and can settle in without much trouble. Others however, have a hard time with jet lag, motion sickness and luggage woes. 

To travel nimbly and more comfortably – follow these tips and ease your anxieties.

Book early

Worried about timing and availability? 

Set your travel plans as soon as you can. Last minute bargains don’t always guarantee the best deal. In fact, most hotels and cruise lines offer early bird incentives. 

Pick also, a non-stop earlier flight. One less airport kerfuffle means your journey will be that much smoother.

Travel light

When it comes to travel, minimalists have an edge.

Especially if your destination includes several stops, taxi rides or public transit. Totting around extra luggage is weighty and exhausting. You’re also more likely to forget items like your wallet or passport as you stop and go. 

To lighten your load, use Ziploc bags to carry simple toiletries. If you use makeup, pack just enough to last the length of your trip in small containers.  

Likewise, bring clothes that can be worn in layers and as multiple outfits. This way you’ve got enough variety for changing weather without overloading your suitcase.

Ensure plenty of time

Imagine relaxing with your bags checked in and a cold drink versus hustling to your gate number in a panic.

Whether it’s the airport, bus or train station – plan to leave 30 minutes early to beat delays. 

Early check-in also means you’re less likely to be bumped from an overbooked flight. Plus it gives you time to shop for snacks and catch a breath.

Prep for security

Metal isn’t your friend at security. If you’re traveling by air, don clothes without metallic fixtures and be ready to remove belts with metal buckles. 

To save time, take body piercings off before arriving, and tuck jewellery, wallets and keys into carry-on bags or purses. 

Traveling with kids? Utilize the family lane for quicker entry. Also ensure children aren’t carrying toys that need to be screened.

Plan for delays

As much as you might dislike the thought – mentally prep yourself for delay or reroute. It’ll help you figure out a Plan B and lower stress.

In case you’re stuck overnight – make room for snacks, small toys and extra clothes in your carry-on. As well, update your phone with digits of friends and family in connecting-flight towns.

Minimize motion sickness

Dizziness, sweat and nausea can make for cranky travelers. 

Lessen motion sickness by watching food and alcohol intake before and during travel. Stir clear of spicy or fat-rich meals, and avoid strong food smells that can cause nausea.

Also try to choose a seat where you’ll experience less movement and try not to sit backwards from your direction of travel.

Diminish jet lag

Jet lag causes daytime fatigue, digestion problems and happens when your body’s internal clock is out of sync. (Jet Lag Disorder)

To keep symptoms low, remain hydrated with H2O and stay away from alcohol and caffeine. Have small meals that are high in protein and low in fat, and if you’re flying eastbound – go to bed earlier a few nights prior. Vice versa, if going westbound try sleeping later.

Once you’ve landed at your destination – adjust your sleep and meal schedule as soon as you can. For AM arrivers, try making it through the day without sleeping early.

Makeup or masks? Halloween safety tips for kids

Mystery and magic will soon be abound  as witches and goblins hit the streets in search of haunts and candy.

But while All Hallows’ Eve is full of spooks and laughter – it’s also a time to watch out for real hazards. Plan for a safe yet scary night by considering these tips: 

Masks versus makeup

When it comes to mask or makeup supremacy – makeup wins the title for health and safety. 

Where masks can limit vision and proper ventilation – a smudge of red lipstick and a splash of ghastly powder can create the same eerie effects minus the safety risks.

If sporting a mask is a must this Halloween, be sure the eye and nose openings are large enough for easy breath and sight.

Find a frightful fit

Before buying that perfect Iron Man or Godzilla getup, make sure it’s loose enough to fit a few layers of warm clothing underneath. Also ensure that hems and embellishments don’t pose as a tripping hazard by sitting too low to the ground.

Youngsters should also be sporting bright colours and reflectors as they trick-or-treat into the night. This helps motorists see them ahead of time.

Map out your haunts

Trekking home alone, in the dark and zigzagging across the street are no-no’s. 

To ensure a safe and abundant candy harvest – plan a route, pair up your kids and have them trick-or-treat in small groups. If you don't plan on joining them – make sure you know where they’re headed beforehand.

Children should also carry a flashlight and cellphone for emergencies.

Get a head start

Give your little ones a head start by planning dinner early and hitting the streets soon after. This way it’s not too dark or cold as they make their way home from candy collecting.

Don’t stash the unwrapped sweets

Make sure your kids aren’t snacking on treats as they walk around the neighborhood.

Any candies that aren’t wrapped or appear torn and damaged should be trashed. You never know when sweets may have been tampered with – usually by drugs, poison or glass.

Though candy altering reports aren’t high, it does happen from time to time. (Is Halloween Candy Tampering a Myth)

Jack-o’-lantern glows

Smiling jack-o’-lanterns and illuminated pumpkins lend a hand to festive cheer. But they can also pose as fire hazards for many kids.

Instead of lighting candles, try a small flashlight or purchase some LED lights. Pumpkin LED’s give your masterpiece that optimal glow plus they’re child-friendly.

Carve with care

Carving kits, blunt tools and a sturdy, flat table are your best allies for pumpkin carving.

Once you’ve got this set up, make a few cuts along pre-drawn lines rather than sawing at your entire pumpkin.

Kids can help by drawing shapes and faces, but leave the actual carving to yourself.