Winter sports

Canadian winters are spectacular.

And since they aren't going anywhere, we all may as well learn to enjoy them to the max.

We have collected together information about some of our favourite winter pastimes, tips for beginners, and information for people who may not yet have tried out some of the classics. It's never too late to try a new winter sport. You may want to start off on a slightly less steep hill

Spending time outdoors in the winter helps curtail the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder. One hour a day in the great outdoors is all it takes to maintain serotonin level. Even on a dim day, the additional light far surpasses what you are getting inside from artificial light sources.

On each page we have included safety tips since ice can be a hard landing surface, and sometimes ice can be thin.

The key to enjoying Canadian winter sports is dressing properly. Think in terms of layers, for warmth and easy removal if you are overheating, but also for padding.

Don't think you are too cool for a helmet, either. If pro snowboarders can wear one, anyone can. Helmets help reduce injuries in activities like tobogganing, even though you may not consider it a "dangerous sport." Children 12 and under should always wear a helmet when sledding.

We'll know if you aren't wearing yours.

Topics being developed for this section include:

• Snowmobiles
• Sledding
• Snow shoeing
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowboarding
• Resorts