If you tried our recommendations for outdoor activities that burn the most calories in the summer, kudos to you! Keeping fit in the heat is no joke.
Whether we like it or not…winter's knocking, and it’s time to switch gears.
I know the cold weather can be a real motivation killer, but we must keep our weight in check. And the winter offers great ways to make your body burn stored fat.
Before we dive into the best activities for burning calories in the cold, let me ask you this:
Did you know that our bodies burn more calories when it's cold?
That's right. Your body torches an average of 400 calories per hour by just shivering, while treadmill running burns it in around 45 minutes. I'm not saying you should sit outside freezing to stay fit. The point is that winter outdoor activities help us transform white fat (the hardest to get rid of) into calorie-burning brown fat.
Now, let's get to the list and see how many calories these activities will torch.
Activities to Burn the Most Calories in Cold Weather
We'll talk about things you can do daily or weekly if it's snowing in your area. Then, we'll touch on winter sports and end the list with how many calories you can burn while playing with your kids.
So, bundle up and dive in.
Snow Shoveling
Ah, the classic winter workout for boys. Shoveling snow is like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, you don’t need a gym membership!”
Plus, it’s a great way to score brownie points with the neighbors.
But if you decide to skip the gym because your driveway needs to be cleaned…go hard on that shovel. The more intense you work, the more calories you'll burn.
How many calories do you burn shoveling snow:
Studies suggest different amounts, but if you weigh between 155 and 185 lbs on average, you can burn as much as 500 calories in one hour when shoveling snow.
You won't torch as many with most calorie-burning exercises, which is why snow shoveling is number one on my list! It's like a primal movement workout.
Walking in Snow
Ever tried walking through fresh snow? It’s like trudging through sand but colder.
This low-impact winter activity works your legs and core without you even realizing it. And if you're trying to lose weight, doing it daily will significantly increase your overall calorie burn.
Calories burned walking in snow:
Walking at 3 mph speed can burn between 200 and 250 calories in 60 minutes. Of course, the deeper the snow, the more calories you'll get rid of.
Snowshoeing
Strap on those snowshoes and feel like a winter warrior.
This physical activity is an awesome way to explore snowy trails while working out. Snowshoeing burns calories like no other walk, thanks to the extra effort needed to move through the snow.
It is also easy on the joints and helps generate heat, keeping your body temperature up in the cold.
How many calories does snowshoeing burn:
When snowshoeing, you can double the caloric burn of walking in the snow. This means burning up to 500 calories per hour without pushing yourself.
Winter Hiking
Winter hiking isn’t just good for your soul..it’s a full-body workout. The uneven terrain and cold temperatures make your body work harder, increasing energy expenditure.
I personally do it as often as possible because hiking in the winter season engages multiple muscle groups, allowing me to burn more calories.
Calories burned hiking in the snow:
My Apple watch shows 70+ calories every ten minutes when I hike. That said, you can expect to torch around 450-650 calories per hour. The actual amount is related to the trail difficulty and your personal factors like muscle mass.
By the way, if you want to maximize the effect of any winter activity on my list…Beltd Labs' top-rated product SKALD contains all-natural ingredients and has helped many achieve their weight loss goals.
Alpine Skiing
Carving down the slopes is exhilarating and a fantastic way to burn calories. Alpine or downhill skiing requires a lot of energy, which makes it one of the top sports for burning calories in the cold.
If you enjoy watching the stunning winter scenery, I strongly recommend it.
Calories burned when alpine skiing:
You can burn 300-350 calories per hour without doing any fancy moves. But this number can be doubled if you do intense alpine skiing at higher altitudes.
Nordic Skiing
Nordic skiing, or cross-country skiing, is like the marathon of winter sports.
It’s a full-body workout that’ll leave you feeling accomplished. This activity burns calories efficiently by engaging your arms, legs, and core, making it perfect for weight loss.
How many calories can you burn Nordic skiing:
You can torch north of 650 calories per hour without being a pro. I remember reading an article on Business Insider last winter that stated: “Cross-Country Skiing Burns As Many Calories As a Burrito.”
Snowboarding
While I don't consider myself an adrenaline junkie, I love snowboarding.
Jumping on a snowboard for a couple of hours gives me a killer workout for my legs, core, and balance. It requires plenty of energy, generates heat, and is an excellent way to burn more calories in cold temperatures.
Calories burned snowboarding:
Some say snowboarding burns slightly fewer calories than skiing, so it's all about what you like better. I think it's safe to assume that snowboarding burns 300-600 calories per hour, depending on your skill level and the intensity of your rides.
Ice Hockey
Channel your inner Wayne Gretzky and hit the ice. Ice hockey is equal to an intense cardio workout that also builds strength and agility…And that's not based on my assumption or experience.
According to Pro Ambitions Hockey Inc,…hockey players burn up to 6,000 calories each day.
But how many calories get burned if you and I play ice hockey:
I'd say 500 calories per hour for beginners and 750+ for more skilled players in a competitive game.
Ice Skating
Whether you’re gliding gracefully or just trying not to fall, ice skating is a fun way to stay fit. It will also strengthen your legs if practiced regularly.
How many calories does ice skating burn:
Ice skating can burn about 300-350 calories per hour, depending on your speed and the temperature. The colder it is, the harder your body works to generate heat.
Snowmobiling
Think snowmobiling is just sitting around? Think again!
Maneuvering through snow requires strength and balance, making it a sneaky workout. It's a cool winter activity that engages your core and upper body.
Calories burned snowmobiling:
Snowmobiling can burn around 225-250 calories per hour, depending on the terrain and your effort.
Sledding
Relive your childhood and grab a sled. The climb back up the hill is where the real workout happens, but it’s all worth it for the ride down.
Believe it or not, sledding burns plenty of calories and is a fun way to spend time with your kids.
Calories burned sledding:
Sledding can burn up to 400 calories per hour with minimal effort, over 600 on more steep hills.
Snowman Building
Take your kids out, roll up those snowballs, and get creative. Building a snowman is surprisingly good exercise, working your arms, legs, and core.
Calories burned snowman building:
Building a snowman can burn about 225-250 calories per hour, even up to 300 if your kids are ambitious.
Snowball Fighting
Who knew a snowball fight could be so good for your overall health?
Dodging, ducking, and throwing snowballs is a fun way to get your heart rate up, and I'm sure your kids would love it. It helps stay warm in cold temperatures.
How many calories do you torch snowball fighting:
Different sources suggest numbers anywhere between 300 and 600 calories burned per hour. But does it really matter…it's more about having a good time with your kids.
I hope you enjoyed reading the article as much as I did putting it together. Choose your activities, stay fit, and why not even get rid of a few pounds…It will make your winter more fun.
And if you want to force your body to eliminate all the stored fat…SKALD does it in an unharmful way.
