Freeze It! 5 Winter Sports To Gear Up For Around Grand Forks

Grand Forks is an absolute winter wonderland for most of the year, and despite being one of the coldest cities in the United States, there are bountiful outdoor activities to jump into during those frigid evenings and weekends. As we approach the winter months, it becomes too easy to curl up in a robe on the couch in front of a blazing fire with a good book or a new Netflix series (after all, if the sun isn’t awake most of the day, why should you be?).

While I highly support this form of self-care in the winter, don’t forget to take advantage of the snow globe you live in and brave the elements for some of the best activities Grand Forks has to offer! Have you ever wondered what those people running on the ice in town square with only sneakers on are doing? Or maybe watched curling in the Olympics on television and thought it might look fun? Well look no further, because Grand Forks offers that and more in winter; and now is the time to start planning for your winter sports in Grand Forks!

If you have ever driven past the town square rink between January and March on a weekday evening and seen people running around in sneakers, chances are you have just witnessed broomball. Broomball, perhaps the greatest game on ice, is a game reminiscent of hockey in which there are few rules, but lots of fun. Participants join a team sponsored by local companies such as Half Brothers Brewery, Red Pine Distillery, Rhombus Guys, Vilandre, and more and scrimmage weekly from early January leading up to the final Joe Heiden Memorial Broomball Tournament in early March.

Batting around a ball using a stick with a wedge-shaped paddle, competitors do their best to stay on their feet while attempting to score goals on the ice. Weekly broadcasts hosted by Bosco de Gama, Jelly Legs Gilbreth, and West Virginia Dave and produced by Twin Tandem Studios’ own Paul (AKA: Gustav Cannonfodder) summarizes the wins, losses, and overall tomfoolery on the ice each week.

To find out more about registering, visit the Grand Forks Broomball website or Facebook page. Make plans to attend.

A favorite of northerners everywhere, hockey can be watched and played in just about every corner of this fine town. If you’re unlikely to enjoy braving the frigid temps on the broomball rink, indoor hockey can be found at multiple locations including Blue Line Arena, the ICON Sports Center, and the Purpur Arena and Gambucci Arena.

If blowing snow and -35℉ don’t deter you from pursuing the glory of ice sports, hockey rinks at city parks throughout town can provide fun for pick-up games and public skating opportunities. Check out the warming huts and lighted ice rinks provided at Ben Franklin Park, Cox Park, Jaycees Park, Kelly Park, Lincoln Drive Park, Lion’s Park, Optimist Park, Riverside Park, and University Park. Find out more information about dates, times, weather closures, rentals, and more at Grand Forks Parks District.

We all know Grand Forks might not be known for its hills or snowy peaks. Most of us probably associate skiing with the downhill black diamonds of Colorado and other far-off places. However, the Parks District is hard at work to keep you moving with or without icy slopes.

Groomed cross-country ski trails can be found throughout the Greenway and Turtle River State Park; and you can pick your poison whether you prefer classic or skate-skiing as both tracks are provided. If you feel like venturing further west, Grahams Island  and Cross Ranch State Park  contain many miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. If you haven’t tried cross-country skiing before, rent a pair from the University of North Dakota’s Wellness Center ‘The Outpost’, Lincoln Park or Riverside Warming Houses and hit the trails!

If downhill skiing is more your speed, be sure to check out Frost Fire Park  or Buena Vista Ski Area.

Not ready for slick skates or skis but want to partake in winter sports? Stop by the University of North Dakota’s Wellness Center ‘The Outpost’, Lincoln Park, or Riverside Warming Houses for snowshoe rentals and get your inner Bigfoot on. Hit up the groomed trails of the Greenway (but please stick to the side of the trail to help maintain the groomed tracks!); or take a hike literally anywhere with at least a few inches of snow.

During blizzard days, you might find the sidewalks in your neighborhood suffice for adventure, while other days trips to trails in Icelandic State Park or Fort Ransom State Park might be more appealing. Snowshoeing is a fun, energy burning activity for all ages and allows you to venture into snow-covered areas that most might pass up, so get out there and explore!

Not a fan of cold exposure, puffy jackets, or penguin-walking on ice? There’s more than enough activities to get involved in without having to go outside in Grand Forks. Check out PlayIT! Multi-Sport Complex where you can get your sweat on playing basketball, pickleball, roller hockey, dodgeball, soccer, volleyball, and even lower impact activities like air hockey, ping pong, foosball, and billiards. If you’re missing the greens found throughout Grand Forks in warmer months, head on over to Albatross Indoor Golf Club where you can rent a golf simulator with friends and play your favorite courses, and golf makes you reminiscent for the beaches of Florida, bring the whole family to Splasher’s of the South Seas where you can relax on the lazy river all day, find many slides, or warm up in the hot tub.

Grand Forks is a medium-sized town with big opportunities to stay active year-round. Don’t let poor weather keep you stuck indoors, instead take advantage of the numerous offerings found in and near town. If you’re not quite ready to face the cold, Grand Forks offers a plethora of local indoor activities to keep you going until spring. Whatever you fancy, don’t forget to leave the house without checking the weather and preparing with proper outdoor gear for the elements and a vehicle safety kit. Grab what you need and get moving into all that winter in Grand Forks offers!