All Things Winter on the World Wide Web

by Laura Emery, Field Editor

Winter brings with it many wonderful sensations: cold, crisp air in the lungs; the warmth of being bundled up in scarves and gloves; the sight of bare trees laced with crystallized ice sparkling in the early morning sun; the sound of �schussing� over freshly groomed snow; and the soft, damp kiss of falling snow. 

Following are some of the wonderful winter Web sites the World Wide Web has to offer.

Winter Sports & Recreation

www.virtualblueridge.com/parkway/general/fall_winter.asp

Exploring the Parkway on foot or on cross-country skis in a blanket of snow is a grand experience during those times when the road is closed to vehicle traffic.

www.wintergreenresort.com

Treat yourself to magnificent mountain views, sumptuous luxury, and thrilling recreation at Wintergreen Resort. Spanning 11,000 acres on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the resort boasts spacious condominiums and vacation homes surrounded by winding trails, cascading streams and lush forests. The ultimate four-season vacation or conference spot, Wintergreen Resort is peaceful and refreshing, with an endless variety of activities.

www.virginia.org/winter

According to this Web site, Virginia is one of the coolest winter destinations on the East Coast, with mountain resorts, 130 wineries and whale-watching getaways that will entice travelers with a passion for wine, snow, luxury and natural wonders.

Winterizing Your Home

http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/92607_WinterHom.htm

By January, you probably have already prepared your home for winter � but if you haven�t, it�s not too late to winterize your home for maximum energy savings and safety.

Winter Safety

www.weather.gov/om/winter/index.shtml

Be safe in winter weather. Learn more about snow, ice, cold, strong winds, and wind chill.

www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=4615

Heavy snows, icy conditions and dangerously cold temperatures can occur at any time. To protect yourself and your loved ones from the effects of harsh winter weather, follow the winter safety tips provided at this Web site.

Winter Activities for Kids

www.billybear4kids.com/holidays/winter/fun.htm

When it�s cold and snowy outside, keep the kids occupied indoors with these fun and educational winter activities.

www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/winter

These craft projects are for preschool, kindergarten and elementary school children. The crafts use materials found around the house, like egg cartons, cardboard, paper, boxes, string, crayons, paint, and glue.

Winter Workouts

www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=351

Melt calories faster than snow! This Web site contains a wealth of information on how to stay active and healthy even after the holidays, when the winter blues set in.

Winter Cooking

www.recipezaar.com/browse/top/170

Add a little cozy flavor to your home with these heartwarming winter recipes.

http://busycooks.about.com/od/wintermenusandrecipes/Winter_Menus_and_Recipes.htm

Winter is a great time for hot casseroles, crockpot meals, warm desserts, and simmering soups. These easy and delicious recipes can help you celebrate the season.

Winter Fun

http://holidays.kaboose.com/winter/

From outdoor-activity suggestions to online winter games, this Web site is a virtual winter wonderland of fun things to engage and entertain people of all ages. Make your own gifts: snow family finger puppets, rainbow ice sculptures, and homemade snow globes. Or, take on the Evil Elves and challenge your friends on the virtual slopes in the featured online game section.

So Much to Know About Snow

http://nsidc.org/snow