The Hills Health Ranch
Remember all these years as a child being told endlessly "Go outside and play! The fresh air will do you good." And remember all those times we've said that to our own children? Well, it's time to practice what we preach because playing in the fresh air is just as good for us. And playing in the snow takes fitness and fun to new levels.

Cross-country skiing is one of the best cardiovascular exercises going, is inexpensive, easy to learn and something the whole family can do together. Whether gliding across the frozen lakes and stopping to chat with the ice fishers, tackling hilly terrain or striding silently through snow-covered pine forests, an afternoon of skiing will do you and your heart good, and leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for a good night's sleep.

Harking back to the "old days," treat yourself to an outdoor ice skating party, either on one of our tens of thousands of frozen lakes or create your own outdoor rink complete outdoor lights for nighttime skates. Nothing says "Canada" like a game of pick-up hockey with only the stars and a swaying set of lights to illuminate the surface. Be your own Bobby Orr or Wayne Gretzky as you skate your way to better fitness.

Don't forget the old childhood favourites - snow angels, snowball fights, building snow forts and snowmen. For an adult twist, create a snow sculpture; no more carrot-noses or stick-arms! Use water and any number of kitchen utensils to create snow-kangaroos, snow-dishes or even a sno-piary (snow topiary). Be limited only by your imagination, and revel in being a kid again.

After a hard day of playing and laughing in the snow, nothing beats heading in for a superb, low-fat spa cuisine meal, followed up with a full Swedish massage before bedtime. Balance your outdoor activities with some indoor ones - a leisurely swim, soak in the hot tub, low-impact aerobic classes, or any of the excellent fitness classes and workshops that spas have to offer. Even just gazing out the windows at the snow-covered hills is soothing and serene...and the perfect prelude to cuddling up by a real fire with your sketch book or favourite novel.