When you’re looking for a new place to live, there are many great options available to you. One type of area you should consider is living near or in the mountains. Not only are mountains beautiful, but they also provide you with many things to do all year long. There are a wide variety of activities that you can do in the mountains that are not available in other areas of the country.

Skiing and Snowboarding

The most popular outdoor activity option for people in the mountains is to either do some downhill skiing or snowboarding. These consistently rank high on the list of best outdoor activities in Denver and other high-altitude places. If you enjoy these activities, you will find that there are hundreds of places where you can do it in the mountains. The type of skiing that you can do will vary considerably from one place to the next. While there are some very posh resorts in the mountains, there’s typically also some rugged terrain in the immediate area as well. This helps to ensure that anyone is able to find a challenging run that meets their skill level and interests.

If you’ve never skied before, it might seem a bit intimidating. With a few tips, the right equipment, and a bit of practice, you’ll be skiing with the best of them in no time. You will need some ski poles, a helmet, goggles, ski boots, and skis.

Hunting on Skis

While many people enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other popular activities, there are also lesser-known activities in the mountains that are gaining traction and popularity. One very unique activity that is gaining a lot of fans is hunting on skis. A popular way to hunt game in Norway, the ability to fire a rifle with accuracy after traversing slopes is the basis for biathlon, a sport most people only see during the Winter Olympics. Some discount hunting gear, a bolt-action rifle, and durable skis are all you need to get started. Those who don’t want to kill anything can instead participate in biathlon training courses to get the same thrill.

Some people even hunt for elk while they are on skis. Even more astonishing is that some of those hunters use a lasso as their weapon of choice!

Climbing Rocks

While many of the most popular outdoor sports in the mountains take place during the winter months, there are also extreme sports to take part in during the summer as well. One of the most popular is to go rock climbing. You’ll find that there are many different designated mountains that have very well-managed rock climbing courses. For those that are looking for more of a challenge, there are other courses that are not as highly regulated. Just make sure to adhere to proper rock climbing safety at all times. While these come with more risk, there are also additional challenges to provide you with an adrenaline rush.

As with skiing, you need to have the proper equipment. This can include things like rope, crampons, boots, a helmet, and a backpack. If you’re planning on climbing in winter conditions, you’ll also need protective eyewear and an ice ax.

Whitewater Rafting

Depending on where in the mountains you are, there could be nearby rivers that provide you with the opportunity to do some whitewater rafting. When you go on one of these adventure trips, you will get to enjoy the thrill of going very fast down a mountain while bouncing over some big waves. To do this activity, it is highly recommended that you be in great shape and able to swim in tougher environments.

If you wish to participate in this activity, you will need an inflatable rafting boat, a life jacket, helmet, carbon paddles, a wetsuit and a dry suit, and rescue throw bags.

Whenever you’re going to do any type of outdoor activity in the mountains, it’s important that you are properly trained and prepared. This could include going through a proper training course and purchasing the equipment you need to be safe. This helps ensure that you’re able to enjoy activities while also being as safe and secure as possible during your mountain adventure.