Enjoy the icy season's grip

  • 2009-01-14
  • By Justinas Vainilavicius

VILNIUS -  You must take advantage of a Lithuanian winter. Although it is not the same as it used to be because of the highly publicized global warming, it still offers a couple of months in the grip of the cold, ice and snow. Here is a list of some must-do outside activities while the country is still locked in a winter wonderland.
Ice fishing. Grab a fishing rod, find a decent frozen lake, drill a hole in the ice and cast a line. Don't forget bait. This might sound a little bit crazy, but don't worry, cases when someone falls into the water are rare 's unless you go ice fishing when the temperatures are positive for long enough for the ice to start to melt. Warm layered clothing, a hat, a scarf and gloves are essential for this activity, as it usually takes some time to catch something worth taking a picture of. Some stronger alcoholic beverages are also normal for the real ice fishing experience. Hot drinks from a thermos will do the trick as well.

Dog sledding. To get some polar experience without going any further north, harness some Alaskan Malamutes or Siberian Huskies and slide through the woods in the open air. This sport, amateur and professional, grows more and more popular every year. "Nuotykiu akademija" can organize this activity and offers the best dogs along with a quick course in driving the dogsled. You can do it yourself or let the more experienced take care of you and just enjoy the power of the restless dogs while sitting comfortably in the sled without putting too much effort into it. If all the snow melts away, the sleds are replaced by carts, so you can have almost as much fun anyway.

Skiing. Those too busy to travel to the mountains can try the cross-country skiing routes in the Lithuanian countryside. Both alpine and cross-country skiing are common in skiing centers. The most popular areas are located in Anyksciai, famous for its hills, Ignalina, the nuclear power plant town, Birstonas, a resort town known for its mineral waters and spas, and Liepkalnis, just outside Vilnius. They offer easy routes for amateurs and more difficult pistes for more skillful skiers. Skis and snowboards are available to rent. Toboggans can be fun to slide with as well, and most of the skiing centers have areas for them alongside smaller slopes for children.

Ice-skating. Indoor ice-skating is nothing special, as you can do that all year round in the nearest mall. Outside skating is another thing, however, as you are not surrounded by dozens of other skaters and actually have space to do whatever maneuver you want without being afraid of hitting somebody or going against the flow of traffic. All you need is to grab a pair of skates and find a frozen pond or lake. If you don't feel safe scouting out your own lake but want to skate in the open, then go to an outside skating-rink such as the one located in Vilnius Hall Square. Expect lines, lots of people and skating in circles, though.

Ask your local friends for more ideas, as there are countless ways to have a great time in freezing winter weather. Expect to be involved in a snowball fight after any of these activities.