Lay down tracks with these fun winter adventures

Warm up to the wonders of winter adventure. Here are five ideas to consider:

Yellowstone National Park

Discover the magic of our first national park cloaked in its winter finery. New snowfall serves as the perfect backdrop for a Nordic adventure to a steaming backcountry geyser, a snowshoe trek around Old Faithful or wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley. Venture to and from your overnight at the Snow Lodge by snow coach, stopping to observe animals on the move, icy waterfall formations and the evening alpenglow on the mountains. Guided adventure and snowmobile tours are available.

Contact: yellowstonenation alparklodges.com

Olympic Sports Complex, Lake Placid, N.Y.

For a high-octane, Olympicstyle thrill, climb into a bobsled piloted by a professional driver and brakeman and then prepare for the G-force. As the sled rumbles down the icy track, you’ll high-bank around turns and rocket toward the finish line. Adventuresome family members will get a lapel pin, T-shirt, photo, membership in the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation and a discount on the next ride. Riders must be 48 inches tall.

Contact: whiteface.com/ activities/bobsled-experience

Ouray, Colo.

This Southwestern mountain town, known for its picturesque jagged peaks, is home to a top-notch ice-climbing park boasting 200 ice and mixed climbs with options for beginners as well as those who are expert with an ice ax. With access to more than 3 miles of vertical terrain, family members can test their skills or re- Heavy snows shroud forests in Yellowstone, as evidenced by these “ghost trees” at West Thumb. lax in a viewing area. Later, warm up in the hot springs. Equipment rental and guide services are available. Admission is free.

Contact: ourayicepark.com

Huts & Trails, Kingfield, Maine

Explore more than 80 miles of trails on cross-country skis or on snowshoes in the backcountry of western Maine. Enjoy your off-the-grid adventure by day and relax in a comfortable hut overnight, where a warm bed and tasty meals await. Considered boutique hostels, the huts, run by a nonprofit organization, fea- ture state-of-the-art green energy systems that generate and store their own power. Make tracks from hut to hut on your own or with a guide.

Contact: mainehuts.org

Skijoring, Red Lodge, Mont.

Marvel as teams of horses, riders and skiers maneuver through snowy tracks, slalom gates and jumps at speeds up to 25 mph. Catch the long jump competition where a rider on a horse pulls a skier over a jump. Children 12 and younger compete in the peewee division. The sport, reported to have Scandinavian roots, holds its national finals in this small Montana town, where you’ll also have the opportunity to snowshoe, crosscountry, downhill ski or visit the shops and galleries that line Main Street. The racing finals are set for March 13-15.

Contact: redlodgeskijoring.com