Editor’s Note: This Guest Post is from Stephanie Karolus. She is a recent graduate from Concordia University Chicago. She serves in ministry in northern MN. Stephanie currently serves at St. John’s Lutheran Church with the youth, children, adults (pretty much all ages).
When winter strikes, it can cause many people to want to stay indoors. Youth on the other hand look for 
many opportunities to be out in the snow. One winter activity that I would recommend for your youth and their families would be to start an annual trip to a ski hill. Ski hills have many options for youth, they can ski, snowboard, and some even offer tubing. For those who are not a fan they can always stay in the ski chalet. It is nice and warm, and a great place to converse with members of the group.
Besides being able to be out in the open air and getting to spend time in God’s glorious creation, I’d say the most important part of these ski trips is the time you are able to spend with youth. Skiing is a great way to spend one-on-one time with students, when you are sitting on a chair lift; it is possible to give them your undivided attention without distractions. It maybe only be a 3 minute conversation, but even that amount will make a difference. Also, if you are one of these extremely good skiers or snowboarders you might be able to teach your youth a few tricks (something I’m sure your youth would really enjoy).
Another plus to doing a day at the ski hill is that if your group is large enough, you can usually get a group discount on lift tickets. If you do not have many skiers in your church and are unable to bring the minimum needed for a group discount, team up with another church in your area. It will help in the area of chaperones and it is always fun to team up with other churches.