Have you ever thought about having a once-in-a-year solstice climbing challenge event?
Let me explain.
The winter solstice is usually around December 21 or 22 in the northern hemisphere and June 20-21 in the southern hemisphere. This occurrence has always felt like a special occasion—an opportunity to experience the longest night and shortest day with some wonder and adventure.
For those who live for the great outdoors, this unique winter event is a chance to bond with family, get creative, and experience the thrill of an unconventional winter celebration.
In this article, we’ll explore family-friendly climbing ideas, tips for winter preparation, and ways to celebrate the solstice around the climbing experience in the northern hemisphere.
Choosing Your Climbing Spot for the Solstice
Wherever you will be, the winter solstice will manifest colder days, shorter daylight, and sometimes more challenging conditions. Selecting the right spot is key to making the most of this unique day. Here are some ideal family-friendly climbing spots and ideas to make the experience memorable:
Local Bouldering Areas
If you’re in an area with safe, accessible outdoor bouldering spots, bouldering on the winter solstice is a great, family-friendly option.
Bouldering requires less equipment than traditional climbing and is relatively low-risk, making it ideal for kids. Plus, the proximity to the ground means you won’t have to worry about losing light as much as on a traditional route.
While at it, pack a thermos with hot chocolate or warm cider and plan a “climbing picnic” to enjoy a hot drink after each attempt.
Indoor Gyms with Climbing Facilities
Here’s another one for families with younger children.
This idea is that families with newbies in winter climbing can enjoy indoor sporting activities. This makes indoor climbing gyms a great spot. Indoor gyms are warm, secure, and packed with various routines to suit all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Many climbing gyms also host winter solstice events, and community climbs, where you can join in on the fun. If possible, book an early slot to get the feel of sunrise and enjoy a “day of climbing” indoors.
Solstice Climbing at a Local Spot
Find a climbing area where you can experience sunset directly on the solstice. With a little luck, this unique challenge might let you catch the last rays of light on the shortest day, signaling a quiet but profound end to the climb.
Preparing for Winter Solstice Climbing Safety Tips and Essentials
Winter solstice climbing can be a magical experience but requires specific preparation for everyone’s safety. Here are some tips to get started:
Dress in Layers for Changing Temperatures
Winter temperatures can drop dramatically once the sun dips, so it’s important to dress in layers. Base layers should be moisture-wicking to keep sweat away from the body, and a warm mid-layer like fleece is perfect for insulation.
Top it off with a windproof and water-resistant outer layer. Keep gloves, beanies, and hand warmers for everyone, especially the kids. Cold hands can make climbing uncomfortable, especially for young adventurers!
Bring the Right Climbing Gear
Some winter-specific gear will make the experience safer and more enjoyable. If you’re climbing outdoors, a winter-grade crash pad can help absorb impacts more effectively on cold, hard ground, while specialized climbing shoes provide a little more warmth and stability on icy or frosty surfaces.
For gym climbers, focus on layering and keeping fingers warm between climbs.
Bring Food and Hydration for Energy
Climbing burns a lot of energy, and our bodies use even more in the cold to keep warm. Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and maybe some holiday-themed treats for the kids.
Don’t forget hydration; hot drinks are ideal as they help keep everyone warm.
Winter Solstice Climbing Games and Challenges
A family climbing day on the winter solstice is the perfect opportunity to infuse fun and games into the climbing experience. Here are a few ways to make the climb a family-friendly challenge with creative twists:
Solstice Scavenger Hunt
Turn your climb into a solstice-themed scavenger hunt. Write a list of “finds” like unique rocks, snow patches, or natural items around the climbing area that can safely be observed without damaging the environment.
Add “finds” that are slightly more challenging for older kids to spot, like a specific mossy rock or interesting tree formations.
Sunrise to Sunset Challenge
Since the winter solstice has the shortest daylight hours, a sunrise-to-sunset challenge is the perfect way to celebrate.
Set a goal to climb a certain number of routes or reach a particular height by the end of the day. This is an ideal opportunity for a little friendly family competition and a countdown to celebrate the day’s end together.
Let younger family members join in by challenging them to reach the highest point they feel comfortable with or by tallying up the number of climbs they complete.
Try a “Create Your Route” Competition
If you’re at a bouldering gym or an area with many easy, accessible climbs, encourage the kids to “design” their own routes by choosing holds of specific colors or patterns.
This lets kids get creative while helping them build problem-solving skills on the wall. Let them name their routes for personal pride in their achievements.
Family Rituals and Festivities to Celebrate the Solstice Climbing
Beyond the climb, the solstice can be celebrated with family-friendly rituals and traditions.
Here are some family activities that can make the day memorable and help everyone feel connected:
Storytelling by Candlelight
After your climbing adventure, wind down with storytelling by candlelight. Have each family member share their favorite outdoor memory from the past year or tell a winter story passed down.
The glow of the candlelight, symbolizing hope and warmth, adds to the cozy feeling and brings everyone together in a quiet, reflective moment.
Creating Climbing Goals for the Coming Year
As the start of a new cycle, the solstice is the perfect time to set new climbing and adventure goals as a family. Have each person develop a personal or family climbing goal for the year.
Whether tackling a new climbing spot or aiming to complete a certain number of climbs, setting goals can add excitement for future adventures and provide something for everyone to work toward together.
Winter Picnic Around a Bonfire (if allowed)
After a day of climbing, nothing beats a cozy bonfire or a fire pit where you can relax and share a winter picnic.
Check if any local parks or safe outdoor areas permit small bonfires or fire pits. Pack seasonal foods like spiced cider, marshmallows, and seasonal snacks that are easy to grill or warm up.
Winter Solstice “Light Up” Moment
Bring a set of small lights or glow sticks for each family member and create a “light-up” ritual as the day closes. Gather in a circle, and as the sun sets, turn on each light or glow stick, symbolizing the warmth and return of light in the coming days.
It’s a small but memorable way to mark the solstice and look forward to longer days.
Planning for Future Solstice Climbing Adventures
The winter solstice is a unique time of year, and something about experiencing it in nature makes the moment even more meaningful.
With a little imagination, the winter solstice can become a treasured family tradition of adventure, celebration, and reflection.
Exploring Solstice Celebrations in Different Cultures
If your family loves travel, consider planning a winter solstice celebration in a destination that has special cultural significance for the solstice.
For instance, Stonehenge in England has a winter solstice gathering, and in Scandinavian countries, it’s celebrated with various festivals and light displays.
Discovering these customs together can make your climbing adventures more culturally rich.
Journaling Your Solstice Climbing Memories and Discoveries
If your family already keeps a journal or blog, the solstice is a perfect time to write down your winter adventures, reflecting on favorite moments and any climbing achievements.
This could be a chance for younger family members to draw pictures of their favorite parts of the climb, creating a keepsake that can be treasured over time.
Conclusion
As a family who lives and breathes outdoor adventures, celebrating the winter solstice by climbing is a beautiful way to end the year.
It allows you to connect with nature and embrace the coldest, darkest days. And it’s also a time to bring light, warmth, and togetherness into your lives.
The winter solstice isn’t just a day to mark on the calendar. It’s a meaningful, family-centered event that connects you to each other and the world around you. Every year, it’s a reminder of the challenges and triumphs you’ve shared, both on and off the wall.
