No hibernating allowed

The start of the new year is a great time to settle down in front of the fire to read that book your Aunt Margie sent you over the holidays.

And the weather can make it seem impossible to do anything else.

If you think opportunities for outdoor fun disappeared with the sunny afternoons of late summer, think again, say local nature experts and park officials. The winter months can be a great time to be out and about.

Spots to go sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing and more are ready and waiting, provided it's cold enough and the snow is plentiful. Even snowless days can offer the chance for a wintertime hike or camping trip.

"They don't realize that conservation districts have all this to offer," said Wendy Kummerer, communications manager for the McHenry County Conservation District.

"Don't hibernate this winter. Get out and enjoy some nature."

So grab that scarf, pull your hat over your ears, and don't worry if your mittens don't match.

It's time for some winter fun.

The following is just a sampling of what's offered in the Fox Valley. Check with your local park district and forest preserve district for more details.

Ice Skating

Lake in the Hills: The village is turning basketball courts at two of its parks into ice rinks this winter. Workers already are preparing the ice for skaters, and, weather permitting, the ice should be ready any day now, officials say. Just look for the green flags at Sunset Park on Miller Road or Stoneybrook Park on Anderson Road. The ice will then be open during normal park operating hours, from sunrise to sunset. Bring your own skates and maybe a thermos of hot chocolate as there are no warming shelters available. No hockey, please. Call (847) 960-7460 for more information.

Cary: At The Hollows on Route 14 in Cary, you might be able to find a more old fashioned ice skating experience. You'll just have a shovel the snow first. McHenry County Conservation District workers monitor the ice on the 22-acre Lake Atwood and a smaller 12-acre lake there for the thickness needed to skate, but they don't groom it. Kummerer says rangers check the ice daily and put up the green flag if it's safe for skaters. Just spend a few minutes clearing the ice and you'll be ready to go. Call (815) 338-6223.

Geneva: If the weather isn't quite cold enough for outdoor skating, you can always stop at the Fox Valley Ice Arena on Kirk Road for some indoor ice time. Public skating sessions are subject to change but are generally scheduled from 11:20 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $6 for kids 12 and under and seniors over 65, and $8 for everyone in between. Rental skates are available for $4. Call (630) 262-0690 or visit www.foxvalleyicearena.net for more information.

Snowboarding

Algonquin: Raging Buffalo Snowboard Ski Park on Route 31 is the place for enthusiasts to get a little air during the winter months -- quite literally. You can bring your own board or rent one there and get moving down the ever-changing terrain. There could be half pipes, table tops or rails to test out, depending on the day. Helmets are required, and also are available for rental if you don't have one. Check out www.ragingbuffalo.com for all the information on rates, upcoming events and more.

Bartlett: The Villa Olivia ski hill along Route 20 is a landmark whatever the weather. But if you want to get your snowboard out of the closet, now is the time make a trip there. With the snow machines working to keep the hill covered, all you need to worry about is how many times it will take to master the quarter-mile run. Ski and snowboard rentals are available, as are lessons. The ski area is open every day, including special holiday hours from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Jan. 5. Check www.villaolivia.com or call (630) 289-7669 for rates and more information.

Cross-country skiing

Marengo: For a cross-country expedition through the woods of McHenry County, try out the trails at Marengo Ridge along Route 23 in Marengo. There is a 1.2-mile beginner trail there and an intermediate path running 2.3 miles through the trees. There needs to be only 3 to 4 inches of snow before you go. The McHenry County Conservation District also offers candlelight ski evenings Fridays and Saturdays on a rotating schedule at several of its 15 cross country ski spots. Call (815) 338-6223 for the week's location or for more information on ski opportunities.

Elgin: Elgin Parks officials say any of their properties are a good spot to practice your cross country skills. Lords Park, for example, might be a nice spot for beginners to get their snow legs. Imagine the quiet, open spaces covered in a fresh dusting of powder. You can even visit the bison, elk and deer who reside year-round in the larger, fenced areas of the zoo there. Call (847) 931-6123.

West of St. Charles: A network of trails winds through the Campton Forest Preserve along Town Hall Road. One of the largest preserves of the Kane County Forest Preserve District, there are 331 acres to enjoy as you glide along. Be aware that snowmobile riders and those on horseback are sharing the space with you, however. A warming shelter is available to give chilled fingers and toes a chance to warm up. Visit www.kaneforest.com for more information on all the best cross-country ski spots on district lands.

Sledding

West Dundee: As if the petting zoo, historic schoolhouse and top-notch playgrounds weren't enough, Randall Oaks Park seems to be a hotspot for sledders every winter. Drive along Randall Road and you'll see crowds of kids with sleds in tow on any day the snow is deep enough. Sled at your own risk as the hill is not monitored by park officials. Call (847) 551-4300.

South of Geneva: Fabyan Forest Preserve and its windmill make for a spectacular backdrop for sledders of all ages. Located along Route 25, it's quite a hill to conquer and might even accommodate a toboggan filled with your family or friends. The preserve is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings for sledding. Call (630) 232-5980 or visit the winter activities section at www.kaneforest.com for more information.

Near Elburn: Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve on Hughes Road boasts a gravel hill, called a kame, which rises some 200 feet above the surrounding prairie. Though much of the site is wooded, there is an open sledding hill for those who dare. Maybe the toughest part is towing your sled back to the top after a run. Visit www.kaneforest.com to check it out.

Hiking

St. Charles: Snow or not, take advantage of a chance to head over to Tekakwitha Woods in St. Charles today to learn about owls in the winter woods with the Kane County Forest Preserve District. Great Horned Owls and Screech Owls will be on the agenda for the free program. You can learn about them inside and then take a walk around outdoors to look for the real thing. The program runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and is suitable for those age 8 and older. Visit www.kaneforest.com for more information.

Carpentersville: Raceway Woods on Huntley Road is a great place for winter hikes, park officials say. Some six miles of trails offer plenty of room to walk whatever the weather. The 122-acre parcel once was home to a race track, hence the name. Now it's home to wildlife of all kinds. Visit www.dtpd.org for more information.

Crystal Lake: The Silver Creek Conservation Area is just one of the McHenry County Conservation District's hot spots for winter hikes. You might see deer, owls, mice and more on your trek. Visit www.mccdistrict.org for all the info on where to hike.