There’s something about sharing an experience outdoors — especially in the cold — that brings people closer. Maybe it’s the shared challenge, or maybe it’s the way winter activities slow us down just enough to be fully present.
Winter has always been one of my favorite seasons. I know that’s not for everyone — but for me, it’s the time of year that feels the most alive. The crisp air during early-morning coffee runs before hitting the slopes, the quiet stillness of a snowshoe trail through the redwoods, the exhilaration of speeding down a mountain with friends — those moments remind me how connection shows up in motion.
Between weekends in the mountains, gatherings with friends and family during the holidays, and spontaneous meetups for winter hikes or hot chocolate runs, winter becomes my season to recharge through people. It’s the season that proves connection doesn’t fade with the temperature — if anything, it deepens.
There’s something about sharing an experience outdoors — especially in the cold — that brings people closer. Maybe it’s the shared challenge, or maybe it’s the way winter activities slow us down just enough to be fully present.
Some of my favorite memories aren’t from the perfect ski days, but the imperfect ones — the days it was snowing sideways, when we lost track of the trail, or our fingers were so cold we had to go thaw out and layer up again. Those moments turned into stories, and stories are what connect us.
Connection doesn’t always come from talking; sometimes it’s built through shared effort, trust, and a little adventure.
After the activity comes the magic — the warm-up moments. Sitting by a fire pit, swapping stories over ramen, or just peeling off your gloves and realizing how good it feels to be surrounded by people who make winter feel lighter.
That’s what connection really is to me — those in-between moments when you realize how much you need your people. Winter gives us permission to slow down, gather close, and appreciate the simple act of being together.
It’s easy to assume winter is a time for hibernation, but I’ve found the opposite to be true. The colder months invite us to be more intentional — about how we spend our time, who we spend it with, and what experiences matter most.
Whether it’s saying yes to a last-minute sledding invite, organizing a neighborhood walk, or starting a weekly coffee tradition, winter gives us endless reasons to show up for one another. These small choices become the rituals that carry us through the season.
As someone who thrives on meaningful connection but is also constantly on the move, I know it’s not always easy to coordinate plans or find the right crew for every outing. That’s part of why I believe in ThirdSpace.
It’s not about adding more screen time or scheduling more obligations — it’s about simplifying how we find each other. Whether it’s meeting others who ski on weekends, organizing a group snowshoe, or discovering a local holiday event, ThirdSpace helps connection feel natural and spontaneous again.
It’s the bridge between “I should do something” and “I’m so glad I did.”
Every year when the mountains start calling, I’m reminded that connection isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we create. Whether it’s carving new trails with friends or spending quiet mornings with family, winter teaches us to show up for each other in small, meaningful ways.
So this season, bundle up, step outside, and say yes to the invite — or send one yourself. Because the real warmth of winter doesn’t come from the fire or the sun. It comes from the people we share it with.
And if you need a little help finding your crew, ThirdSpace is a pretty great place to start.
Get free early access to ThirdSpace and make this winter about real plans, real moments, and real people.
— By Charmaine Conui, ThirdSpace Co-Founder & CMO
