Winter Activities in St. Louis From Ice Skating to Skiing

With winter officially upon us, you'll likely find yourself spending more time inside, cozying up next to the fireplace with a warm cup of cocoa. However, finding ways to get outside and stay active during the winter months is essential to help improve your mood and maintain your health as the chill of winter sets in. The good news for St. Louis residents is that there is no shortage of fun and exciting winter activities that will have you lacing up your boots and rushing outside to get in on the action. No matter your interests or activity level, there is sure to be something you'll love going on in the city in the coming months. Whether you are looking to strap on your skis or enjoy a calming winter hike, here's a look at some of the best activities you should consider trying in St. Louis this winter.

Ice Skating

Ice skating is perhaps the most quintessential winter activity that almost anyonecan enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned professional or it's your first time out on the ice, taking a lap around one of the many ice rinks in St. Louis can be an exciting way to get outside and stay active this winter. You have several options for ice skating in the St. Louis area, including Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis, which offers ice skating and hot cocoa under 100,000 twinkling lights, as well as CarShield Field in O'Fallon. Whichever venue you choose, lacing up your skates and getting on the ice with family or friends can be a fun way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air this winter.

Skiing/Snowboarding in Hidden Valley

While visitors may not initially think of St. Louis as a skiing destination, there is a thriving ski scene just 30 miles west of downtown St. Louis at Hidden Valley. With 16 trails covering more than 30 acres, this resort offers skiing and snowboarding options for children and adults of all skill levels. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own equipment, as ski and snowboarding rentals are available, while a state-of-the-art snow making machine ensures that there’s full coverage all season long. If skiing isn’t your thing, Hidden Valley also boasts the largest snow-tubing hill in Missouri.  

Visit The Loop Ice Carnival

Another great way to enjoy a winter day in St. Louis is by exploring the Loop Ice Carnival, which takes place each January in the Delmar Loop. The Loop Ice Carnival offers an array of exciting events and activities for guests of all ages, including carnival rides, live ice-carving demonstrations, a display of stunning ice sculptures, ice slides, fire performers, and a scavenger hunt. This year’s festival will also feature an electrifying drone show that will be sure to impress the whole family. 

Sledding on Art Hill

Of course, one of the most fun ways to get some exercise after the first winter snowfall is to go sledding on one of the many great hills throughout St. Louis. While there is no shortage of great sledding spots throughout the city, arguably the most famous option is Art Hill, located in Forest Park between the Grand Basin and the Art Museum. Sledding on Art Hill is a rite of passage for St. Louis residents, and after it snows, you will see people of all ages flocking to this popular spot for an exhilarating ride. Once you've had your fill of sledding, you can enjoy strolling along the park's breathtaking walking trails.  

Take a Winter Hike

While hiking may not be the first thing you think of as a winter activity, this is actually a great time to hit your favorite trails. Not only does winter usually mean fewer crowds, but the snow-covered landscape will give the trail an entirely new look. Even familiar vistas will provide a whole different perspective when blanketed in a fresh layer of snow. For stunning winter vistas, consider exploring one of four trails at Cliff Cave Park.

Looking for a Place to Live in St. Louis? Check Out The Villages at General Grant

Even as temperatures drop this winter, there are plenty of ways to get outdoors and enjoy all the amazing attractions that St. Louis has to offer in the new year. Of course, the new year is a time of change, and you may be considering moving to a new apartment in the St. Louis area. If so, you should consider checking out The Villages at General Grant in Afton. This community offers an unbeatable location close to the city, and our community offers stunning features, including walk-in closets, in-unit washer/dryer connections, a fitness center with a sauna, and a swimming pool. Feel free to reach out to us today to learn more about this beautiful community, as well as our current availability. 

Testimonials

The resident manager is excellent, efficient, knowledgeable and responds to requests. Thank you for being responsive and welcoming. The office staff is very friendly and helpful. I
- Google Review

I have been here 3 months and I absolutely love it. Spacious, safe, clean. Pet friendly and plenty of space to walk your dog. I’ve already had friends who want to move in here too!
- Google Review

I lived at the Villages at General Grant for the last two years in a one bedroom and loved it. The leasing office was always on top of everything, and was very polite. And the maintenance team never let the day go by without addressing one of my concerns, though I only had to reach out to them on a couple of occasions. On top of that, the unit I toured was very nice, but the one I was given seemed in even better shape.
- Yelp Review

I lived in two different units from 2002 to around 2008 maybe don't remember exactly maybe longer. I moved back recently after selling my house that's another story but being pet friendly and close to work were 2 huge draws for me. I've found I like to just come and go and not worry about what will need to be fixed next or lawn maintenance. Everyone seems friendly. I have no real complaints. I was happy to see that the units were more updated then when I last lived there.
- Google Review

The last 5 years have been all I expected and more!! The Managers have always gone above and beyond to accommodate my family and I. The grounds keeper is the best at keeping the property well maintained and beautified. You can always count on maintenance to respond quickly to requests even if they can’t resolve the issue at that moment. I love this location also because it’s close to everything! I can go on and on about this great community! I love it!
- Google Reivew

I lived in an apartment at the Villages at General Grant from 2020 to 2024, and it was an extremely positive experience for me. The location was perfect for work and it was easy to navigate to all the major highways. Any issues that I had were addressed quickly by the maintenance team and the staff. I felt like policies were clearly explained during my leasing and then move out processes.
- Google Review

I can't say enough good things about *The Villages of General Grant Apartments*! From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with warmth and kindness by the entire office staff. Every single person I interacted with was so friendly and accommodating—it truly felt like I was part of a community before I even officially moved in.
- Google Review

Thank you for fixing my garbage disposal and blinds in a timely manner and a super sweet guy! Been living here for only a few months and every experience I’ve had with their staff has been awesome, great people and a really good environment.
- Google Review

I’ve lived here since 2014 and it’s a great place to live. Conveniently located. Just recently, one of the maintenance men replaced my kitchen faucet and he did it in a timely manner. Great job.
- Google Review

He was a very polite man. Very helpful and sweet. Thank you so much.
- Google Review