It's no surprise that weight gain over the winter months is a common phenomenon. Shorter days, longer nights, and cold weather keep many of us indoors. Take a minute, though, to look out over all that fresh powder in your yard. Winter might be cold, but there's plenty of adventure to be had in the snow -- sledding, snowball fights, ice skating, and skiing for starters. It's also a good time to learn a new sport. Take a look at these variations on some of winter's most popular pastimes:

Telemark skiing: Called the "oldest new sport" telemark skiing has been around for years, but is only recently gaining in popularity. A combination of cross-country and downhill skiing -- with a unique stance and turn -- telemark skiing can be done on nearly any back country slope.

Skijoring: Take one cross-country skier, add one mid to large size dog, and you've got the ideal skijoring team. Using a special harness (and a little training) skijoring is like a one man dog sledding team, without the sled.

Off piste skiing: Also called back country skiing, there are many ways to attempt to ski off piste. Heli-skiing and snow-cat skiing, where vehicles take you to remote areas of a mountain and drop you off, are one version. Another is simply skiing out of bounds. Not for beginners, off piste skiers should be able to comfortably handle the hardest of groomed runs.

Snow sculpting: Can the artist in you resist a 6 to 15 foot block of snow? Many communities have snow sculpting contests each winter. Enjoy an afternoon outside climbing, carving, and creating a winning piece!

Broom ball: The perfect marriage of soccer and hockey, broomball is a great way to have fun on the ice. Players wear spongy-soled shoes instead of skates and use a stick with a broom-shaped head to knock a ball around an indoor or outdoor hockey rink.

However you choose to enjoy your winter, remember that the importance of exercise doesn't fly south in colder weather. Stay active in a way that suits your lifestyle and keeps you feeling great until the spring thaw.