The Northwest Adventure Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord can help you embrace the cold and break through any misgivings you may have about the winter with a variety of adventures.

“You want to make the most of this weather when you can,” said Ronnie Pippen, NAC manager. “The winter becomes more enjoyable when you are taking advantage of it instead of just trying to suffer through it.”

Although the snow may be a deterrent for some, Pippen said people should be aware that a slew of adventures become available only because of the weather. It’s easy to explore the Pacific Northwest during the summer, but you’ll be missing out on an entirely different type of fun if you opt to stay inside to avoid the cold, he said.

For fans of the great outdoors, consider the snowshoe trip around Lake Nean. Located in the central Cascades, the trip will allow people to traverse around the lake in relative seclusion. The trip is currently scheduled for Jan. 8, and spots are filling up fast. There will also be a cross-country ski trip Jan. 14 in Hyak on the Snoqualmie Pass.

If you’re a little hesitant about exploring the wilderness while it’s covered in snow, then the winter scramble snow camping trip is for you. These trips are meant to be an introductory course into cold-weather camping, with instructions explaining how to properly set up a tent in the snow, the correct way to snowshoe, cross-country ski and much more.

The event that Pippen is most excited for is the moonlight snowshoe trip, which will happen through December and January. The trip will occur during the evening around Paradise Lake and should provide people with special memories as they see the moon and stars sparkle off the water and snow.

“I really think people will enjoy this one a lot,” Pippen said. “It’s unique and safe. For all of our trips, this one included, we have guides that are fully certified and trained to make sure you feel and are safe.”

Finally, for people who know they love the winter already, consider joining the Alpine Club. This group features a broad range of JBLM community members who plan their own trips, whether that be hiking, camping, snowboarding and skiing.

The group meets at the Northwest Adventure Center throughout December.

If group trips aren’t your thing, remember that the NAC is also loaded with supplies you can rent or buy if you’d like to explore the wilderness yourself.

If these trips sound interesting, or you’d like to learn more about some of the other options, such as trips to other countries, visit jblmmwr.com/nw_adv_ctr.html or call 253-967-6263.