Winter is the time of year people prefer to stay indoors rather than go outside - especially when the temperatures drop drastically.

Understandably, it can be difficult to get out and exercise. Many people in west central Saskatchewan consider indoor winter activities such as hockey or curling.

But, believe it or not, activities such as tubing and snowboarding are made available to residents in the region.

Table Mountain Regional Park, a ski resort approximately 16 kilometres west of the Battlefords off Highway 40, is now open for the winter. The park offers a variety of activities for guests to take advantage of during their visit at the park.

No doubt the most popular attractions for visitors are the snowboard and ski courses. Four lifts will take guests to the 11 trails, with a variety of diffculty levels, made available during the hours of operation. Staff offer lessons for beginners and the opportunity to rent equipment for either a half day or full day.

Activities such as skiing and snowboarding provide health benefits to the human body. Both sports help improve balance, strength in the legs and core, and offer benefits for the cardiovascular system.

For a less active activity which offers a great deal of fun, especially for children, a tubing park is located on site.

Table Mountain is open from Wednesday to Sunday this month and 7 days a week starting in February through to March.

The hills may be your best and most exciting opportunity to enjoy the Saskatchewan outdoors, participate in physical activities, and spend quality time with your friends and/or family.