Winter sports ideal for the whole family

Gearing up in new or used ski equipment and hitting the slopes isn't the only way to enjoy the winter outdoors. In fact, you don't need to be a thrill-seeker at all to enjoy some great winter sports.

According to Snowshoe Magazine, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are activities that are ideal for the entire family throughout the winter months. Both activities are not only fun, but they are also great for burning calories and creating family memories.

"Snowshoeing is one of the sports with the lowest barrier of entry," Reese Brown, administrator of the Winter Trails program, told the publication. "It's relatively simple, if you can walk you can snowshoe."

Many ski resorts have special snowshoe and cross-country ski programs throughout the winter, and many are targeted toward kids. For example, Great Glen in Gorham, New Hampshire, offers three-day camps with activities including sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Families can also take part in outdoor scavenger hunts.

Trying these and other cold-weather activities are great ways to keep the entire family exercising throughout the year. Purchasing used snowshoes, cross-country skis and other gear is an easy way to make these sports more affordable for budget-conscious families. Many also choose to rent gear to determine whether they enjoy the activities first.