On an October day like today--low 80s, lots of sunshine--it's hard to think about FALL, let alone winter. But despite the warmth, we're only getting closer and closer to the next solstice, whether we like it or not.

You know, since winter often tumbles to the bottom of anyone's list of favorite seasons, it's a good practice to think of all the FUN things you can do in the winter that you can't do any other time. (Okay, smart aleck, but we're not counting the Alps, here.)

We can sing the holiday classic "Winter Wonderland" to our heart's content (even if it isn't REALLY a Christmas song), but actually WALKING through one just seems like a lot more fun. Certainly, the folks in these images are having the kind of blast they might not get standing on a sidewalk in front of someone's house.

See? There's nothing wrong with a blanket of snow if you don't have to deal with driving through it. But bring on the sleds and the snowmobiles, and you won't be able to get rid of me. And no. Before you ask, I don't ski. But you can at Villa Olivia Winter Sports, along with snowboarding, tubing, and even golf.

Yes, I said golf. But that's because Villa Olivia doesn't close up shop during the warmer months. Shop the website and book an outing if you're feeling froggy.

As for your next snowy adventure, Villa Olivia Winter Sports will reopen for the season on December 20th, weather permitting. Are you ready to hit the slopes?

Biggest snowfalls recorded in Illinois history

Stacker compiled a list of the biggest 1-day snowfalls in Illinois using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

Winter Storm Names For 2024-25

The following are the winter storm names issued by The Weather Channel for the 2024-25 storm season.

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll

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