When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, the more snow the better.ย Whether you are waiting for enough snow to start the season or looking for a mid-winter powder day, there are some rituals some swear can bring on the flakes.
For generations, people have turned to quirky superstitions and fun rituals, believing they hold the power to summon snow and score the coveted powder day. Whether theyโre time-tested traditions or newer trends, these snow-day superstitions add a bit of magic to winter, fueling excitement and anticipation with every snowfall forecast.
See below for the top nine ways you can take the snowfall into your own hands.
#9 Wear pajamas inside out and backwards
Wearing pajamas inside out and backwards is a fun and quirky snow day ritual. The idea behind this ritual is to do something so out of the ordinary that it will also turn the weather inside out and produce a snow day. For even better results sleep with your feet at the head of the bed.
#8 Put a spoon under your pillow
This small act is meant to signify that there will be so much snow when you wake up in the morning that you will have to dig your way out. The spoon is representative of a shovel and is an act of faith and optimism, showing the universe how badly you want it to snow.
#7 Place a trail map in the freezer
The idea here is simple: you want to influence cold weather on the mountain. For even better results, take the trail map and submerge it in water in a Ziploc bag before placing it in the freezer. This will bring on cold and moisture to produce the snow. If you don’t have a trail map, just open the freezer and yell “snow day!” into it every time you walk by.
#6 Shake a snow globe
These decorative items are a metaphor for creating a snow day. Shake them up and watch the tiny swirling particles mimic what you want to happen in real life. Do it as much as possible to influence the weather to act accordingly.
#5 Eat ice cream the night before
Ice cream is cold and pleasurable, just like snow, so this one makes sense. Either that or someone who really liked ice cream came up with this superstition. Either way, it’s worth a shot.
#4 Put ice cubes in the toilet
This is a well-known snow day ritual. Some may insist the ice cubes need to be flushed, while others may let them melt on their own. Put one ice cube for every inch of new snow you desire. Another option is to throw the ice out the window to get the snow started.
#3 Place white crayons on all the windowsills
To non-snow enthusiasts, a white crayon may seem completely pointless, but we know better. Placing white crayons on all your windowsills is designed to summon the skies to turn white with snow. You could also put the crayons in the freezer or under your pillow.
#2 Snow Dance
Performing a dance to manipulate the weather and summon the snow closer to you is a common ritual. The origins of snow dances come from various cultural traditions where people believed they could influence nature through dance. It can also be a fun way to boost morale and create a communal sense of hope for more snow.
#1 Pray for snow
When all else fails, a heartfelt prayer may be in order. If you believe in a higher power, or even if you don’t, this can be a viable option to influence the weather. Praying can bring a sense of comfort, connection, and hope that you will wake up in the morning with a white, powdery miracle.
In the end, snow day rituals bring a bit of fun and anticipation to winter, creating cherished traditions that bring people together. These quirky acts reflect the timeless hope for a break from routine and the hope for fresh snowfall. While we may not be able to control the weather, these superstitions remind us that a little magic and belief can make those powder days feel even more special.