Rock climbing. Eugene’s Crux Rock Climbing Gym offers student discounts and has areas for the beginning climbers as well as for the advanced. Also, the Student Recreation Center’s rock wall is close and free once you are belay certified. Rock climbing is easy to learn and is a great indoor activity and lifetime sport. @@http://www.cruxrock.com/@@
Duck basketball games. If you still haven’t been to a Ducks basketball game or haven’t been inside Matthew Knight Arena, now is the time to do it. Football season may have officially ended, but that doesn’t mean you should stash your spirit gear in your closet. Show your support for your Ducks and we might just win a few more games this year.
Ice skating. The Lane County Ice Center offers public skate hours on weekends and weekday evenings. Bring a friend or two, bust out those scarves and mittens and show off your moves. The rink is open to beginners, professionals and anyone in between.
Concerts and events. Local venues will be featuring an array of shows and events this term. WOW Hall will feature Hot Buttered Rum, @@http://www.hotbutteredrum.net/@@the Vagabond Opera and many others. @@http://vagabondopera.com/@@The historic McDonald Theatre promises comedy from Demetri Martin and the sweet musical rhythms of O.A.R. Knight Arena will be hosting famous musical acts such as Lady Antebellum and Brad Paisley. It will also feature fun events such as the Professional Bull Riders as well as the creative and ridiculous Harlem Globetrotters.
Yoga. This activity is great year-round but especially perfect during the cold winter months. The rec center offers yoga classes through its cheap punch card system, and you can also check out local places such as Eugene Yoga@@http://eugeneyoga.us/@@ and Yoga West.@@http://www.yogawesteugene.com/@@
Arts and Crafts. The Craft Center at the University offers tons of classes and workshops during winter term. From ceramics to metalsmithing to printmaking, you can try just about anything. Workshops are for the beginner artist as well as the most advanced. Workshops range from around $32 to $120.
Museums. If you’ve always wanted to check out the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art @@http://jsma.uoregon.edu/@@or the Many Nations Longhouse @@http://longhouse.uoregon.edu/@@on campus, this season might be the time to attend. The JSMA offers rotating art exhibits and the Longhouse showcases local Native American communities and individuals. The JSMA will also feature monthly films through its cafe series this term such as “Unfinished Spaces,” which follows several architects on a journey to Cuba.
Cook. If you’ve been meaning to try that recipe you found online or you want to finally attempt to replicate your mom’s famous spaghetti sauce, the winter is the ideal season to attempt it. Maybe this Valentine’s Day you can show off your new-found cooking skills for your significant other instead of spending a fortune at a restaurant. Or invite your friends over and wow them with your freshly honed kitchen skills.
Study. If all else fails, what else are you going to do? It’s cold outside! Grab your textbook, bundle up and stay warm.