As the leaves fall off the trees and morning lawns are covered in frost, students get to enjoy some of their favorite seasonal activities.

A popular favorite amongst students is skiing. There are multiple slopes in close proximity to slide into this winter. Junior Tatiana Pacheco is an avid skier and looks forward to ski season, like others. “Liberty is my favorite. Skiing is not only something I’ve enjoyed from a young age, but It’s also an opportunity for me to spend time with my family and friends,” Pacheco said.

Senior Sydney Kauff also plans on hitting the slopes this season to exercise her favorite winter activity. “Snowboarding is freeing and I love the snow. It’s the only part of the cold I like. I also love taking breaks to go get waffles or hot chocolate at the lodges,” Kauff said.

Skiers of all levels and experience come together in the school’s ski club to hit the local slopes with friends and classmates. Ski Club president and senior Jason Lee joined the ski club to be in a community of students who have a similar passion for skiing. “I really love being part of the ski club, I’ve met so many people and appreciate the opportunity to see classmates outside of school, doing an activity we all love,” Lee said.

An indication that winter has rolled around for residents is the transformation of the Rockville town square plaza into a beloved ice skating rink. The picturesque scene of a lit Christmas tree beside the ice rink full of skaters who vary in skillset captures the joy of the winter season. Friend groups, families, and couples dedicate a day to skating there at least once throughout the season. Junior Sofia Gabrielle ensured that she got the chance to visit the rink before the cold weather restricts the chance. “Going ice skating at Rockville Town Center with my friends is probably one of my favorite winter activities because I have fun talking, skating and racing with them,” Gabrielle said.

Even closer to home is a smaller mountain that doesn’t disappoint annual sledders. The Frost hill is right in Wootton’s backyard and is the epitome of a sledding hill. “I live right down the street from Frost so I always have my fingers crossed that we get good snowfall in the winter so I can go sledding down the hill. It’s a tradition that I can’t miss out on,” sophomore Matthew Zhang said.

Senior Jadon Bond appreciates Frost hill as well. “I like to sled on the Frost hill because it gives me positive memories about spending time with my sister and it makes me value my youth,” Bond said.

The highlight of winter is commonly the holidays. Junior Daniel Son enjoys celebrating Christmas with his family and friends. Styling a tree with ornaments and lights brightens numerous family rooms and countless moods. There is no better way to bring family together than participating in the whole-hearted activity of decorating homes for the holidays. “Going to the farm and cutting down a tree to decorate with my family is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. My sister came home from college to decorate the tree with us this year,” Son said.

Substitute and former teacher Anna-May Hansen has an unexpected and comedic love for a winter activity most people dread. “I love snow so much that shoveling my driveway is one of my favorite activities. I even got into a fight with my husband once because he shoveled the driveway before me,” Hansen said.