In a nation often shrouded by grey skies and chilly winds, a new campaign is lighting the way for winter enthusiasts. Double Olympic gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold, the queen of skeleton sliding, has partnered with Corona Cero to launch 'Dear Nature' – a heartfelt video ode to the great outdoors. This initiative comes at a pivotal time, just ahead of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, and it's backed by eye-opening research revealing how many Brits are missing out on simple joys like wild swimming or watching a sunset.
The Shocking Stats: Britain's Winter Indoor Habits
A recent poll conducted by OnePoll on 2,000 UK adults paints a picture of widespread 'hibernation' during the colder months. Shockingly, millions have never dipped into wild swimming, embarked on winter camping, or even paused to watch a sunset – activities that could transform mundane routines into memorable escapes. Other untried pursuits include skimming stones on a serene lake or sledging down snowy hills, evoking childhood nostalgia for many.
The data underscores a broader trend: 79% of respondents have never experienced outdoor ice skating, while the same percentage hasn't tackled skiing or snowboarding. Even more accessible activities like trail running, hiking, and stargazing remain off the radar for a significant portion of the population. A third of adults (33%) openly admit to hibernating through winter, preferring the warmth of indoors to the crisp outdoors.
Despite this reluctance, the benefits are clear. Thirty percent of those who do venture out report feeling refreshed, with 15% noting increased relaxation. Yet, 43% confess that simply stepping outside feels like too much effort in the winter chill. Weather plays a role too – 37% idealize blue skies and a crisp bite in the air over the typical rainy gloom.
Top 20 Outdoor Activities Brits Haven't Tried
The study highlights a top 20 list of nature-based experiences that many in the UK have yet to embrace:
- Ice baths
- Trail running
- Winter camping
- Skiing/snowboarding
- Outdoor ice skating
- Wild swimming
- Mountain biking
- Kayaking/canoeing
- Pony trekking/horse riding
- Fishing
- Sledging
- Bird watching
- Stargazing
- Al fresco dining
- Hiking
- Skimming stones on a lake
- Running
- Sunset watching
- Visiting a nature reserve
- Dog walking
These activities span from adrenaline-pumping adventures to peaceful contemplations, showing the diverse ways nature can enrich lives year-round.
Lizzy Yarnold: From Skeleton Slopes to National Inspiration
At the heart of the 'Dear Nature' campaign is Lizzy Yarnold, whose illustrious career in skeleton – a high-speed winter sport where athletes hurtle headfirst down icy tracks at up to 90 mph – has made her a household name in British sport. Born in Kent, Yarnold burst onto the scene with gold at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, defending her title triumphantly in PyeongChang 2018. Her journey from a young girl discovering snowy slopes to Olympic podium glory embodies the very essence of embracing nature's challenges.
'Nature has been by my side throughout my life as an athlete, from when I first stood on a snowy slope as a little girl to standing on top of the Olympic podium,' Yarnold shared. 'I hope this film acts as inspiration to the whole nation to step outside and embrace nature in the same way that the Team will in Milano-Cortina this winter.'
Yarnold isn't alone in this mission. The video features fellow British Olympians Matt Weston (skeleton), Billy Major (snowboard cross), and Katie Ormerod (snowboard slopestyle), each with their own tales of outdoor triumphs. Together, they showcase how disconnecting from daily drudgery and reconnecting with nature can fuel personal growth and resilience – qualities essential for athletes and everyday people alike.
Corona Cero's Role in Reviving Outdoor Spirits
As the first non-alcoholic beer sponsor of the Olympic Winter Games, Corona Cero is leveraging its 'born in nature' ethos to combat indoor isolation. The brand's spokesperson, Jessica McGeorge-Stevens, emphasized: 'As a brand born in nature, Corona exists to remind us our best lives are lived outside, whether that’s on the beach or in the mountains, but we are spending more of our time inside than ever before. Through ‘Dear Nature,’ we are heroing our athletes' unique relationship with the outdoors to inspire the nation to come out of hibernation and celebrate every golden moment regardless of the season.'
This partnership extends beyond promotion; it's a call to action. When Brits do brave the cold, popular outings include neighborhood walks or park strolls (29%), woodland explorations (18%), or coastal visits (10%). The campaign encourages expanding these horizons, perhaps by trying a local nature reserve or stargazing under clear winter skies.
Why Now? The Broader Impact on Health and Well-Being
Winter in the UK can be daunting, with shorter days and unpredictable weather contributing to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for many. Yet, research consistently shows that outdoor exposure boosts mental health, vitamin D levels, and overall vitality. The 'Dear Nature' initiative aligns with growing post-pandemic awareness of nature's therapeutic power, especially as hybrid work lifestyles blur boundaries between home and adventure.
For aspiring outdoor enthusiasts, starting small is key. A brisk dog walk or sunset vigil can be gateways to bolder pursuits like winter hiking or even introductory skeleton sessions at UK tracks. Yarnold's story proves that from humble beginnings, extraordinary achievements – and joys – can follow.
As the Milano-Cortina Games approach, this campaign isn't just about elite athletes; it's a nationwide invitation. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a total novice, stepping out could be the spark needed to thaw winter blues and rediscover the magic in Britain's natural landscapes.
In a world increasingly digital, Lizzy Yarnold and Corona Cero remind us: nature's call is timeless, and winter is no exception.
