Stay Cool With These Fun Winter Facts!
Everyday STEM Trends in STEMDate February 2, 2026
Est. Reading Time 2 mins
Winter is a wonderful time to explore – from frosty temperatures to unique sports and interesting weather phenomena, there’s always something new to learn! Keep reading to uncover fun facts about this special season.
Keeping the Winter Olympics Cool
Winter Olympic sports often rely on snow or ice. What happens when the weather doesn’t cooperate with the scheduled events? No, the athletes do not get the day off, but instead they rely on all or some artificial snow! In fact, this helps to control the consistency and characteristics of the snow used in these events, adjusting the course based on the sport.
The Color of Snow
While we may think of snow as white, what we see is just the reflection of light scattering – the snow itself is translucent. But did you know a special species of fresh-water algae also can turn snow pink? It’s true, but you probably won’t see this in your backyard. It’s often found high up on mountains.
Preventing Slick Roads With Salt
While you’re riding in a car, you may notice a big truck spraying salt on freezing roads. These trucks are not seasoning the street, but instead lowering the freezing point of the water on the street to make it harder for ice to form. The more salt that dissolves in the water, the lower the temperature must be for ice to form, keeping our roads safe for drivers!
White Winter Camouflage
Some animals travel to warmer climates or hibernate through the cold season, but others get creative to stay safe. A great example of this is the snowshoe hare! They go from beautiful brown fur in warmer weather to striking white coats as days get shorter. By changing the color of their fur, they can better blend into snowy landscapes, evading predators who might otherwise ruin their winter.
Bring Learning to Life
Now that you’ve learned some new fun facts about winter, we challenge you to make seasonal discoveries of your own! From trying something new to investigating local winter wildlife, keep an open mind and an adventurous spirit as you unlock the beauty hidden within this snowy season. Follow our Cool Winter Checklist to track your family’s progress!