For whatever reason, it seems that many Spokanites have developed an unusual compulsion––especially for such a proudly “four-season” community––to loudly denounce winter, and everything that comes with it. The snow. The cold. The ice. The driving. Perhaps several years of snowfall records in the past decade have taken their toll on our region’s collective psyche.

But it’s worth a friendly reminder every so often that we are blessed to live in a community with such a vibrant and energetic winter season––and we should take advantage at every opportunity.

Five ski resorts beckon to winter sports enthusiasts within just a two-hour drive, and unlike the big-name resorts of Utah or Colorado, they remain accessible, with relatively inexpensive lift tickets, frequent discounts and well-developed learn-to-ski programs. This combination of abundant terrain, plentiful snowfall, and affordability prompted the skiers’ magazine Powder to name Spokane one of four “next American ski towns.”

If skiing or snowboarding aren’t your style, we’re also developing more winter-friendly infrastructure downtown. The new Riverfront Park Ice Ribbon officially opened to the public in December, and the new venue––the first of its kind on the West Coast––starts to give a sense of what might be possible when a city like ours fully embraces the winter outdoors. Outdoor art markets, outdoor concerts, outdoor performances start to become less unthinkable.

But maybe winter recreation isn’t for you––you’re just interested in getting through to spring.

Well, you might still be interested to hear that there’s a whole movement in urban planning toward planning for cities which are livable, inviting and enjoyable during the winter months. Born in northern cities like Minneapolis and Calgary in the 1980s, we see some elements of that vision in Spokane, with our extensive skywalk system and downtown mall. These other cities also worked on ensuring public transit reliability in snow and preventing the chilly wind tunnel effect that results from some skyscrapers.

As Spokane recommits to winter––in particular by placing an innovative, yet permanent skating ribbon at one of its most prominent intersections—let’s think about ways we can more properly plan the winter months into our thinking about the city.

Could we heat certain intersections and sidewalks to reduce the need for corrosive deicer and time-consuming snow removal? Are there patio and alleyway spaces which could be heated for outdoor music and events? Do we need to think more critically about the amenities we place at bus stops, when it comes to winter use?

Love the snow or hate it, it’s here every year. Whether through outdoor recreation or more thoughtful planning, we might as well embrace the winter months in a thoughtful, creative way—and maybe make our city stand out more because of it.

What else can we do to inspire pride in our livable winter city?

Anthony Gill is an economic development professional and the founder of Spokane Rising, an urbanist blog focused on ways to make our city a better place to live.