It was a spontaneous decision, something we still get happy about when we think back: early Sunday afternoon we drove last minute to our holiday home to enjoy the fantastic "winter sports" weather. With the sled in the trunk and warm clothes on, it was a fantastic afternoon full of snow fun.
We selected some hills on the forest hills near the park (Schenkenshul) to make several descents. This is about a quarter of an hour's walk from our holiday home.
How often does snow lie on the Veluwe?
To really understand how special such an afternoon is, it's interesting to look at how often the Veluwe experiences winter magic: how often snow falls, and how often there's really a white landscape.
According to KNMI, snow in the Netherlands is decreasing significantly due to climate change. The number of days per year with a closed snow cover in De Bilt was still 23 days around 1961, nowadays it's only 3 days. The number of frost days (days when the minimum temperature drops below zero) has also decreased drastically: around 1965 there were an average of 67 frost days per year, nowadays it's only 40. (KNMI)
For the Veluwe, this means that winters are surprises: you never know exactly how much snow you'll get. Sometimes a thin layer, sometimes nothing, sometimes a beautiful white day. That's exactly what gives a day like this extra value. In December 2017, a snow cover of no less than 34 centimeters was even measured in Hoog-Soeren on the Veluwe, an exceptional situation that shows how variable winter weather can be. Due to warming, snow is becoming increasingly rare, so enjoy it when you get the chance!
Why such days stick with you
An afternoon like this reminds you that spontaneous outings are often the most beautiful. You don't have a busy schedule, no concrete goal, just enjoy everything: the cold, the silence, nature. This is what winter does: it slows things down. And you're always surprised by it.
Tip: The next time you see snow lying on the Veluwe, just pack the sled in the car and go! Such moments have become increasingly rare, so enjoy them when you get the chance. Bring warm clothing, gloves, and maybe a thermos of hot chocolate. It will undoubtedly be an afternoon to remember.