Summer sun feels warm and comforting, but there’s something truly special about cold air. The crispness, the freshness, and the calm can make you feel instantly energized. A recent survey in Santa’s Lapland, Finland, shows just how much people enjoy cold air and the benefits it brings.
According to the survey:
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73% of people love breathing in crisp, cold air.
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74% say spending time outdoors in winter improves their mental wellbeing.
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63% feel winter cold air smells fresher and cleaner than in other seasons.
Science supports these feelings, showing that cold air can be more refreshing and better for your senses than warm air.
Why Cold Air Feels Better
Meteorologist Jim Dale explains that there are three main reasons cold air feels so refreshing:
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Cold air reduces strong human-made smells
Warm air tends to carry smells more strongly. Traffic, food, and other human-made odors spread easily when it’s warm. But cold air slows the spread of these smells, letting natural scents—like pine trees, snow, and wood fires—stand out. -
Snow and frost act as natural filters
Snow can trap strong odors like manure, pollution, or other unpleasant smells. Frost slows down odor molecules, which makes the air feel cleaner. Spending time outside in snow-covered forests or open fields means you’re surrounded by cold air that smells pure and fresh. -
Cold air often comes from cleaner places
The cold air blowing in winter usually originates from unpolluted areas like mountains, forests, or open seas. Because of this, it feels naturally clean and refreshing when it reaches you.
Mental and Physical Benefits of Cold Air
Breathing cold air is not just refreshing—it’s also good for your body and mind. Studies show that:
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Exposure to cold air can improve focus and mental clarity.
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Walking or exercising in cold air can boost your energy and reduce fatigue.
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The crispness of cold air helps you feel more awake and alert.
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Being outside in cold air can reduce stress, calm the mind, and even lift your mood.
It’s no wonder that so many people prefer winter walks or outdoor adventures to warm summer days.
Best Places to Experience Cold Air
If you want to enjoy the purest cold air, Santa’s Lapland in Finland is a top choice. Finland is ranked by the World Health Organization as the country with the cleanest air in the world. In Lapland, the winter landscape is covered in snow, and the forests are full of pine trees and frozen lakes. Every breath of cold air here feels refreshing, crisp, and energizing.
Other places known for their fresh cold air include:
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The Swiss Alps: High mountains and snow make the cold air pure and invigorating.
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Northern Canada: Vast forests and lakes provide clean, natural cold air.
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Iceland: Coastal winds and open landscapes bring refreshing cold air with every inhale.
Spending time in these locations can leave you feeling revitalized and mentally refreshed.
Activities to Enjoy in Cold Air
Winter is the perfect season to enjoy the benefits of cold air. Here are some activities that let you breathe deeply and feel energized:
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Winter walks in the forest: The quiet, snow-covered landscapes let you enjoy pure cold air.
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Skiing or snowboarding: Moving through snowy slopes while breathing in fresh cold air is both fun and healthy.
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Ice skating: Outdoor rinks offer an opportunity to exercise while inhaling crisp cold air.
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Northern Lights tours: Watching the aurora borealis in Lapland combines beauty and fresh cold air.
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Snowshoeing or hiking: Explore winter trails while enjoying the mental boost of cold air.
Even simple activities like sipping hot cocoa on a snowy terrace or walking through a frost-covered park allow you to enjoy the refreshing effects of cold air.
Tips to Make the Most of Cold Air
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Dress in layers: Keep warm but let your face breathe the crisp cold air.
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Stay hydrated: Winter can be dry, so drink water while enjoying the cold air.
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Spend time outdoors: Even short walks in cold air can boost mood and energy.
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Breathe deeply: Take slow, deep breaths to maximize the benefits of cold air.
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Combine with nature: Forests, lakes, and snowy landscapes enhance the purity and freshness of cold air.
By following these tips, you can enjoy cold air safely and make the most of its mental and physical benefits.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about cold air. It’s crisp, refreshing, and pure, and it brings both mental and physical benefits. From reducing unwanted smells to boosting focus and wellbeing, cold air is truly a gift of winter.