Should Zoom spell the end of the classic snow day? We have some thoughts

You couldn’t pay us to be a kid in 2021 (not that anyone’s paying us to be an adult). Here’s the latest reason why: The snow day is going the way of the dodo. At the start of winter, some area schools announced that in the event of inclement weather, they’d move to virtual learning rather than give kids a day off. It makes sense. COVID-19 has forced us to become experts in Google Classroom. But it’s also made us pros at appreciating, well, everything, especially the stuff that’s not a part of our everyday routine. And in 2021, a mere dusting of snow on an otherwise normal Wednesday counts as a reason to do it up big. At least one district agrees with us. Late last year, Francis Howell Superintendent Dr. Nathan Hoven wrote that as long as the winter isn’t particularly brutal, he wanted to continue the snow day tradition. Here, four classic St. Louis ways to celebrate an ordinary snow day.

1. TOAST THE TOWN

Why do St. Louisans love making French toast on a snow day? It’s programmed into us (as is waiting until the very last minute to go to Schnucks for bread, eggs, and milk). This year, you’re going to have to go beyond brioche to make the meal memorable. Stuff the French toast with Nutella. Or toss it with cinnamon sugar immediately after frying for a churro-like effect. Or don’t even use regular bread: Sub in banana bread. Blow your kids’ minds. You’re basically giving them cake for breakfast.

2. GET ON MOUNTAIN TIME

Work off the epic French toast with a little exercise by booking a day at Hidden Valley. This year, access to the mountain will be managed with a reservation system, face coverings will be required at the resort, and skiers will only be able to ride the chair lifts with fellow pandemic bubble members. Kids can start ski lessons as young as age 3. For the adults, world-class instructors can teach you to schuss down the slopes like a pro, too. Mild winter? Don’t worry about it: You can still count on this retreat to deliver a snowy white wonderland.

3. RUN FOR THE HILLS

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly outdoor activity, there’s no shortage of good—and free—sledding hills in the St. Louis area. Art Hill is classic, sure, but why not try the Man Maker hill—eek—at Sioux Passage Park, in North County, or Bum’s Hollow at Blanchette Park, in St. Charles? Little ones will enjoy the long, easy hill at Suson Park, in South County. Sioux Passage is also a designated winter sports area, if you’re the type of family that owns a snowmobile.

4. SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM

Close out the day with another sweet treat: snow ice cream, the OG frozen treat incorporating sweetened condensed milk, sugar, vanilla, and, duh, snow. You’ll need about 4 cups of the fluffy white stuff, so set a mixing bowl outside ahead of a snowstorm for easy collection.

For a complete list of the best sledding hills in St. Louis