Lizzy Yarnold Inspires Brits to Ditch Winter Hibernation
In the heart of a chilly British winter, where grey skies and endless rain often keep us glued to our screens, a new poll is shining a light on just how much we're missing out on nature's simple joys. Double Olympic gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold, the skeleton sensation who conquered the icy tracks of Sochi and PyeongChang, is leading the charge to get the nation moving. Partnering with Corona Cero, the first non-alcoholic beer sponsor of the Olympic Winter Games, Yarnold is promoting the 'Dear Nature' campaign – a heartfelt reminder that stepping outside can transform our winter routines.
The Shocking Poll: Britain's Outdoor Blind Spots
A recent survey of 2,000 adults, conducted by OnePoll.com and commissioned by Corona Cero, uncovers a startling truth: millions of Brits are essentially 'hibernating' through the colder months. One in three adults (33%) admits to retreating indoors when temperatures drop, missing out on a wealth of outdoor experiences that could invigorate body and mind.
At the top of the list of untried activities? Ice baths, with a whopping number of respondents never having braved the chill for this trendy wellness ritual. Wild swimming, that exhilarating dip in natural waters, has eluded many, as has winter camping under the stars. Even something as serene as watching a sunset – a free, awe-inspiring moment – remains an uncharted territory for a significant portion of the population.
Top 20 Outdoor Activities Brits Haven't Tried
- Ice baths
- Trail running
- Winter camping
- Skiing/snowboarding
- Outdoor ice skating
- Wild swimming
- Mountain biking
- Kayaking/canoeing
- Pony trekking/horse riding
- Fishing
- Sledging
- Bird watching
- Stargazing
- Al fresco dining
- Hiking
- Skimming stones on a lake
- Running
- Ski jumping (for the brave)
- Snowshoeing
- Foraging in woods
Nearly 80% have never laced up for outdoor ice skating, and the same percentage hasn't hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding. Trail running through muddy paths, hiking rugged trails, and stargazing on clear nights are also popular omissions. Simpler pleasures like sledging down a snowy hill or skimming stones across a lake? Untouched by many.
Despite this reluctance, the poll reveals a silver lining: 30% of those who do venture out feel refreshed afterward, with 15% reporting reduced stress levels. Yet, 43% see leaving the house as too much effort in winter, preferring the warmth of Netflix over nature's embrace.
Lizzy Yarnold: From Skeleton Slopes to National Inspiration
Lizzy Yarnold, the 36-year-old from Kent, knows a thing or two about defying the cold. As Team GB's most successful Winter Olympian in skeleton – the high-speed sport where athletes hurtle headfirst down an ice track at up to 90 mph – she clinched gold in Sochi 2014 and defended her title in PyeongChang 2018. Her journey began as a young girl on snowy slopes, a passion that propelled her to the pinnacle of sport.
Now retired from competition, Yarnold is channeling her love for the outdoors into advocacy. 'Nature has been by my side throughout my life as an athlete, from when I first stood on a snowy slope as a little girl to standing on top of the Olympic podium,' she shared. 'I hope this film acts as inspiration to the whole nation to step outside and embrace nature in the same way that the Team will in Milano-Cortina this winter.'
The 'Dear Nature' video, a poetic ode to the outdoors, features Yarnold alongside fellow British Olympians Matt Weston (skeleton), Billy Major (snowboard cross), and Katie Ormerod (snowboard slopestyle). It invites communities to disconnect from monotonous routines and rediscover the thrill of winter adventures, timed perfectly ahead of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics.
Weather Woes and What Brits Really Want
British winters aren't always inviting, with 37% of respondents disliking clouds and rain. Their ideal? Blue skies with a crisp chill – conditions that scream for a brisk walk. When Brits do brave the elements, a neighbourhood stroll or park visit tops the list (29%), followed by woodland explorations (18%) or coastal jaunts (10%).
This aligns with Yarnold's message: nature isn't just for summer. Her experiences training in harsh conditions highlight how the cold can build resilience and joy. 'I've faced blizzards and bone-chilling winds, but those moments outside made me stronger,' she reflects in the campaign.
Corona Cero's Role: Sipping on Inspiration
As the official non-alcoholic beer sponsor for the upcoming Winter Olympics, Corona Cero – a brand 'born in nature' – is leveraging its platform to combat indoor inertia. Spokesperson Jessica McGeorge-Stevens emphasized: 'We are spending more time inside than ever before. Through 'Dear Nature,' we are heroing our athletes’ unique relationship with the outdoors to inspire the nation to come out of hibernation and celebrate every golden moment regardless of the season.'
The campaign isn't just talk; it's a call to action. With the Olympics on the horizon, Yarnold and her peers aim to spark a movement, encouraging families, friends, and individuals to try one new activity – whether it's a sunset vigil or a snowy sledge.
Why It Matters: Health, Happiness, and the Great Outdoors
Beyond the stats, this poll underscores a broader wellness trend. In an era of sedentary lifestyles and mental health challenges, reconnecting with nature offers proven benefits. Studies from organizations like the National Trust echo these findings: even short outdoor exposure boosts mood, vitamin D levels, and physical fitness.
For Yarnold, it's personal. Post-retirement, she's advocated for mental health in sport, drawing parallels to how nature grounded her during high-pressure training. As she prepares to cheer on the next generation in Italy, her message resonates: winter doesn't have to be a shutdown. It's a season for discovery.
So, next time you eye the rain-lashed window, think of Lizzy Yarnold hurtling down an ice chute. Grab your coat – a world of wild swims, starry nights, and snowy thrills awaits. The poll may highlight what we've missed, but it's never too late to start.
This article was informed by a OnePoll survey commissioned by Corona Cero, published in The Sun on February 10, 2026.
