Canadian professional cyclists took some time off during the holidays to enjoy time with friends, family and mother nature. Many Canadian cyclists spent the majority of the cold winter months in warmer locations that allow them to better prepare for the season ahead. That doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy winter activities and over the holidays many took advantage of their time in the great white north.

Leah Kirchmann returned to her hometown of Winnipeg for the holidays and to stay active she went cross country skate skiing. The conditions certainly looked excellent with fresh powder on the ground.

Antoine Duchesne certainly enjoyed Christmas Canadian style going for a dog sled ride.

Karol-Ann Canuel took a break from the road bike to hop on a fat bike on a snowy day.

Fresh snow on Christmas day also meant that Canuel donned her kit and helmet to do some sledding off the front porch. “Sponsor correct,” as Michael Woods noted (@rusty_woods).

Alex Cataford was back in Ottawa for the holidays after a training camp in California with his new UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling team. There is no better time than the holidays to enjoy a good hockey game. The Ottawa Senators took the win over the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 22 by a score of 2-1 in overtime.

Olympic medalist Catharine Pendrel enjoyed the beautiful winter scenery in her home of Kamloops, B.C.

And went down hill skiing with the family at Sun Peaks Resort.

Before heading to California, Raphaël Gagné enjoyed plenty of winter activities in his home province of Quebec including fat biking and cross country skiing.

Whether to cross train or simply to enjoy the beautiful winter landscapes of our cold and snowy country, these pros definitely found ways to enjoy their time at home. Now many of them will likely head to warmer climates to hone their form for their 2017 goals.