SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - What better way to shake those winter blues than to get outside and own the elements.

Johanna French serves the ball during the snow volleyball tournament on Great Slave Lake Saturday. - Katherine Hudson/NNSL photo

About 20 avid volleyball players heaved on their snow-pants, boots and gloves to take part in the fifth annual snow volleyball tournament on Great Slave Lake on Saturday.

With the Snowcastle as a backdrop, people ran, slid and dove on the snow as volleyballs sailed through the crisp air.

It was perhaps a celebration of lengthening days after a long winter and a chance to break out of that cabin fever and enjoy the sport in the fresh air.

"The weather's warmed up a little bit, the sun is shining, it's not (-40 C) right now, there's no wind. There are good people and we're having a ball," said player Don Pittman.

Player Hilary Bird said although it's a little more strenuous to run around on a court of snow, the love of the game is the same indoors or out.

"It's a lot harder in the snow. You're wearing big boots, snow pants, lots of layers, hats and mitts which is really hard for hitting the ball. It's a different game for sure, but a lot of fun," she said. "The sun's coming back, so what better way to come out and celebrate than play a really fun indoor sport outside in the snow."

Founder of the event and president of Yk Beach Volleyball, Becca Kroeger said more people have turned out for this year's tournament than any other.

She said it's a great way to use the elements to your advantage and not let the cold or snow deter you from doing what you love.

"The snow volleyball is the first time we can actually get outside and play the game we love to play all summer long," she said.

"That's where the inspiration came from. You go outside and you wear layers and you're as warm as can be. Why not play your favourite sport outside in the middle of winter?"

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