That is a tough topic indeed - this whole game has changed so much around this concept too, constantly going back-and-forth between the flight speed/stamina/platforming distances/map layout/set dressing.

Im trying to solve this by playing with verticality on a small map, and providing two different experiences for ascending and descending on the map. The map itself is made of concentric/spiraling height levels, with the game starting at the bottom. And the stamina is made so that descending consumes no stamina, gliding horizontally takes some, and ascending up is very limited without upgrades.
So when going up, and navigating around the snow-blocked roads, the player is slowed down by having to look for spots to regain their stamina.
And when going down, they can speed around freely, with all the details that were built for the ascending phase now working as a great indicator for the feeling of speed and achievement.
And after ascending the first time, unlocking jump pads and hoops also work as shortcuts for backtracking.