Whenever the first flurries of winter begin to fall, you might start to daydream of breaking out your skates and cozying up in English cottages that look like they belong in storybooks read beside a log-burning fireplace. The next time you find yourself yearning for the joy of a snow day, we invite you to plan an impromptu trip to explore Europe’s best Christmas markets or ski the Swiss Alps-places where winter is anything but gray. From Wyoming to Japan, here are gorgeous winter destinations filled with ice and snow that are sure to inspire your next trip.
A winter wonderland scene.
North America's Snowy Gems
Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park has no shortage of beautiful lakes (Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are standouts), but we love the glacial Lake Minnewanka. Located in the eastern part of the park, its epic views of the Canadian Rockies should not be missed.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
While Jackson Hole calls to all snowbirds looking to hit the slopes, the mountain resort is also a gateway into Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the National Elk Refuge, all of which can be toured in the comfort of a warm car cabin. For a bird’s eye view of the snow-covered Teton mountains, hop onto the famous Aerial Tram and summit Rendezvous Mountain where you’ll be 10,450 feet above sea level. If you’re hungry after the ride, Corbet’s Cabin serves “top of the world” waffles with comforting flavors like peanut butter and smoked bacon, nutella, and cobbler.
Aspen, Colorado
In summer, Aspen’s fields bloom with vibrant wildflowers, and come autumn, the town turns gold with fall foliage-but nothing quite beats experiencing the snowy haven of Roaring Fork Valley in the winter. A veritable playground for skiers and snowboarders, the city also offers approachable and accessible fun for all ages including tubing, snowcat escorts up the mountain for fireside dinners, and snowshoe tours.
Read also: Ice Skating in Great Neck
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
The 611-foot-tall Multnomah Falls flows through Oregon’s lush Columbia River Gorge like something out of a fairy tale. The double cascade has been known to freeze over during extremely cold weather, offering one of the most unique views in the Pacific Northwest.
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Ask anyone who’s been on an Alaskan cruise and they’ll tell you: Glacier Bay National Park is the highlight of the entire state. Spanning one million acres, the park is one of the most bio-diverse regions on the planet-expect to see whales, moose, wolverines, mountain goats, and grizzly bears among the 100+ pristine lakes.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park welcomes most of its visitors from spring to fall, but those travelers are seriously missing out. Skirt the crowds and visit during the winter when you can participate in ranger-led snowshoe hikes and winter astronomy programs. Plus, you’ll get to see those famous hoodoos in their best environment-peeking through a blanket of snow.
Central Park, New York City
There are several reasons to visit New York City during the holidays. But even after the Rockefeller Tree lights are unplugged and the Fifth Avenue shop windows go back to normal, Central Park remains one of the city’s must-visit locations (plus, a snapshot of snowy Gapstow Bridge in Central Park is bona fide Instagram gold).
Burlington, Vermont
With an annual average of roughly six feet of snow, Burlington is an easy weekend escape where you can watch the Green Mountain State turn white. Wander around cobblestone Church Street and warm up with a cup of tea or hot chocolate from the college town's many shops, or bundle up and head out onto the Colchester Causeway Park to take in the austere beauty of Lake Champlain while it's frozen over. (And don’t forget to take some maple candy for the road.)
Read also: Maximize Savings on Mount Snow Skiing
European Winter Escapes
Cotswolds, England
England’s most timeless countryside-complete with beautiful cottages, horse farms, and winding country roads-becomes a real-life painting when it gets a light dusting of snow. Feel like you're coming home at cozy inns like The Pig, or The Wild Rabbit in nearby Kingham.
Switzerland
Surrounded by the Alps, Switzerland is easily one of the most beautiful countries in the world, no matter when you’re visiting. Come wintertime though, it becomes a veritable wonderland, with powdery ski slopes, frozen lakes, and the most luxurious resort towns you'll ever see.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland is Finland’s northernmost region, and probably one of the most idyllic winter scenes you'll ever come across. There aren't many places where you can visit Santa Claus, take a reindeer sleigh ride, or sleep under the Northern Lights in a bubble sled-but Lapland offers all three.
Vienna, Austria
We’re particularly fond of the Austrian capital in the winter when you can double down on hot chocolate and Sacher torte, listen to classical holiday concerts, and Instagram Schönbrunn Palace and St. Charles Church covered in snow.
The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are the cozy cousin to the Alps’ glitzy ski towns. The area's powdery slopes can be accessed via the 86-mile Great Dolomites Road, one of the world's most beautiful alpine drives-and a perfect day trip from Venice.
Read also: MLine Pro Deck: Three-Season Performance
The Dolomites in winter.
Paris, France
We love Paris when it sizzles, but the City of Light becomes even more dazzling under a shroud of snow and Christmas lights. Most magical of all? The notorious lines to get into the Eiffel Tower and Louvre shrink to a fraction of their usual lengths.
Tromsø, Norway
Located 217 miles above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is the destination for travelers looking to spend winter at the top of the world. Famous for its midnight sun during the summer months, don't forget that the Norwegian town also experiences polar night, where sunlight is extremely limited, from late November to late January. These unique conditions make for prime viewing of the Northern Lights, and winter is also the best time of year to watch humpback whales at the fjords, stay in an ice hotel, and dash through the powder on a dog sled.
Hallstatt, Austria
Its lakeside views and 12th-century buildings make Hallstatt one of those postcard-pretty towns. Visit during the winter, and you’ll get to enjoy the snowy mountains and candlelit restaurants without the hordes of tourists.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
With its church-dotted islet and waters begging for rowboat rides, it’s no wonder Lake Bled is one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia. The site gets even more postcard-worthy when the surrounding Julian Alps become covered with snow and a fog settles over the lake.
Prague, Czech Republic
Known for its historic pubs and incredible Baroque architecture, Prague somehow becomes even better in winter. Even the most jaded travelers will find warmth in the city’s Christmas markets and mulled wine.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Just off Norway’s northwestern coast, the Lofoten Islands have clear blue waters that rival the Mediterranean, craggy mountains that rival Iceland, and enough edgy museums and fishing villages to rival...well, just pick any Scandinavian hot spot. Yet while Lofoten’s sites may draw some comparisons, the beauty here is truly unparalleled: Think colorful fishing villages, majestic fjords, and tons of opportunities to see the Northern Lights in the winter.
Jökulsárlón, Iceland
The glacial lake of Jökulsárlón and its frozen beach are considered a natural wonder of Iceland, with black volcanic sands providing a stark backdrop for the chunks of ice that wash ashore.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Built in 1886, Neuschwanstein famously served as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. But unlike the royal home in Anaheim, this clifftop structure gets to transform into an ethereal snow castle during the Bavarian winters.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn has one of the best-preserved historical centers in Europe, with many of its medieval churches and merchant houses falling under UNESCO protection. The views of the historical center from Toompea Castle are so beautiful they make the cold, Baltic winters downright bearable.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s capital city is a real-life fairytale setting, come sunshine or snow flurries. Book a trip after the holidays, when you’ll have tons of room to stroll the pedestrian-only Old Town and sip coffee by the riverside cafes.
Austria
Austria is a great destination for a classic European Christmas. Discover new cuisine and new traditions, play in the snow, go tobogganing and spend New Years Eve among the festivities in the capital city of Vienna.
Europe's Christmas Markets
Imagine a steaming cup of Glühwein warming your hands as your family shops unique Christmas treasures handcrafted by local artisans. Germany and France have some of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, making them a wonderful destination for sparking your Christmas spirit and indulging history lovers.
Asian Winter Wonders
Harbin, China
Every January in northern China, upwards of a million tourists flock to an attraction unlike anything else in the world: a temporary city made entirely out of ice. The annual Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival has taken place since 1963, covering some eight million square feet with frozen, LED-covered skyscrapers, palaces, and sculptures.
Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival.
Shirakawa-go, Japan
The coldest parts of Japan are in its northernmost regions, but nowhere is snow country more beautifully represented than in the thatched cottages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. These UNESCO-protected villages cover 170 acres in central Japan and are tucked into the mountains like real-life snow globes.
Blue Pond, Japan
The Japanese island of Hokkaido is a poster child for natural beauty, with its volcanoes and lakes becoming even more stunning come wintertime. One notable example is the Blue Pond, whose protruding trees and azure waters really know how to work those layers of ice.
Mt. Fuji, Japan
Mt. Fuji is easily one of (if not the) most beautiful places in Japan. Whether you see it framed with cherry blossoms in the spring or capped with snow and mist in the winter, the 12,388-foot mountain will absolutely leave an impression.
Yamanouchi, Japan
This town in the Japanese Alps is known for its many historic hot spring resorts, such as Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen, that date back to the country’s Nara period, over 1,300 years ago. Kicking back to relax and rejuvenate in the natural springs is not just for Yamanouchi’s human settlers: The destination is equally known for its population of Japanese Macaques, or snow monkeys, which gather around to bathe in Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Bulguksa Temple, South Korea
Built in 774, the Temple of Bulguksa is found in the incredibly scenic Gyeongju National Park on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan. The complex’s stone terraces, bridges, and pagodas look especially lovely in winter, covered by a light layer of snow.
Otherworldly Winter Experiences
Antarctica
There are few places (if any) more stunning than the world’s southernmost continent. Although 99 percent of Antarctica is covered with ice, the landscape still manages to be incredibly diverse: surreal blue glaciers, active volcanoes, the rough waterways of the Drake Passage, and 360-degree views of untouched snow. And those views are made even better when an emperor penguin or humpback whale makes an appearance.
Winter Activities Beyond Skiing
While skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities, there are many other ways to enjoy the snow.
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Sleigh Rides
- Dogsledding
- Ice Climbing
- Sledding
Whether you're hitting the slopes or simply playing in the snow, there's something about being in the snow that just makes people feel happy, and there's nothing quite like relaxing in a cozy cabin after a long day of playing in the snow.
Essential Tips for Snow Travel
Driving in the snow can be daunting, but if you follow some basic safety tips, it can be safe and not so stressful. First, make sure you have the correct chains for your tires. Next, 4-wheel drive can be a big help in getting around in the snow, so if you have it, use it. Finally, before you embark on a long drive in the snow, make sure your car is prepared for the journey. This means checking your fluids, having enough gas, and making sure your insurance is up to date.
Having warm and insulated winter boots is a key factor in keeping your body temperature from dropping in freezing conditions. An extra long and warm winter coat is perfect for lounging outside next to a fire pit and making s’mores. Packing the necessary warm winter accessories such as gloves and hats is very important.
| Destination | Key Attractions | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Banff National Park, Canada | Lake Minnewanka, Canadian Rockies | Scenic views, hiking |
| Jackson Hole, Wyoming | Yellowstone, Grand Teton | Skiing, wildlife tours |
| Lapland, Finland | Northern Lights | Reindeer sleigh rides, Santa Claus visits |
| Harbin, China | Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival | Ice sculpture viewing |
| Switzerland | Swiss Alps | Skiing, Christmas markets |
So, embrace winter when you travel and explore the freshly blanketed trails and snow-capped mountains because they are so gorgeous. If you dress appropriately and have plenty of snow to play on then you’re bound to have a good time.