These Perfect Cold-Weather Travel Destinations Are Made for Snow Bunnies ❄️
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While “peak travel season” may be shorthand for the balmy summer months—June through September in the northern hemisphere—there are plenty of destinations that beckon when the temperatures drop and the sun follows suit, sometimes scarily early in the day. And, really, who can resist the allure of a roaring fire? From the coast of Maine to the peaks of the French Alps, embracing the brrr is easy with these picture-perfect destinations. So gear up in your coziest sweater, throw a log on the fire, and get ready to plan the ultimate winter-weather getaway. Here are 40 of the best places to visit in the winter.
Hallstatt, Austria
Maybe most famous for allegedly inspiring the settings in Disney’s Frozen movies, Hallstatt, Austria, is a tiny Alpine village between Salzburg and Vienna. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s also a popular day trip destination thanks to its scenic lake views and charming Old Town.
Greenland
What Greenland lacks in major urban centers, it more than makes up for in remote arctic villages, if that’s your thing! From dogsledding to hiking—and make sure you catch the northern lights!—Greenland is bound to whet the appetite of the most adventurous among us.
St. Louis, Missouri
Foodies will flock to STL for its diverse and budget-friendly restaurant scene, but there’s something for everyone in this Midwestern metropolis. Whether that’s simply selfies in front of the Gateway Arch or a night spent rink-side watching the local hockey team, the St. Louis Blues, is your call.
The Scottish Highlands
Whether you’re keen on a pilgrimage to Loch Ness or want to hike through Cairngorms National Park, the U.K.’s largest, the Scottish Highlands is a picturesque wintry destination. Make an itinerary of the local castles, or stay at the Fife Arms, a former Victorian coaching inn in the town of Braemar, where they host the Highland Games in September.
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Seoul, South Korea
The popularity of South Korean TV has surged in recent years thanks to Netflix—Squid Game, anyone? But even if you haven’t been making a bucket list of iconic locations to visit from your favorite shows, Seoul in the winter is a great place to cozy up with a spicy bowl of budae jjigae and drop in on a local palace museum to live out your Joseon-era fantasy.
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Dublin, Ireland
From its Gothic cathedrals to its contemporary art galleries, Dublin is steeped in culture. Plan a day trip to the blustery Atlantic coast to take in the view from the Cliffs of Moher, then make your way back to the city to unwind with a pint and a guided tour at the Guinness Storehouse.
Copenhagen, Denmark
This picturesque port city is famously home to a very well known mermaid, alongside some of the world’s best restaurants and museums—including stylist Colin King’s personal favorite haunt, the Thorvaldsens Museum. Raise a glass to toast the chill, then check out some of the best in Nordic design.
Kennebunkport, Maine
There’s a reason why Kennebunkport is so popular regardless of the season. From the quaint coastline to the charming downtown shops, the picturesque town’s appeal lasts far beyond lobster rolls and beachcombing season.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
This luxury alpine resort town is more than just a ski destination. It's long history (it was the birthplace of Alpine tourism) gives the area its old-world charm, while the constantly evolving town is the perfect landing spot for a dream-like vacation. Think polo on the frozen lakes, skiing all the way into the night (2 a.m. ski-sesh, anyone?) and apres-ski amenities like no other.
Lyon, France
Lyon’s famous Festival of Lights is enough to make the trip to this lively French city, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Every winter, France celebrates Mother Mary with the Lyonnaise tradition where every house places candles on the outsides of their windows to create a unified glow across the city. Visitors can also expect light shows at Basilica of Fourvière and the Place des Terreaux, a worthy spectacle for travelers and natives alike.
Mt. Cayambe, Ecuador
Mt. Cayambe—the permanently snow-capped volcano located in the Ecuadorian Andes—is the only point on the equator that is covered in snow, making it a magical winter destination perfect for the adventure seeker. A casual hike along a lake or up a mountain will likely be backed by the breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountains.
Big Bear Lake, California
The small city of Big Bear Lake has largely become a popular travel destination during the winter, with the beloved Bear Mountain ski resort and family-friendly Snow Summit ski resort. Big Bear Lake Village—the commercial area of the ski town—is lined with local shops, boutiques, and restaurants, making it the perfect place to enjoy the snowy season and escape the cold in town’s cozy spots.
Condon, Montana
Condon, Montana is a worthwhile trip even if it starts and ends at Holland Peak Ranch. The dreamy retreat—comprised of three luxury residences and over 1,000 acres of scenic prairies—is an all-star spot, no matter the season. The quiet, unincorporated community of Condon is the perfect place to escape bustling life and take a moment to indulge in a cool, cozy respite.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Situated within Slovenia’s Julian Alps is Lake Bled, an idyllic body of water that surrounds the Bled Island. While picturesque year-round, it’s during the winter that the lake becomes a true spectacle, with skiing and other attractions include the Vintgar gorge, waterfalls, and caves.
Harbin City, China
Nicknamed the “Ice City,” Harbin, China is known for its long and cold winters (snow season can last almost half a year); a time when the city truly shines. Because of the prolonged colder weather, there are plenty of chilly activities to enjoy, from skiing at their famous Yabuli Ski Resort to attending the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, which lasts for an entire month.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat is home to Champagne Powder®, and no that trademark is not a typo. Experienced ski bums know the west coast typically has heavy, wet powder. (Sorry, but it’s true!) Not so in Steamboat, where the powder is light, fluffy, and genuinely effervescent. Don’t expect to rub elbows with Hollywood celebrities, though. Instead, it’s Olympians you’ll likely spot in the working—read: no fake chalets—ski village. If your quads are cooked on day three of skiing, spend a morning fly-fishing the Yampa River.
Bergen, Norway
Stock up on Norwegian sweaters at the Oleana textile factory, fly up the Fløibanen funicular bullet railway for the best views of the city, then ski down one of the seven famous mountains. Or stay at sea level—or fjord level—and Instagram the adorable fishing town to your heart’s content.
Lake Tahoe, California
It’s a pretty trippy experience to land in sunny San Francisco, grab an In ’n Out burger, soak in the sun—and then drive headlong into a blizzard. But that’s what’s so magical about this spot, which is just under four hours from SFO. There’s something decidedly low-key about Tahoe—likely, the giant alpine namesake lake sends out soothing, unsnooty vibes.
Banff, Canada
This postcard-perfect resort town nestled between Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade in Banff National Park is home to Lake Louise, an alpine lake famed for hue of the water. Depending on the light, it can lean turquoise, lapis, or sapphire. Go for the skiing, the hot springs, and the cleanest, crispest mountain air.
Saariselka, Finland
The primary attraction in this northern Finland hamlet is the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, where you can stay in one of dozens of glass igloos with unprecedented views of the Northern Lights. Log cabins are available for those who want a more traditional cozy take; snow igloos for those who want to get even more Olaf.
Quebec City, Canada
A trip to Quebec City is straight out of a holiday card: wintry strolls along cobblestone streets, views of the iconic Château Frontenac Hotel and Citadelle of Québec, and the natural wonder of the Montmorency Falls. Extreme winter devotees can enjoy a cocktail by the fire or even spend the night in the Hôtel de Glace—a hotel made entirely out of snow and glass.
Munich, Germany
You could spend an entire winter vacation eating and shopping your way through Munich’s various Christmas markets. Warm yourself up between jaunts in one of the city’s classic beer halls.
Sugarbush, Vermont
If you like fresh powder and maple syrup, Sugarbush, Vermont is a great place to while away a few winter days. Spend the sunlight shredding on its nearly 500 acres of skiable mountains, then cap off the night by eating and drinking in the Mad River Valley.
Alta Badia, Italian Alps
Vacationing in the six villages of Alta Badia is best for those who want to build up an appetite skiing, then gorge themselves on South Tyrolean specialities and wines in cozy restaurants and mountain huts.
Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth is a next-level playland for outdoor adventurists. You can go nordic skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, and dogsledding—or sit back with something warm (and strong) in one of the area’s top-knotch breweries and distilleries.
Nagano, Japan
Nagano is a wintry mix of good things: a hot spring resort with cobblestone lanes and traditional wooden inns, an annual snow festival, renowned skiing, and—best of all—the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where Japanese macaques chill out in the steaming hot springs.
Prague, Czech Republic
Hit Prague’s historic cafés and take in holiday events, like the Prague Christmas market in the Old Town Square and the Three Kings procession. Or, later in the season, go for a spin on the ice skating rinks before saying farewell to winter at the Bohemian Carnevale parties.
Salzburg, Austria
If you’re more of a music buff than a skier, you can hit Salzburg’s “Silent Night” museum and learn about the song’s storied history, visit Mozarts Geburtshaus, or go a little more contemporary and tour a home featured in The Sound of Music.
Bavaria, Germany
Winter sport enthusiasts and snow lovers alike will find plenty to do in Bavaria, Germany. The area’s many snowy peaks offer visitors the chance to ski, sled, snowtube, and ice climb. If you do need a break from the cold, just head to the spa region for a little relaxation and pampering.
New Paltz, New York
A Victorian castle resort built in 1869, the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz is a picturesque winter retreat that can please a group. Adventurers can go snow shoeing, cross countrying skiing and ice skating before warming up in front of the resort’s 39-foot-tall stone fireplace. Indoor types can watch the snow from the spa or the farm-to-table restaurants.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado is one of the most quintessential wintery towns in America, so it’s no surprise that it plays host to a number of cold weather-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy the snow and brisk air with sleigh rides, snowmobiles and outdoor ice skating.
Big Sky, Montana
Though Big Sky is not technically its own town, the community that calls itself the gateway to Yellowstone has made a name for itself as a winter haven. Big Sky is home to the most skiable terrain in America, so winter sport enthusiasts abound.
Chamonix, French Alps
Located in the French Alps, Chamonix is a vision when it’s covered in powdery fresh snow. Hit up the charming town to enjoy unbeatable views of the snow-covered mountains, while staying in your own ski chalet.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska is not only home to a portion of the world famous Iditarod dog sled race and the World Ice Art Championship, you can also catch sight of the stunning Northern Lights in the town that saw its first snowfall in September this year.
Kiruna, Sweden
A few miles outside of Kiruna sits the Ice Hotel, an art exhibition and hotel made from fresh ice and snow from a river just north of the Arctic Circle. The 80-room hotel is only open during the winter months, and must be rebuilt each year after melting in the spring.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming transforms into a truly impressive winter wonderland each winter, when the town is covered in snow and visitors descend upon the area to take advantage of the skiing, snowmobiling, and stunning views.
Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah’s two resorts—Deer Valley and Park City Mountain—offer visitors a combined 7,300 acres of snowy terrain to explore by ski or snowboard. The town is also home to the Sundance Film Festival, bobsled rides, and the world’s only ski-in distillery.
Patagonia, Argentina
Head to Patagonia, Argentina to experience the Andes Mountains in their snow-covered glory, or check out the Los Glaciares National Park to experience breath-taking icy glaciers.
Reykjavík, Iceland
After serving as the backdrop for several integral scenes in Game of Thrones, Reykjavík is on many travelers’ bucket list. Beyond its Hollywood connection, the town offers visitors the chance to hike glaciers and escape the cold with a visit to natural hot springs.
Whistler Village, British Columbia
The snowy mountains and charming small town vibes make Whistler Village in Canada’s British Columbia a must-visit for any winter fans, especially for those looking to get in some quality outdoor adventures in the form of snowshoeing, skiing, tubing, or ice climbing.
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