Have you always wanted to visit the perfect winter wonderland?
Whether you enjoy skiing or other winter sports, there is something magical about spending a few weeks away from it all in a snowy location. This doesn’t mean that only those who do not get snow in their states should make use of this time for a winter wonderland holiday, but rather that it could be very beneficial to visit some other places that are different from your own snowy state,
We have gathered some amazing, certified winter wonderland destinations that you should visit if you love traveling during this time of year, whether you are looking for some more local U.S. destinations or you are ready for an abroad experience.
No matter if you ski or not, we assure you that you will not get bored in these amazing destinations as most of them offer a ton of other winter activities to try out, which will give you that unique and relaxing vacation!
Even better, you may be able to catch the northern lights in some of them! Let us know which one of them made your travel bucket list!
Vail, Colorado
If you’re looking for a true winter wonderland that you can definitely visit after the holidays with no issue, it is definitely this picturesque, amazing location in Colorado. Vail is one of the most popular Rocky Mountain ski resorts in the country, and there is definitely no doubt about it. After all, there are over 5,000 acres of ski slopes to try and even other snow-covered trails to go on if you choose to come here.
They will certainly have enough snow, and visitors who have been coming here for years rave not only about the slopes and other winter activities available but also about the resorts.
You do not have to know how to ski to be able to enjoy Vail; you just have to keep an open mind. Otherwise, the Vail Village is the perfect blend of modern and old charms, and you can easily enjoy hot cocoa by the fire or go enjoy a nice champagne dinner!
And if you want to do something that involves a little bit less snow in this winter wonderland, you should make sure to check out the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum and Hall of Fame!
St. Moritz, Switzerland
While Switzerland is known to be a haven for people who love skiing and a certified winter wonderland renowned for its skiing slopes, you should also keep in mind that the fun does not stop once the sun goes down. You can go skiing in the Swiss Alps even at night!
Just imagine it! A clear sky, the quintessential quiet that comes along with the night, the moon shining, and all the stars you could ever want to see, all while going down some of the best skiing slopes in the world! There’s nothing better than that, and even if it may sound a bit odd, you should give it a try if you love winter sports. Sure, you can do this in other parts of the world as well, but there’s something special about Switzerland!
The cable cars here work until 1:40 a.m. just for this reason alone, and the other daytime activities are just as amazing. You can go lake skating, which is an amazing experience in and of itself, but you can also try your hand at bobsledding on a professional track! All of this is in addition to the amazing food scene and spas!
Kirkenes, Norway
If Switzerland is not to your liking, then maybe you should try out a vacation in Norway! One of the northernmost points in all of Europe is Kirkenes, where you can find out what true winter is all about. Make sure you do not get bothered by the extreme cold, as the temperatures here are in the negatives even in the plain sun, but they are needed if you want to be hosted in one of their ice hotels.
While it may not be everyone’s favorite way of sleeping, it can also just be toured during the day, and then you can check in at one of their amazing lodges or cabins. Being this far north will give you the wonderful experience of being able to catch the Aurora Borealis, and believe us, the spectacular green lights will take your mind off the cold immediately!
Other winter activities include gonif fishing for king crabs, sledding in various ways, and a lot of amazing trails you can go on with guides. It is a quiet place, so if you need a little quiet oasis while still enjoying the winter, this place is definitely one for you!
Niseko, Japan
While Europe is known to have multiple destinations for winter sports, we should not turn away from other places on the map either. This is especially true given that many people are unaware that Japan is a popular skiing destination! Do not let the southern climate of Japan fool you; the north turns into an amazing winter wonderland come the cold season!
Niseko Village, which is part of the Niseko United ski area, is one of the biggest ski destinations for those who are extremely into the sport. After all, there is no other place where they record around 60 feet of snow falling annually, so people who are skiing aficionados have been calling it the mecca of snow sports for years! All of this is in addition to the 2,191 acres of skiable terrain and abundance of resorts!
It has recently become more and more popular with North Americans, so you will not find it odd that there will be quite a lot of familiar faces around on the slopes. And even if you do not want to spend all your time skiing, Niseko is known for its cultural immersion. having some amazing onsens (hot springs) and amazing sushi!
You can take part in a lot of other winter activities, which can also include reindeer sledding, so when you are planning your next winter getaway, make sure you check out Niseko as well!
Fairbanks, Alaska
Where else can you find such a winter wonderland in the United States? While a lot of Americans believe that the 49th state is an amazing summer getaway, you should not turn away from the possibility of visiting it during the winter as well. After all, it is known for its abundant snowfall, and while skiing isn’t the most popular snow activity here, there are plenty of others to try.
The fun never stops here during the cold seasons, especially since in Fairbanks you have the opportunity to participate in all types of activities, like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and even going on a guided tour that will cover most of those!
If you’re not up for such an adventure, make sure to check into some of the newest lodges that have glass ceilings, and you will be able to catch the aurora borealis and not freeze!
Not to mention, where else will you be able to try out dog mushing and see a dog sled race?
Stowe, Vermont
A winter destination you cannot leave off your radar is definitely Vermont. While many people are aware of the state and how popular it is during the winter season, they are not all knowledgeable about the best places to visit. Believe us, one of the most amazing ones is Stowe, and if you have at least one friend that is a skiing enthusiast, believe us when we say that they have heard of this place!
Known as one of the best places to go skiing in the northeast United States, Stowe has not only a new Village Center full of everything you could ever want (from restaurants to boutiques, shops, and even skiing service facilities), but they also host a 10,000 square foot ice rink!
Not only is this one of the first winter wonderlands in our country that you should never miss, but you should definitely not exclude it from your other season’s activities either. They have a Stoe Adventure Center that hosts not only the children’s skiing school but also a riding school and even a climbing gym! This is an all-year spot you should visit at least once!
Snowbird, Utah
One place in the United States that is bound to change the mind of even the pickiest vacationers will end up making them fall in love with winter vacations. You may be one of those skeptics, but we are sure that a trip to Utah, specifically to Snowbird, is going to make you look at them with different eyes.
Much like their Rocky Mountain friends we mentioned earlier on the list, Snowbird is also located in these mountains, in the Little Cottonwood Canyon, more specifically outside of Salt Lake City in the Wasatch Range. It is very easy to find, especially since the Snowbird Ski Resort is built into the side of the canyon!
Even if you do not ski or snowboard, the resort will offer you a lot of alternative activities that you will be able to do. From the amazing snowy trails that are the highlight of winter to just being able to enjoy the mountain view from any balcony at the resort, from fun community events to relaxing at the rooftop spa and even the fantastic restaurants, Snowbird will not leave you disappointed.
If anything, you may be lucky to catch Snowbird during the Subaru Winter Fest. While it is mainly aimed at skiers and other outdoor activities, they also have some lifestyle options, so visitors are encouraged to not only learn more about the brand but also to have fun. They have live music, a lot of raffles, and a lot of tasty food to try!
What makes this even better is that you can learn more about helping and saving the environment at the same time!
And if you’re looking to replace the cold for something with more mellow weather we cannot sing the praises of these warm destinations enough!
