Best winter vacation with snow
To those who have never traveled, the winter vacation seems to be just a long cold season with snow. And yes, this is a pretty good description. But when you’ve been to some of the best winter vacation spots with snow around the world, things look much different. Some legends say that many people do not even want to travel in summer because of the high temperatures. Many of them prefer rainy days when you can sit at home and relax after a hard working day instead of spending hours in crowded trains and stuffy airports.
Winter vacation with snow conjures up visions of a peaceful and quiet getaway. A vacation where the kids can play outside for hours, you can stay in your comfy clothes, and all worries are left behind. If you are planning a ski vacation or winter holiday, these snowy destinations will be worth it.
The chilly days of winter wouldn’t be complete without a winter vacation with snow. There are numerous attractions to choose from in the mountains, but where should you go on your winter vacation? You’ve probably heard of Vail or Aspen and how they are two of America’s favorite destinations to spend winters in. Both are terrific ski resorts with high elevations allowing for great skiing conditions. However, if you prefer warmer weather, don’t worry! You can still enjoy the snow on your winter vacation.
Best winter vacation with snow
For those looking for a relaxing getaway, the best vacation in the winter is one that involves a lot of snow. If you are planning on taking a trip this holiday season, consider going somewhere that has plenty of snow. There are many places that offer great ski resorts as well as other activities such as snowboarding and sledding.
One of the most popular destinations for people looking for an exciting winter vacation is Colorado. Colorado offers many different options when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. Some of the best ski resorts include Breckenridge Ski Resort and Copper Mountain Resort. There are also plenty of other outdoor activities available in Colorado such as hiking and sightseeing at nearby national parks like Rocky Mountain National Park or Pike National Forest.
Another popular destination for people looking for an adventure during their winter vacations is Canada. Canada offers some of the best skiing locations in North America including Banff National Park which has over 1,500 kilometers of trails for skiers and snowboarders to explore during their stay at one of its many hotels located throughout this region.”
1. See the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway
Located over 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Tromso experiences an erratic snowfall pattern – with some winters seeing subarctic conditions and chilly winds and some seeing milder temperatures. Either way, Tromso will see winter snow – and lots of it.
The northern lights can appear in the area anytime between September and April, but the heart of winter offers the best chances of spotting them. If you’re in town, taking the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of the mountain offers the best views, but you’ll do better if you head out of the city with a tour, away from light pollution.
For even better chances, visit during the polar night period, a 48-day period between November and January when the sun never rises, and the northern lights could appear at any time of the day.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Tromsø
- Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tromsø
2. Visit Europe’s Most Famous Ski Resort in Zermatt, Switzerland
For snow galore with a touch of adrenaline, Switzerland’s best-known resort is the perfect destination. Zermatt is a small town sitting right on the border with Italy and surrounded by towering mountains. Here, over 200 kilometers of pistes accommodate skiers of all abilities – from the beginners just discovering the lanes to expert skiers ready to tackle top stations at an impressive altitude of 3,883 meters.
Zermatt is a favorite destination in Switzerland for skiers because snowfall is reliable, the views are stunning, and there are plenty of difficult scenic runs that are often deserted. For those who want the ultimate adventure, there are also off-piste opportunities, some of which can also be accessed with a mountain guide. It’s also possible to overnight on the mountain using one of the huts reached via a hike up the valley.
Not a skier? Zermatt offers excellent winter walking and snowshoeing. The best trails are high up the mountain, where the snow is deeper – reached via ski lifts – but there are also trails that start in the town of Gornergrat or at Schwarzsee.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Zermatt: Best Areas & Hotels
3. Discover the Best Christmas Markets in Vienna, Austria
The city that Mozart walked and loved is touched by magic all year, but the breathtaking buildings, palaces, and neo-Gothic architecture make for a particularly stunning backdrop for Christmas lights.
Vienna has a number of great Christmas markets, with the Belvedere Christmas market topping the list – set against the 18th-century Upper Belvedere palace, this Christmas market might be smaller than others in the city, but it makes up for it with its elegance and thousands of little lights reflecting on a lake.
The market outside Schönbrunn Palace is not much larger, but it’s perhaps the most elegant in Vienna, selling high-quality items such as handmade glass and pottery. The largest Christmas tree in Vienna is here, and the market is a great destination for gourmet food, including mountain cheeses and home-baked gingerbread.
There’s also the Karlsplatz Christmas market for handmade and very unique products, and the market at Michaelerplatz Square, selling traditional holiday crafts and food right by the entrance gate to the Hofburg.
While Vienna winters are cold, there are traditionally only about eight days of rain and snow in December. For bigger chances of a snowy Christmas market season, head to the city of Innsbruck – surrounded by the high peaks of the Karwendel Alps, Innsbruck Christmas markets are often covered in snow.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Vienna: Best Areas & Hotels
4. Spend a Cheap Snow Holiday in Québec City, Canada
European-style architecture, cobblestoned alleys, and lots of snow make Quebec a great urban escape in winter. If you arrive in December, you’ll also get a taste of their Christmas markets, where adorable wooden stalls sell everything from maple treats to handmade wooden toys.
From November to March, you can get the best view of Château Frontenac as you slide down a giant toboggan. First built in 1884, the toboggan offers a chance to speed down the hill at 70 kilometers per hour. If you visit in December, don’t miss the stunning Christmas display at the Château Frontenac courtyard, complete with a giant Christmas tree and a multitude of lights.
The city also has two notable Christmas markets: the Market at the Old Port and the German Christmas Market. The Old Port market is open year-round and offers all kinds of artisan foods and souvenirs, but adds a wide variety of Christmas treats during December.
The German Christmas Market, at the Place de l’Hotel-de-Ville, offers all the yummy Christmas fare you could dream of, including gingerbread and Weihnachtsstollen (traditional Christmas sweet bread).
During a snowy day, climb to the top of the Observatoire de la Capitale for a stunning view over the city and its powdery, white roofline.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Quebec City: Best Areas & Hotels
- Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Québec City
5. Walk the Snowy Mountains of Bregenzerwald, Austria
The Bregenz Forest is beautiful all year, but it becomes a winter wonderland as the colder months approach. A mix of signposted winter hiking trails, 72 marked snowshoe trails, and a cross-country ski trail network that extends for over 300 kilometers makes this a dreamy destination.
The Hittisau cross-country ski area around the forest is particularly stunning, with 30 kilometers of cross-country and 50 kilometers of classic mountain skiing trails with a maximum elevation of 1,040 meters. Most of the trails are dog-friendly.
For a unique twist on snow adventures, a number of local agencies organize nighttime snowshoeing trips on full moon nights – equipped with headlamps or a soft flashlight, the tours take visitors across deep, powdery snow, where the forested landscape feels magical and alien under the light of the moon.
The city of Bregenz sits on the eastern shores of Lake Constance at the foot of Pfänder mountain. It offers plenty of indoor fun in the form of museums, music festivals, and ornate Baroque buildings.