A great winter vacation doesn’t have to be about balmy weather and beaches. Skip the islands and embrace the cold and snow with a fun winter getaway. Enjoy all those winter sports by day and cozy up to a roaring fire by night with one of these 10 best winter getaways.
1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole has three fantastic ski resorts: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee Resort, and Snow King Mountain Resort. Play in this winter wonderland with the peaks of Grand Teton National Park looming to the north. You’ll also be close to Yellow Stone National Park.
2. Are, Sweden
This mountain resort in Northern Sweden is called the Aspen of Scandinavia. Snow-covered peaks, chic cafés in the town square, and a lively après-ski scene. Navigate the over 100 powdery slopes by skiing, snowmobile, or dogsled. Stay in a classy hotel or try the unique Igloo Are with its packed-snow beds covered in reindeer skins and plush sleeping bags.
3. Mammoth, California
Yes, California has more than warm beaches and sunsets. Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth Lakes in the state’s Sierra Nevadas is a charming winter getaway for the whole family. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on the Mammoth slopes, go on a scenic gondola excursion to the summit, and take the kids snow tubing ay Woolly’s Tube Park.
4. Lake Placid, New York
If you really love the winter season, book a few days at the Whiteface Lodge in Lack Placid. Located in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks specializes in winter amenities. You’ll enjoy nightly S-mores by the campfire, a turndown with warm homemade cookies, and cozy in-suite fireplaces. Nearby Whiteface Mountain features 86 trails.
5. Stowe, Vermont
Looking for ski-in/ski-out accommodations? Head to Vermont’s Stowe Mountain Lodge in Northern Vermont. A gondola to the slopes of Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield is steps away from this full-service resort. Their wintery agenda includes sleigh rides, ice climbing, and dog sledding. After a day of snowy fun, relax at their 21,000 square foot spa.
6.Stone Ridge, New York
It’s hard to beat skiing in the Catskills or the Gunks. Luckily, the recently revamped Hasbrouck House offers great winter hospitality with its 55-acre property. It’s near miles of trails for snowshoeing or hiking in boots, and there’s access to great skiing. They have nightly bonfires and a couple of great restaurants.
7. Hawley, Pennsylvania
Imagine warming up in an outdoor hot tub surrounded by a winter wonderland. The winter months are popular at the 57-room spa resort called The Lodge at Woodloch. This resort offers signature spa treatments that are perfect after a day of playing hard at cross-country-skiing or ice fishing on the property’s lake.
8. Alpe di Siusi, Dolomites
Northeastern Italy’s Dolomites have seemingly endless trails among the skyscraping peaks. While some winter revelers like to stay in one of Badia Valley’s traditional hotels, others are flocking to the more remote Alpe di Siusi region to the west. If you’re there during the holidays ride the cable car to see the lights at Santa Cristina village.
9.Courchevel, France
A stay at an exclusive resort in the French Alps is a good item for your winter bucket list. One to try is the luxurious Cheval Blanc Courchevel in Le Jardin Alpin. The north-facing slopes have the best skiing along with a high-efficient network of ski-lifts. You’ll be among Europe’s most elite.
10. La Massana, Andorra
This Catalonian ski resort is located in the northwest corner of Andorra two hours from Barcelona. You’ll have access to all of the winter activities the Pyrenees have to offer including skiing and snowboarding. Fuel up in one of the traditional stone restaurants on beef and lamb cooked on an open grill.