15 Magical Winter Wonderland Destinations in 2023
15 Magical Winter Wonderland Destinations in 2023
From skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and sledding, there’s something for everyone at these winter destinations. Explore these breathtaking winter destinations in the U. S. and Beyond
Are you looking for a winter getaway? A place to enjoy the snow and all the fun activities that come with it? Look no further – we’ve got the perfect list of winter destinations for you! From skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and sledding, there’s something for everyone at these locations. So pack your bags, bundle up, and let’s hit the road!
As temperatures drop and the air becomes more crisp, the freshly fallen snow and twinkle of the Christmas lights usher the magic of winter. If you travel in winter you must be one of two people, those looking to escape the chilling months of winter pining for sunnier climes, palm trees, and a warm breeze on a tropical island, or those who won’t be stopped by the cold or the landscape covered in a blanket of snow. Whichever category you fall into make sure you have fun this winter. If you are looking to have fun in the snow, consider one of these 15 magical winter wonderlands.
Here are some fun winter destinations for snow lovers
Aspen, Colorado
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Vail, Colorado
Park City, Utah
Mammoth Lakes, California
Big Sky Resort, Montana
Killington Ski Area Vermont
Sugarloaf Carrabassett Valley Maine
Whistler, Canada
Lapland, Finland
Tromsø, Norway
Kiruna, Sweden
Jay Peak Montreal Quebec Canada
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is one of the most popular ski destinations in the United States, and for good reason. With four different mountains to choose from, there's something for everyone here. It is well-known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, but that’s not all this winter wonderland has to offer!
Aspen is also home to amazing ice skating, sleigh rides, dog sledding, and so much more. And when you’re ready to take a break from all the outdoor fun, you can explore the charming shops and restaurants in downtown Aspen.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone is one of America's most iconic national parks, from geysers and hot springs to majestic waterfalls and wildlife, there's so much to see and do here. Yellowstone is beautiful any time of the year but during winter, get ready to be blown away. Steaming geysers against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains, it's like something out of a postcard!
It is truly a sight to behold, just be sure to dress warmly—temperatures can dip well below freezing here. Besides its scenery, there is plenty to do. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, ranger-led snow coach tours, there are plenty of ways to explore this majestic place. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife – you may even spot some buffalo or elk!
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a winter playground for both locals and visitors alike. With over 12 ski resorts in the area, you can’t run out of places to hit the slopes. And when you’re ready for a change of pace, you can enjoy sledding, dogsledding, ice skating, or simply take in the stunning views of Lake Tahoe from one of the many nearby lookout points.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is another great option for skiers and snowboarders looking for a challenge. The mountain here is massive, with a vertical drop of over 4,000 feet. This picturesque town is nestled in the Teton Mountains, and it's a mecca for skiing and snowboarding. There are plenty of trails to suit all levels of skiers, from beginner to expert. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy in the town itself. So whether you're looking to hit the slopes or just take in the scenery, Jackson Hole is definitely worth checking out.
Vail, Colorado
Vail is yet another top-rated ski destination in Colorado. With more than 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and 196 trails, you can enjoy sledding, tubing, and ice skating. The town of Vail is very quaint and charming with its cute shops and restaurants. You can also find many luxury hotels and resorts here if you're looking for a more upscale experience. No matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it in Vail Colorado and you can be sure it will be world-class!
Park City, Utah
Park City is home to two world-class ski resorts: Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort. It's also just a short drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, making it easy to get to from just about anywhere. This world-renowned resort town is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. In addition to the great slopes, Park City also offers a variety of other winter activities. You can go ice skating at one of the many outdoor rinks, go cross-country skiing through the picturesque forests, or even take a sleigh ride through the snow-covered streets. And when you're ready to warm up, there are plenty of cozy restaurants and cafes to relax in. So whether you're a seasoned skier or just looking to have some fun in the snow, Park City has something for everyone.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains is yet another great destination it's a fun place to play in the snow, whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or other winter sports. With more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain and 150 trails spread out over five different mountains, the area gets an incredible amount of snow each year, making it a perfect winter wonderland with plenty to explore.
Skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities, but there are also opportunities for cross-country skiing, ice skating, and sledding. The views are absolutely incredible. So if you're looking for a winter getaway, Mammoth Lakes should be at the top of your list.
Big Sky Resort, Montana
Big Sky Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in the United States, with more than 5800 acres of skiable terrain spread out over five mountains. It's also home to some of the best powder skiing in North America. If you are in search if a winter playground, the resort has a variety of trails that are perfect for all levels, beautiful scenic tram rides, breath taking views and a terrain park that is great for skiing and snowboarding. The resort is always open and the staff is very friendly. The resort is definitely the place to go to have fun in the snow!
Killington
Killington Ski Area is the Beast in the East. It’s located in central Vermont it has a vast ski and snowboarding terrain, six peaks that make up the snow-covered mountain, and a ton of incredible views. Its conveniently located just a short drive from Boston, New York, and Montreal, Killington is the perfect place to enjoy a few days on the slopes. Fun for all skill levels and great for couples, friend groups, kids, and everyone in between. It offers a wide range of slopes from easy, indeterminate, hard, to extreme. So whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-time skier, be sure to add Killington to your list of must-visit destinations.
Pro-Tip: If you go, download the Killington App, It will help you track your locations on the mountains and also give you your skiing/snowboarding statistics.
Sugarloaf
If you want to have fun in the snow but don’t know how Sugarloaf located in Carrabassett Valley Maine is the best winter destination for you. There are plenty of trails to ski and snowboard on, and the views from the top of the mountain are incredible. There are plenty of lessons available so you can learn how to ski or snowboard in no time. And if you're looking for a challenge, there are plenty of advanced trails to test your skills.
It is one of the best skiing and snowboarding destinations in Maine that has something for everyone. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes, as well as a terrain park. The mountain is also home to the only lift-served skiing in the state. Sugarloaf is open from November to April, and there is always plenty of snow. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can also enjoy ice skating, tubing, and cross-country skiing.
Whistler, Canada
Nestled in British Columbia's Coast Mountains, Whistler is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. In addition to world-class skiing and snowboarding, you can also go dog sledding, ice climbing, or even just take a leisurely walk through the snow-capped forests. And when you're done exploring for the day, you can cozy up by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate.
Trust, you won't want to leave! With two massive peaks, over 200 trails, and more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, it's no wonder that Whistler is consistently ranked as one of the best ski destinations in the world.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland is the perfect destination if you're looking for a traditional winter experience. It's home to Santa Claus Village (yes, that Santa Claus!), as well as reindeer safaris and stops at igloo hotels and glass igloos so you can sleep under the Northern Lights. You can even go cross-country skiing or snowmobiling through Finland's pristine wilderness if you're feeling adventurous! Just be sure to pack your heaviest coat— Lapland is located above the Arctic Circle, so temperatures here can be brutally cold.
Tromsø, Norway
Tromso is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" because of its location north of the Arctic Circle. Despite its remote location, Tromso is actually a surprisingly vibrant city with plenty to see and do. In addition to being able to witness the Northern Lights here (on clear nights), you can also go whale watching or visit one of Tromso's many museums and festivals celebrating Sami culture—the indigenous people of Northern Europe who have traditionally inhabited this region. And thanks to Tromso's proximity to the North Pole, it also makes for a great jumping-off point if you're looking to do some polar bear watching! Just make sure you layer up—it can get quite cold here even in the summertime.
Kiruna, Sweden
If you want to really get away from it all this winter, Kiruna might be the place for you; it's located about as far north as you can go in Sweden! But despite its remote location (Kiruna is actually closer to the North Pole than it is Stockholm!), there are still plenty of things to see and do here—including dog sledding, ice fishing, and visiting Icehotel (the world's first hotel made entirely out of ice!). Just remember to pack your parka— temperatures here average around -4 degrees Fahrenheit in December!
Jay Peak
Jay Peak Resort is located just outside Montreal Quebec Canada It is the perfect place to enjoy a winter getaway. There are 124 trails covering an area of 385 hectares offering skiing and snowboarding, as well as a variety of other winter activities. Jay Peak also offers an indoor waterpark which makes it an excellent destination for families with young children. You can even take a ride on the gondola to get a stunning view of the area. There are good food and drink options and many restaurants to choose from. There is also a variety of lodging options, from spacious suites to cozy cabins. No matter what your budget, you can find the perfect place to stay at Jay Peak Resort. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend getaway or a family-friendly vacation, Jay Peak Resort is the perfect destination.
These are just a few of our favorite winter destinations—where will YOU be spending your winter vacation?