12 Best Winter Vacation Destinations If You Love Snow
Winter vacation destinations need to be thought about sooner rather than later, so it’s never too early to start thinking about where to travel this winter. Whether you are looking for somewhere to travel during winter break, the holiday season, or just a quick weekend trip, we have your guide here for the 12 best winter vacation destinations. Get your squad together and start planning your perfect winter wonderland getaway!
1. Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth Mountain is one of the few places in California that gets snow, and let me tell you, the locals love it. Stay at one of the ski resorts or rent a cabin to enjoy the beautiful views, the skiing environment, and the cute little mountain city. This spot is perfect for a quick weekend trip, or spending the holidays with family and friends. If you are from LA, you are bound to run into a few friends or neighbors from back home.
Pro tip: Spend a few days down in Los Angeles, and then head out to Mammoth to enjoy the snow. You’ll get the best of both worlds. 🙂
2. Denver, Colorado
Of all the beautiful spots in Colorado, Denver has got to be one of the best for a winter vacation. Not only can you enjoy skiing and snowboarding, you can also spend some time hiking the Rocky Mountains, or attending the annual Winter Brew Fest. You’ll want to spend a good amount of time here, so that you can plan a few days to ski, a few days to hike, and a few days to adventure around the town. This is one of the best winter vacation destinations!
3. Park City, Utah
Park City, which is home to the Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resorts, offers stunning views and over 7,000 acres of land that is perfect for skiing or snowboarding. This town is one of the country’s most popular winter vacation spots. Visitors can also enjoy snowmobiling, heliskiing and moonlight snowshoeing.
Pro tip: After a day full of skiing, check out the ski-in distillery!
4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
When winter hits, Jackson Hole transforms into a real-life winter wonderland, where the whole town is covered in snow. This place offers a quality experience for all extreme skiers, from the double-diamonds and terrains. Vacationers can take advantage of the skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, touring through Yellowstone, and of course, the breathtaking views.
5. Bend, Oregon
Bend offers a unique spot of skiing and incredible views. The dry climate in this area produces some of the lightest snow power in North, which is perfect for skiing. Spend your day skiing, or hiking, and then enjoy your night with the night sky photography tour to capture some beautiful views of the mountains.
6. Big Sky, Montana
If you are looking for the most skiable terrain in the United States, this spot is perfect for you! Big Sky is known as the gateway to Yellowstone, and locals call it the “winter haven.” From skiing across the terrain, to the beautiful, scenic views, this area offers the trip of a lifetime. Make sure to have your GoPro ready for this trip, so you can get some great videos and pictures along the way!
7. Snowshoe, West Virginia
This little spot, located in the Mountain state, offers a variety of activities like skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling and winter hiking. Stay at the local ski resort to enjoy the fresh snow and activities daily. Also, be sure to check out the town and local scenery!
8. Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth offers a unique, outdoor winter experience, and is known for its nordic skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing and dogsledding. After a day of snow adventure, plan to hit up on of the town’s famous breweries and distilleries and grab a bite to eat!
9. Wilmington, New York
There’s no better way to celebrate the winter season then heading out to New York, right?! You can spend a few days down in the city and then head out to Wilmington, for your perfect winter vacation. When the weather really drops, the waterfalls become ice climbing spots and the snowmobilers and cross-country skiers come out to play. You will want to have your skies and/or snowboard for this trip!
Tip: If you are traveling with your younger siblings, cousins, friends, etc., take them to Santa’s Workshop for the day!
10. Stowe, Vermont
This little spot out in Vermont has gotten very popular over the years, mainly because of the annual Stowe Winter Carnival. Plan your trip here in January so that you can attend the carnival, and maybe even compete in the ice carving competition! In addition, this spot is known for its annual snowfall, and its popular ski resort. You’ll definitely want your skies for this trip!
11. North Conway, New Hampshire
Head out to North Conway to enjoy the snow in the White Mountains. This spot is centralized between the Cranmore Mountains and other ski areas like Attitash, King Pine and the Black Mountain. This location has a much more small town feel, but they offer a variety of activities. Along with skiing and snowboarding, they offer ice skating and zip lining, so there is something fun for everyone!
12. Galena, Illinois
Whether you are dreaming of a luxurious winter vacation, or a historic small-town feel, Galena is the spot for you to travel to this winter. This town is filled with country mansions, historic architecture, and small-town charm, along with lots of winter activities for the whole family to enjoy. Spend the day outside adventuring, and head back to the local ski resorts to eat at one of the local wineries!
