Destinations that Especially Shine in Winter

I LOVE winter and traveling to cold weather destinations. I know a lot of people prefer to flee south for warmer climates once the temperatures drop, but I say the more snow, the better! There’s something so invigorating about getting outdoors and trying new activities as the wind turns your cheeks rosy. I truly love places that know how to embrace the cold and make it a whole event instead of just something to survive. 

Check below for some places that might convince even the biggest snowbird in your group to change direction come winter!

Winter Destinations Worth Visiting if You Love the Cold

1. Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is one of those destinations that I think is somehow more magical come winter. Once that lake freezes over, the whole city transforms into an entirely new space, and it’s simply mesmerizing. Stay at the Edgewater Hotel, which sits right on the lake, and watch as locals walk across it. The best is when university students cut a hole and jump right in! 

To cozy up, go to one of the city’s supper clubs. It’s an old school dining experience where you can enjoy good food and good company. Be sure to start your meal with Wisconsin’s take on an Old Fashioned.

For more, check out my weekend guide here.

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2. Tromsø, Norway

If you’re looking to chase Northern Lights, you want to head as far north in Norway as possible. Your best bet is to base yourself in Tromsø and either drive or take a tour out to the darker areas nearby. In the meantime, the city itself looks just like all those miniature Christmas villages come to life. The best way to enjoy all the colorful facades is zigzagging your way from downtown up to the more residential areas. It’s a small city, so it won’t take you very long.

I’d strongly recommend trying out a Norwegian sauna experience while you’re here, as well as taking advantage of their cosy cafe culture. Get the waffles and brown cheese!

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3. Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria is an urban winter fairy tale. The city itself is absolutely glorious with a little bit of snow, and if you get too cold, you can easily spend hours visiting palaces from the Austrian Empire. Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace alone could occupy full days! My personal favorite is Hofburg Palace. It’s where the Austrian National Library is located and the Grand Hall will knock your socks off. Not to mention all the books are organized by size.

In between sightseeing, try tafelspitz, a classic Viennese dish of boiled veal or beef in broth, served with a mix of minced apples and horseradish. And if you really want to make your winter trip special, go to one of Vienna’s balls! Winter is Ball Season, and tickets are available to all. Nothing quite as fun as dressing to the nines and dancing to a full orchestra.

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4. Nagano Prefecture, Japan

When it comes to winter in Japan, head to Nagano Prefecture for all things skiing, hot springs, and… snow monkeys! You’ll be spoiled for choice surrounded by the Japanese Alps; there’s at least 80 ski resorts to choose from depending on your skill level. Pick one that has its own onsen system so you can spend your evenings soaking in a hot spring.

When you need a break from the slopes, head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park for the snow monkeys or into one of Nagano’s smaller towns for history and culture. Matsumoto is particularly charming. As a bonus, it’s the hometown of artist Yayoi Kusama, so you can see much of her world famous work at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art.

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5. Big Sky, Montana

I mean what destination says winter like Big Sky, Montana? Considering they see 250 inches of snow on average… I’d say they know their way around freezing temperatures. Come here if you want to take full advantage of the outdoors. Between skiing or snowboarding, nearby Yellowstone National Park, fly fishing in the Gallatin River, or going on a real life sleigh ride, there’s so much to do to keep you outside. Just make sure you wear all the right gear to stay warm.

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6. Copenhagen, Denmark

What better place to put hygge, the Danish concept of cozy warmth and belonging, to the test than where it was popularized? With its colorful facades and plethora of cafés, Copenhagen manages to combat the winter grays with its architecture and cozy culture. The city goes even further come February when the weather is at its bleakest and the sun sets as early as 3:30 PM.

For three weeks, the Copenhagen Light Festival brightens the inner city and harbor with a variety of illuminations and light art. Plus, if you can time your visit with their annual dining week (usually the second week of February), you can take advantage of different restaurant deals. This is the city of Michelin restaurants, after all!

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7. Québec City, Canada

Québec City is a winter fairytale come to life. Not only do the Québécois embrace the snow with vigor, most of the city really does look like it belongs in some medieval folktale. Whether it’s the grandiose Fairmont Le Château Frontenac watching from above or the European style of Old Québec, you’ll wonder if you stepped back in time. Stroll along Petit-Champlain, hop in a wooden toboggan to speed down Au 1884 Slide, and head over to Île d’Orléans for semi-frozen falls and a cozy sugar shack experience. If you really want to embrace the cold, plan your visit around the Québec Winter Carnival in early February. 

Oh, and there’s always ice canoeing for the truly adventurous!

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8. The Valais Region, Switzerland

It’s pretty impossible to pinpoint just one Swiss destination to enjoy come winter but if I absolutely had to, I’d choose the Valais Region. Start in the beautiful city of Geneva before hopping on the train to Corsier-sur-Vevey. There you can visit Chaplin’s World and explore all things Charlie Chaplin.

Then head to Nendaz, a tiny mountain village where you can take part in just about any winter activity imaginable. Martigny is another gem for one very specific reason – the St. Bernard! At BarryLand, you can both learn more about Switzerland’s National Dog and interact with them. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to be bombarded with puppies.

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9. Traverse City, Michigan

There’s a lot to love about Traverse City all year round, and in winter that means pure adventure. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore absolutely transforms once snow starts falling. That Dune Climb turns into the perfect sledding hill while the hiking trails turn into the perfect cross country skiing trails. And if you really want to try something fun, look into fat biking. These mountain bikes are specially adapted to cycle on snow and sand. When you need a break, there’s a fantastic food and local wine scene. Whatever you do, make sure to try the raclette at Leelanau Cheese.

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10. Lake Placid, New York

To round out this list, I have to mention the very place I love bringing my kids every year. Lake Placid was home to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, so you know it makes for a fun cold weather stop. I actually just got the whole family ice skates for our last trip! Come January and February, Mirror Lake is perfect for ice skating or cross country skiing and even offers dog sledding, which my kids loved.

There are still Olympic venues up and running like the speed skating oval where Eric Heiden won FIVE medals. And for downhill skiers, Whiteface Mountain has the greatest vertical east of the Rockies with nearly 300 skiable acres and 94 trails. If you have someone in your crew who would rather do something a little less active, send them to Main Street – it’s right out of a Hallmark movie!

And there you have some of my favorite winter destinations!

Any I’m missing? What snowy destination would you want to see us feature in Places to Love next? Let me know below!