After a wonderful summer, many people settle in for the upcoming winter, which is a real shame considering winter vacation destinations can be just as exciting as summer destinations. Although most people look for destinations where they can ski, snowmobile, or enjoy a variety of other winter sports or activities, other people simply want to enjoy the quieter months that wintertime offers. After all, many destinations visited in the winter have smaller crowds. With this, shopping is less stressful, securing dinner reservations at a five-star restaurant is easier, and even hotel prices are more affordable.
Because people look for winter vacation destinations for these two primary reasons, we wanted to offer some suggestions for both.
Winter Sports and Activities
If you prefer a winter vacation destination where you can get involved with or enjoy watching different winter sports and/or activities, the following are considered top choices.
• Colorado – Without doubt, spending time in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado is an excellent choice for a winter vacation. For one thing, these mountains are easily accessible and breathtakingly beautiful. You could travel to any number of ski resorts such as Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, or Crested Butte for incredible skiing or head to Vail or Aspen where skiing parties could hit the slopes and non-skiing parties could spend time in the charming towns for shopping, dining, or sightseeing.
• Switzerland – Of course, the Mecca of all winter vacation destinations for people who want to ski or participate in a variety of winter sports is Switzerland. The Swiss Alps are famous for boasting the finest skiing in the world. Although this is a top choice for advanced skiers, many slopes are also available for the beginner.
• Alaska – One of the best ways to see Alaska is by cruise ship. Today, a variety of cruise liners has ships that sail to regions of Alaska, with each offering something unique. In addition to the excitement of the cruise itself, you would have a choice of ports of call. Often, a winter vacation such as this provides the opportunity to see wildlife that would otherwise only be seen in television documentaries. Of course, booking a room in the city where the Iditarod ends would be an amazing adventure.
• Sweden – Yet another perfect winter vacation destination, Sweden is home to many charming villages along the river, such as Jukkasjarvi. This particular city offers one of the most intriguing of all experiences being a stay at The Ice Hotel. Made from more than 10,000 tons of ice from the local river, you would literally stay in a hotel made of ice, sleep on a bed of ice, and dine at a table and chair made of ice. However, the hotel is beautiful and very comfortable.
• Mont Tremblant – In Quebec, Canada, the scenic Laurentian Mountains are home to a great city called Mont Tremblant. Spread over 600 acres, this area of Canada offers excellent snow skiing and snowboarding but many other things to do and see, making it a great vacation choice for the entire family.
• Lake Tahoe – Although Lake Tahoe is one of the busier winter vacation destinations, it remains one of the most popular and for good reason. With an average of 360 inches of fresh snow each year, it is truly a skier and snowboarder’s haven. However, you do not need to love winter sports to enjoy all that Lake Tahoe offers. Most accommodations are luxurious, restaurants in this city offer meals made by master chefs, and the nightlife energetic and exciting.