I am sure some of you know about the two types of travelers. The first is the people who want to escape from being in the cold weather, and the second is those who like to embrace the cold weather.
Skiing, snow-capped mountains, and evenings spent cuddling up by the fire? It sounds like nirvana to us as well! If you’re the latter, you’re probably planning your next getaway to make the most of the following winter months.
If you’re wondering where to head next to this winter, here are 7 of the best winter destinations in the USA to embrace your inner Elsa.
Photo is credited back to Wikipedia.
- Vail, Colorado
Vail is probably the most quintessential of winter towns. While there’s plenty to do at this cozy mountain town in Colorado year-round, winter is undoubtedly the most memorable time of the year to visit this alpine gem.
Vail, tucked beneath the seductive Gore Range, has pretty much everything a mountain resort could want. There are world-class winter sports, a fantastic food scene, and some of the country’s most opulent hotels if all you want to do is SEE the snow without feeling the cold (staycation, anyone?).
Photo is credited back to Wikipedia.
- Park City, Utah
Park City in Utah offers a (mountain) range of things to do that you’ve got to experience at least once in your life. It is well-known for its world-class ski resorts and other outdoor activities—unbeatable winter sports (think activities like wild snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice skating). A walk through this quaint little town will make you feel as though you’re wandering inside a real-life snowglobe as you gawk at the century-old buildings and mansions that line the valleys.
Tip: January hosts the town’s annual Sundance Film Festival, which is THE place to be if you want the chance to see some of your favorite celebrities (hey, you might even run across them at your hotel!).
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- Telluride, Colorado
If you’re seeking winter outdoor pleasures, Telluride, Colorado’s most scenic mountain town, is a must-see. Telluride, Colorado’s most picturesque mountain town, is a must-visit if you’re looking for winter outdoor adventures galore. Known for its snowy peaks and scenic beauty that will have your jaw-dropping to the ground, Telluride is one of Colorado’s most picturesque mountain towns and a must-visit if you’re looking for winter outdoor adventures galore.
While in Telluride, don’t miss out exploring a few of its hiking trails (make sure to check the weather conditions before you venture in), getting those Instagram vibes on at Hotel Madeline’s ice-skating rinks, and sledding down the San Juan Mountains.
If you’re up for some severe mountain adventure, you can try your hand at ice climbing (yes, it’s a thing!) or venture deep into the mountains in a cross-country ski adventure.
If you’d instead not break a sweat and would much prefer a relaxing vacay (or a combo of adventure and luxury), Telluride’s surroundings host plenty of insanely beautiful hot springs where to can relax your muscles after a day; of snowy adventures!
Photo is credited back to Wikipedia.
- Camden, Maine
There’s something incredibly charming about New England in winter, and Camden is the king of winter wonderlands in the area. Located on the lovely Penobscot Bay, Camden Harbor feels as though it came straight out of a Thomas Kinkade painting.
While visiting, make sure you book a unique ski adventure at Camden Snow Bowl, where you’ll get to get your shred on with the views of the ocean backdropping your every move. Another must go searching all the lighthouses in the area; look, they came straight out of a fairytale when dusted by white snow!
Photo is credited back to Wikipedia.
- Ouray, Colorado
Nestled San Juan Mountains, Ouray in Colorado is your go-to if you want to feel as though you’re walking around in Europe rather than the USA. Popularly dubbed the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is the perfect place to head to for some severe wintery vibes and that fairytale feeling deep in the mountains.
Aside from the limitless assortment of outdoor mountain experiences (and plenty of hot springs to relax in! ), Ouray knows how to make the most of the colder months with events like the Ouray Ice Festival and San Juan Skijoring–which both honor winter sports and their significance in this beautiful tiny town in the Colorado mountains.
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The Yellowstone National Park is a gem of a place at any time of year, and During the winter, however, it is transformed into a snowy nirvana for those seeking it. Consider snow-capped vistas, snow-dusted woods, frozen lakes, and hot geysers that give the landscapes an otherworldly appearance.
Want to know something else that makes visiting this national park worthwhile? Yellowstone is set right next to Jackstone Hole, which means you can combine your visit to the national park with some après-ski brutal scene and luxury stays to relax in after a day spent adventuring!
7. Tennessee’s Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is best known for being the starting point for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains. Not only that, Gatlingburg has a lot more to offer, especially you stay longer.
Gatlinburg came to life with many winter celebrations, such as the Anakeesta’s Enchanted Winter festival, aside from its iconic alpine atmosphere where you’ll find dazzling lights every step you walk and great food to help you fight the winter blues.
Once you’re done exploring Gatlinburg, head into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you’ll find an array of winter sports to choose from and cozy cabins and chalets to experience winter in the middle of nature. Seriously, it doesn’t get more magical than waking up and having a hot cup of cocoa in the middle of nowhere!
We hope this list of destinations in the USA to spend winter in gave you some inspiration to start planning your next getaway! Whichever town you wind up choosing, you’re guaranteed a true adventure. A beautiful, snow-capped experience you won’t soon forget!