The United States is home to some truly magical winter getaway destinations. If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas – or just a snowy vacation in general – this is the list for you! Here are 10 memorable holiday destinations known for their gorgeous snowy weather.
1. Aspen, Colorado
Located in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is perhaps best known for its ski resorts such as Aspen Snowmass. This gorgeous town has plenty else to offer in addition to winter sports though – downtown Aspen is home to countless high-end restaurants as well as unique boutique shops.
2. Jackson, Wyoming
Located just outside of Grand Teton National Park, this charming town is a great place for winter sports or just a memorable winter vacation. Jackson is nearby many great spots for skiing as well as snowmobiling. The town itself is also home to countless shops, including a bookstore and several coffee shops, and offers a truly magical Holiday ambiance in the winter.
3. Big Sky, Montana
If you love outdoor activities, this is the option for you. Big Sky Montana is well-loved for all manner of winter sports – everything from skiing to dog sledding. It’s also home to Big Sky Resort, a ski resort that features some unique activities such as the Adventure Zipline.
4. Fairbanks, Alaska
Alaska is practically synonymous with snow, and those looking for a snowy vacation can’t go wrong with a trip here! Fairbanks is a particularly great town to visit – it’s one of the easiest towns to get to, while still feeling remote and peaceful. Fairbanks is an excellent spot to potentially see the northern lights. Some other fun things to do in the area include heading outside of town to the North Pole, dog sledding, and visiting hot springs.
5. New Paltz, New York
Located just a few hours from New York City, New Paltz is a charming town that’s the perfect destination for a winter getaway that’s the perfect mix of serenity and convenience. Downtown is home to a variety of shopping and food options, and the town is nearby Mohonk Preserve, which offers countless miles of trails and opportunities to explore nature. It’s also home to the Mohonk Mountain House, a sprawling, castle-like resort.
6. Yellowstone National Park
America’s first national park is most popular as a summer destination, but a visit in the wintertime will allow you to see a whole new side of this gorgeous area. Bustling crowds are replaced with a soft, almost magical silence and blankets of gleaming snow in the colder months. Though the majority of the roads through Yellowstone are closed in the winter, you can still explore the park by booking a snowmobile or snowcoach tour.
7. Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is perfect for those looking to both enjoy some snow and explore a gorgeous town. The city itself offers no shortage of things to do – from boutique shops to street performances to art galleries, there’s a little something for everyone here. The iconic Blueridge Parkway Road also passes through Asheville and can make for a perfect scenic drive if weather conditions allow. Finally, Asheville is also home to the Biltmore Estate, a gorgeous historical castle-esque building built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s.
8. Lake Tahoe
Here’s another option that’s great for winter sports enthusiasts – Lake Tahoe is well-loved for its snowboarding and skiing opportunities. It’s also an excellent place for a variety of other winter outdoor activities, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice skating.
9. Yosemite National Park
Much like Yellowstone, a winter visit to Yosemite is a great way to both beat the crowds and see a new side to a well-loved spot. Some of the main roads such as the Tioga road do experience seasonal closures. However, many areas, including Yosemite Valley and Wawona, are accessible by car year-round. Four campgrounds, as well as several lodging options, also remain open year-round. This means it isn’t too difficult to plan a cold-weather trip to this gorgeous destination.
10. Leavenworth, WA
Head up to Washington State to experience this awe-inspiring “Christmas town”. Leavenworth is a unique spot to visit year-round thanks to its dedicated Bavarian theme. However, a winter visit can be especially rewarding. Nearly every building in the town is intricately decorated with Christmas lights. Horse-drawn sleigh rides are also offered, just to further add to your reasons for visiting.
Credit: Source link
