Top 7 Winter Getaways Around the Globe

If you’ve ever thought of yourself as not being a “winter person,” I invite you to reconsider—especially after exploring the destinations on this list. While my heart may always lean toward sandy beaches, I have developed a fondness for the enchantment of winter. There’s something undeniably magical about the way fresh snow sparkles under the sun, and how ice takes on striking shades of blue.

Snowboarding on untouched powder gives me the same rush as catching a wave, and the simple joy of sledding ignites my inner child. If your skiing experience has been limited to the U.S. and didn’t quite resonate with you, venture to Europe, where skiing transcends mere sport—it’s interwoven into a lifestyle that celebrates leisurely lunches and vibrant après-ski gatherings. But skiing or snowboarding isn’t the only way to embrace the season. Each country offers its own quirky winter activities, from ice fishing and curling to sledding under star-studded skies.

Trust me, as the snow begins to blanket the landscape, these seven destinations present irresistibly compelling reasons to switch off Netflix, bundle up, and head outdoors. Whether it’s racing electric snow scooters across frozen Finnish lakes or enjoying neon-lit night tubing in New Hampshire, these adventures will surely inspire you to dance in the snow all season long.

Furano, Japan

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, stands as a paradise for powder hounds. While Western skiers flock to famous resorts like Niseko and Rusutsu—now featured on the Ikon and Epic passes—Furano retains a sense of delightful seclusion. Touted as the “bellybutton” of Hokkaido for its central location, this town serves up pristine powder alongside a rich cultural experience and extraordinary cuisine. The local ski resort enjoys an average snowfall of 23 feet each season and boasts one of Hokkaido’s steepest vertical drops at 3,116 feet.

Not far away, visitors can indulge in ski touring at charming mom-and-pop slopes such as Kamui Ski Links, and explore Daisetsuzan National Park, complete with a trek past the smoking fumaroles of Asahidake volcano. After a thrilling day, unwind at the local onsen, courtesy of insights from Zach Husted, owner of Limitless Guiding, who also recommends casual izakayas (Japanese pubs), like Robata, where you can savor delicious fried chicken and homemade sake.

On quieter days, visit Furano Shrine, the Guanyin Temple complex, or admire the stunning Nihonga-style works of late artist Goto Sumio at his namesake gallery. Plan your trip to coincide with the annual Snow Festival (February 4-11, 2026) in Sapporo, just two hours away, to witness awe-inspiring ice sculptures at Odori Park.

Where to stay: Fenix Furano offers an upscale experience across from the Kitanomine gondola, complete with an on-site rental shop and a fantastic hotpot restaurant (from $590). For a more budget-friendly option, La Vista Furano Hills Natural Hot Spring hotel is a short drive from the resort and features an entire floor dedicated to onsen and saunas (from $140). If ski touring is your aim, consider the Rising Sun in Kamifurano; this charming three-room B&B boasts stunning views of Asahidake and the Tokachi mountain range, and is run by a husband-and-wife team who prepare delicious meals featuring local pork sagari (from $290).

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole draws top-tier winter athletes like freeskiers Lynsey Dyer and Travis Rice, as well as mountaineer Jimmy Chin and Olympian Tommy Moe, for good reason. The Tetons offer a challenging playground, with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort deserving of its moniker, “The Big One.” Here, you’ll find some of the most exhilarating resort skiing in North America, alongside gentler runs accessible from the Bridger Gondola. The iconic cherry-red tram transports skiers to the resort’s most intimidating terrain, not to mention the delicious waffles at Corbet’s Cabin. Each year, fearless freeriders tackle the famous couloir during the King’s and Queen’s of Corbet’s event (February 8-15, 2026).

Just 12 miles away lies the lesser-known Snow King Mountain, affectionately dubbed “the Town Hill.” Although smaller, it’s just as steep and perfect for those looking for an uphill workout (uphill passes from $35). Exum Guides, the oldest guide service in North America, sets the gold standard, offering everything from backcountry safety courses to thrilling descents down the Grand Teton, one of the world’s most coveted runs. Non-skiers will find a wealth of winter attractions, from sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge ($42) to guided snowmobiling tours through Grand Teton National Park with Backcountry Safaris ($275) and even three-day wolf viewing trips in Yellowstone with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris ($7,295). And don’t miss the town’s vibrant dining scene—Persephone Bakery is an essential stop, along with locally owned shops and lively après spots like the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

Where to stay: In Teton Village, Gravity Haus, with its 87 rooms, is just a short walk from the tram and boasts a renowned après-ski hot tub scene (from $468). A bit more centrally located, the Virginian Lodge, affectionately called “The Virg,” is beloved for its convenience store, karaoke nights, and hearty half-pound burgers at Billy’s (from $160). New ownership has breathed fresh life into the Snow King Resort, promising revamped rooms with ski-in/ski-out accessibility (from $243).

Zermatt, Switzerland

With its car-free, cobblestone streets, Zermatt exudes European alpine charm. Picture horse-drawn carriages, quaint bakeries, and cogwheel trains transporting skiers up the mountain, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn. This fairy-tale town appears as if it’s been plucked from a snow globe, with skiers of all levels finding varying challenges across Zermatt’s expansive ski areas. The newly opened Matterhorn Glacier Ride II links Zermatt and Cervinia, Italy, via cable car, connecting the stunning Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with the Testa Grigia valley station.

Should you decide to cross the border, make sure to stop by Chalet Etoile for house-made pasta and the electrifying Bombardino cocktail—infused with brandy. Back on the Swiss side, try to secure a reservation at Chez Vrony, a family-operated mountain hut famous for its burgers. For the adventurous, consider booking a heli-ski trip to a remote peak like the Monte Rossa massif (from $1,470) or tackle the bucket-list Haute Route—it’s a six-day ski tour between Zermatt and Chamonix for $1,980. For a whimsical experience, don’t miss the 3.6-mile toboggan run in Täsch, or sled to dinner at Gitz-Gädi, a cozy restaurant within Hotel Silvana, serving Valais classics like fondue and encouraging guests to return to town by the glow of their headlamps.

Where to stay: For an experience of true alpine luxury, the ski-in/ski-out Cervo Mountain Resort (from $880) offers one of the liveliest après-ski scenes, with a fondue-focused restaurant and a grand spa featuring a unique Bhutanese bath. Budget-minded skiers have relied on Hotel Bahnhof for its comfortable, dorm-style rooms for over a century (from $112).

Lake Louise, Banff, Canada

While British Columbia is famed for its epic skiing, Alberta emerges as an all-encompassing winter wonderland. The SkiBig3 area is conveniently located a mere 90 minutes from Calgary International Airport. Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, it features three outstanding resorts: Banff Sunshine, Mt. Norquay, and the recently expanded Lake Louise Ski Resort, boasting an additional 200 acres of new terrain known as Richardson’s Ridge. Canada’s first national park also offers some of the clearest night skies in North America, perfect for catching glimpses of the northern lights.

When night falls, Mount Norquay opens its slopes for evening skiing, while Banff’s gondola ascends Sulphur Mountain for Nightrise, an Indigenous storytelling experience paired with stargazing. The park features numerous trails for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing, while the hike through Johnston Canyon leads to breathtaking frozen waterfalls—a haven for ice climbers. For a unique experience, join a winter wildlife tour with Radventures ($86), discovering iconic locations such as the Cave and Basin thermal springs, while keeping an eye out for local inhabitants like bighorn sheep and elk.

Where to stay: In downtown Banff, the newly opened Kenrick features 67 rooms equipped with a hydrotherapy spa and a locavore-focused Italian restaurant offering hearty dishes like Alberta lamb osso bucco (from $160). The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, with its fairy-tale view overlooking the frozen lake and a trail network for Nordic skiing, is a worthwhile splurge (from $360). Guests enjoy exclusive access to BASIN Glacial Waters, a stunning indoor-outdoor thermal bathing experience designed by renowned architect Matteo Thun ($200 for three hours).

Lakeland, Finland

While many travelers flock to the magic of Lapland, Finland’s Lakeland region offers its own winter treasures, known as ice season. Europe’s largest lake district transforms into a frosted maze of lakes, rivers, and canals set amidst vast forests. The highlight of the area, Lake Saimaa, spans nearly 17,000 square miles, morphing into a sprawling ice rink with trails for hiking and ice skating. Popular routes include a nearly 12.5-mile winter hiking trail from Oravi through Linnansaari National Park to Rantasalmi, or a scenic 10.5-mile skating track in Punkaharju, which features rental shops, warming huts, and cafes along the way (skating pass for $10). Local outfitter Best Lake Nature Adventures offers ice-fishing trips, where you can try your luck at catching pike or perch ($70 for two hours). For those seeking a little excitement, join a guided electric snow scooter safari along the Norppapolu Trail in Saimma Geopark ($370 for two hours). Or, channel your inner adventurer and try ice floating in the Puumala Strait, equipped with survival suits, guided by the knowledgeable Arto ($65 for 90 minutes). With over three million saunas across the country, you’ll have no trouble finding a cozy spot to warm up afterward.

Where to stay: At Sahanlahti Resort in Puumala, enjoy a lakeside setting with accommodations ranging from hotel rooms to traditional cottages and stylish modern villas. Guests can choose from five saunas, including a unique frozen igloo sauna, which is available only in winter (from $111). For easy access to Linnansaari National Park, consider Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän in Rantasalmi, which offers a grotto-like spa, a “sauna world” boasting three types of saunas, and one of Finland’s most exquisite dining experiences at Solitary (from $160).

Southcentral Alaska

Alaska stands as an untouched frontier for winter sports, offering everything from heli-skiing and ice climbing to dog sledding and glacier hiking—all readily accessible. In downtown Anchorage, rent a fat bike from Pablo’s (starting at $30) to explore the scenic 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail leading to Kincaid Park, or book a guided bike tour with Alaska Trail Guides ($129 for 90 minutes). For jaw-dropping excursions on the knicknamed glowing blue Knick Glacier, Alaska Helicopter Tours provides an array of adventures, from cave exploration and ice climbing ($1,299 for four hours) to ice skating and trekking (from $799). About 45 minutes south, in Girdwood, the Alyeska Resort boasts impressive terrain complemented by a luxurious 50,000-square-foot Nordic spa (from $125). For an adventure of a lifetime, fly with Silverton Mountain Guides to the untouched backcountry of the Chugach Mountains, where you’ll seek soft powder, all from the heli-pad at the Alyeska Resort (from $9,890 for a six-day trip). Explore the striking cerulean glaciers on a snowmobile adventure with Glacier City Tours, which takes you along groomed trails at a private gold mine surrounded by towering, glaciated peaks (from $275 for 3.5 hours).

Where to stay: New to downtown Anchorage, the Wildbirch Hotel features 252 uniquely decorated rooms, showcasing local touches like headboards carved with maps of Denali’s peak, plus an on-site brewery from Midnight Sun Brewing Co (from $199). Alyeska Resort boasts an impressive array of amenities, including a saltwater pool, fitness center, sushi restaurant, and a market stocked with local ice cream and an expansive book selection (from $269).

North Conway, New Hampshire

As the gateway to the White Mountains, North Conway serves as a fantastic base for alpine, backcountry, and Nordic enthusiasts. With seven ski resorts within a 30-minute drive, including the state’s largest ski area, 464-acre Bretton Woods, along with six cross-country networks, and a remarkable 30,000 vertical feet of backcountry gladed terrain, it’s no wonder this area is a winter playground. It carries the distinction of being the birthplace of American skiing, and you can dive into that storied history at the New England Ski Museum located in the heart of town.

To ease into the backcountry lifestyle, consider hiring a guide from Red Line Guiding (from $175 for a half-day). Aspiring mountaineers can push their limits and reach the summit of Mount Washington—one of the tallest peaks in the East at 6,288 feet—with Northeast Mountaineering (from $375). Families will adore the tubing and mountain adventure park at Cranmore Mountain Resort, where night tubing under dazzling LED lights is a fresh highlight this season ($49 for two hours). For après options, stop by local gems like Barley & Salt Tap House and Kitchen or the Moat Mountain Brewing Company.

Where to stay: White Mountain Hotel & Resort offers newly updated rooms crafted by local artisans, along with breakfast for all guests (from $169). The historic Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa, situated just a 40-minute drive north, features one of New England’s premier spas, coupled with access to over 60 miles of cross-country trails (from $239) and attractive discounts on ski passes and rentals. For a Scandinavian touch, Villa Hygge Hotel in North Conway provides minimalist design and a soothing Nordic Spa for its guests (from $409).

Jen Murphy is a regular contributor to Outside. Her passion for night tobogganing in the Alps sums up her love for all things winter.