The 10 most outstanding winter destinations
Cold weather can be brutal and intense, but also one of the most exceptional sensations and greatest pleasures if you’re in the right place, at the right time. I will list 9 cold weather destinations that will undermine any warm, sunny place in its uniqueness and beauty. An added bonus: They’re all pretty great for social distancing and staying outdoors, with the right gear at hand!
1. Alaska
Alaska has a natural, lovely landscape that seems at times still untouched by humanity. Anchorage, the state’s largest city, has the quintessential Iditarod Dog Race, which makes it worth a visit. You also have plenty of opportunities to rent snowmobiles and an absolute must is a trip to the city Fairbanks, to witness the amazing spectacle of Northern Lights and take a dogsled tour at Bill Cotter’s Sled Dog Kennel. And don’t forget to explore the incredible Mendenhall Ice Caves in Juneau,, located near the capital of Alaska.
2. Iceland
This small, Northern European country is beautiful at any given time, but winter adds a nuance of mystic. You will find the most beautiful places at Skoftafell Ice Cave, which offers guided tours, and Skogarfoss and Seljalandsfoss, two of the biggest and most famous waterfalls in Iceland. In addition, a must-have is probably the world’s best hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which is open all year round and worth standing in line for anytime.
3. Lake Baikal, Siberia
The serenity experienced here during winter time is priceless, combined with breathtaking views of the frozen lake and sunny sky, especially during February and March. Ice fishing or ice-skating are popular activities, or you can visit stunning grottoes on the shore.
4. Missoula, Montana
One might think this an unusual place for an outstanding cold weather- vacation, but it happens to be a perfectly well suited place for endless winter fun! It’s ideal for families and couples alike. There’s unlimited access to winter sports; ski just being one of them, several hot springs, a supherb local cuisine and a big selection of home-brewed beer.
5. Norway
The perfect winter destination! The best way to explore the Norwegian fjords and see the Northern lights firsthand is by taking a Hurtigruten winter cruise going up the Norwegian coast. You won’t be disappointed! Oslo Vinterpark, on the other hand, is excellent for your skiing needs and the Oslo-Bergen railway will give you an unforgettable scenery and picture opportunities.
6. Japan
Who would have thought Japan would be thought of as an idyllic winter retreat? Well, it is! It offers excellent skiing in Niseko, which is very popular with foreigners ,and the event “Furano Kan Kan Mura” is being held every year at a ski resort in Furano City. It features a full snow-made café that will provide you with a highly interesting après-ski time! Japan also hosts many celebrated festivals during the winter, the most astonishing being the Sapporo Snow Festival, held in February. It displays snow art at its finest and there’s a reason why people all over the world come here to compete.
7. Mt. Cayambe, Equador
This magical place lies almost on the equator and is probably the most interesting and significant place in South America during the winter. It is filled with mountainous hiking trails and little lakes along the way, which gives you stunning and close-up views of these gigantic, snow-covered mountains.
8. Antarctica
Taking a luxurious Antarctic cruise is a once in a lifetime experience. For the average Joe, like you and me, it gives us a unique insight into the fauna located in this coldest of weathers, as well as witnessing the great glaciers. One must see it to believe it!
9. Western Newfoundland, Canada
Canada consists of many great places during the winter (British Columbia and the metropolis Montreal among them), but Newfoundland easily deserves the number one spot, due to its perfection of natural beauty and the choices of thrilling snow activities, such as snowboarding and even zip-line excursions! It gives you a healthy balance between relaxation and solitude away from the crowds and excitement, whenever wished for. The perfect combination!
10. Vancouver Island
This is a dream come true for travelers looking for solitude and expectional views of the ocean during winter time. Waves are coming in from Japan each year and they bring big stormy waves, hence the activity to go with this phenomenon: Storm-watching! The best place to stay to do just that is the Wickanninish Inn in Tofino. It’s a luxurious, and solitary, hotel with some of the best dining in the area, plus dozens of activities to fill your day without having to go far (the location in itself limits traveling to a minimum).
Please keep in mind, as I write this in late 2020, that most of these places are currently not open to travelers, but they make an ideal list to start with once borders open up again and it’s safe to go traveling again.