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Travelers seeking snowy adventures aren't short on options. From US national parks to dreamy Finnish Lapland, explorers can set their eyes on an array of snow adventures. Indeed, there are a multitude of options for more adventurous travelers, as well as for those who enjoy a more luxurious, indoor look towards snowy landscapes. Which will you choose? Check out this gallery for some ideas.
While some travelers may spend the winter seeking warmer locations, others seek adventures in snowy landscapes.
Although we can’t always predict when snow will come, there are some destinations that are more likely than others to count on a white winter.
From European peaks to US parks, there is something for everyone seeking snow-filled escapades. Picturesque landscapes around the world await your next adventure.
At the entrance of the Arctic Circle, one of the most sought-after Christmas destinations offers itself to visitors from around the world. Get pulled into the festive enchantment of Rovaniemi, a northern Finnish city that spends its winters covered in snow.
Just north of Rovaniemi, the Santa Claus Village welcomes tiny dreamers that are eager to peek into Santa’s world of magical fun, making it a dreamy destination for families.
Visitors will meet Santa’s reindeer and visit the post office where he receives eager letters, hoping they’ll be on the ‘nice’ list. From November through April, snow is likely to grace the area.
For the Pacific-curious, the Japanese city of Sapporo hosts its own Snow Festival during the month of February. The area receives plenty of snow throughout the winter months.
The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place in three locations: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome, showcasing elaborate snow sculptures that visitors of all ages can admire.
The International Snow Sculpture Contest makes the event a special site for artists to test their creative ideas. At night, many of the sculptures are illuminated with colorful lights.
Beyond the artistic pleasures that the festival brings, visitors can also enjoy live music, exhibitions, and snow slides that are sure to create special and unique memories.
In the US, visitors to the Great Lakes region and the Pacific Northwest are sure to enjoy snowy adventures.
Tours of Yellowstone National Park will leave visitors enchanted with incredible wildlife while offering the opportunity to dip into its hot springs, making it a unique winter destination.
Throughout the winter months in Anchorage, Alaska, the city is blanketed under snowfall. Have you ever gone dog sledding? Now’s your chance!
Mount Rainier, located in Washington state, draws visitors in winter and summer alike. Incredible, lush meadows decorate its landscapes over warmer months, while pillowy snow covers the area in the winter.
Adventurous visitors can also enjoy Washington's largest ski resort, Crystal Mountain, while those seeking to admire the snowy beauty can engage in luxurious spa activities and savor delicious cuisine in the area’s sought-after restaurants.
Breckenridge, Colorado, is located in an area known for the Gold Rush. While its unique history certainly draws visitors, sport enthusiasts seek its slopes.
Surrounded by the Rocky Mountain landscape, Breckenridge hosts some of the country’s top ski resorts. Skiers and snowboarders rush to the mountains to make use of the dreamy winter landscape.
For those who prefer to enjoy the sights off the slope, the town’s unique, historical appearance draws visitors every winter. Tourists can enjoy over 200 restaurants, bars, cafés and shops, guaranteed to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
On the other side of the country, skiers, snowboarders, and ice skaters alike can enjoy the wide variety of activities available to visitors in Syracuse, New York.
Throughout winter, the area hosts seasonal festivals, attracting visitors from all over the country. Its Winterfest takes place in the month of February, offering live music while lighting up the sky with fireworks, as well as other exciting activities that are fun for the whole family.
While the UK isn’t known for its heavy snowfall, its Scottish peaks offer visitors that highest chance of experiencing a snowy getaway. Those seeking adventure sports are particularly drawn to the area.
Cairngorm Mountain in particular is known for drawing visitors along its rocky landscape. Exciting hiking paths, ski locations, and breathtaking views await Scottish Highlands visitors.
For those not so into sporty snow adventures, Aviemore, a town nearby Cairngorm Mountain, offers itself as a cozy escape, with pubs to keep you warm and jolly.
The Alpine beauty of Switzerland is not short of options for winter enthusiasts, but Zermatt is certainly a place to visit for those eager to ski with a view of the Matterhorn.
Unique hotels, dreamy streets to wander, as well as cozy cafés and bars, make the destination interesting for all tourists curious to experience the beauty of winter weather.
Charming chalets, delicious traditional cuisine, and dramatic landscapes await your adventure to this Swiss winter wonderland.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Lake Louise in Canada will surely leave you captivated. The beautiful turquoise lake becomes covered with snow, creating an unforgettable sight for visitors.
Delicious restaurants, luxurious chalets, and glamorous resorts can be found just next to Lake Louise Village. The alpine forest of Banff National Park immerses visitors in the charming landscape.
While the area is known for incredible skiing and hiking options, visitors can also enjoy their time ice skating, basking in a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or sipping on a hot beverage while admiring the view.
Sources: (National Geographic)
See also: Destinations that are even more beautiful in winter
Let it snow: Best snow-filled destinations to visit
Snowy adventures await!
TRAVEL Winter
Travelers seeking snowy adventures aren't short on options. From US national parks to dreamy Finnish Lapland, explorers can set their eyes on an array of snow adventures. Indeed, there are a multitude of options for more adventurous travelers, as well as for those who enjoy a more luxurious, indoor look towards snowy landscapes. Which will you choose? Check out this gallery for some ideas.