Where should I go to admire falling snow during a winter vacation?

When temperatures drop, it’s the ideal time to start planning a winter vacation in a snowy destination.

The Alps (Switzerland): With snow-covered forests, icy peaks, and glistening lakes, the Swiss Alps are a stunning place to visit in winter. One of the best ways to experience the Swiss Alps in winter is to take a ride on the Glacier Express, the iconic red train known as one of the slowest scenic train journeys.

Yosemite National Park (California): Yosemite is a beautiful destination to visit in any season, especially winter. The giant granite cliffs and layered redwoods against the backdrop of pristine white snow create a picturesque scene. Here, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing or hiking along some of the trails in the valley.

Tromso (Norway): In winter, you can witness the Northern Lights, visit the Arctic Cathedral, and glide through the snow on a sled in Tromso. It’s a perfect place to warm up and enjoy an urban feel with the local residents. When here, visitors can indulge in delicious seafood, winter festivals, and cozy up in numerous restaurants and cafes.

Dolomites (Italy): With gentle slopes and the 138 km-long Great Dolomites Road (one of the most beautiful roads in the world), along with the jagged mountain peaks, it is one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations and an excellent place to admire the snow. For skiing, you can visit Cortina, Arabba, and Selva Gardena, while picturesque fairytale-like villages such as Colfosco, Corvara, and San Cassiano are a dream come true.

Antarctica: You won’t find a place icier than Antarctica. Known as the “White Continent,” it’s where you’ll find more penguins than people. An excellent idea for a winter holiday, you can sail through the impressive Drake Passage before entering the wild realm of ice rivers, drifting icebergs, and wild animals. If you’re pursuing a unique adventure for your winter vacation, Antarctica is the place for you.

South Coast (Iceland): Iceland has many winter wonders to explore, such as the mighty Skogafoss waterfall, the outdoor Seljavallalaug swimming pool, the black sand beach Reynisfjara, and the Fjaorargljufur canyon. You’ll also want to have a cozy space at one of Iceland’s best hotels, Ranga, before waking up and witnessing the Northern Lights.

Rila (Bulgaria): The ancient town of Rila makes for a fantastic trip, but what you should truly visit in winter is the Rila Mountain range, the highest in Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula. The photo above is taken from Mt Musala, the highest peak at 2,925 m. The most visited part of the mountain is the northwest Rila, where you can admire the seven Rila Lakes and the famous Rila Monastery.

Prague (Czech Republic): If you’re looking for a festive getaway, Prague is the place to be. While snowfall may not be guaranteed, the Christmas spirit in the Czech Republic’s capital never fails to delight visitors. Strolling through the Christmas markets is a must-do when you’re here, where you can choose from a selection of traditional crafts and gifts from the brightly decorated wooden stalls or enjoy a warm trdelník (sweet pastry coated in sugar) in hand.

Whistler (Canada): Just over 32 km from Vancouver, the village of Whistler is the largest ski area in North America, spanning over 32,000 square meters across two mountains. It’s the perfect destination for snow activities and was also a host site for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Lapland (Finland): This list wouldn’t be complete without the enchanting presence of Lapland. Finland’s fairytale-like destination makes for a perfect family vacation or a romantic winter retreat. Here, you can experience cozy log cabins with crackling fires, snow-covered forests, and countless reindeer. For families with young children, there are Santa Claus caves, sleigh rides, and plenty of snow to build snowmen.

Cappadocia (Turkey): When you think of Turkey, you immediately envision radiant sunshine, azure waters, and warm summer days. Don’t overlook the winter season in this country. In the heart of Anatolia, Cappadocia, a historical region, becomes a wonderland shrouded in snow. With its unique honeycomb hills and extraordinary architecture, visitors can have a captivating experience here during winter.

Bled (Slovenia): Slovenia is beautiful in winter. Visitors can try ice skating on Lake Bled and then hike up the hill to Bled Castle for breathtaking views of the snow-covered scenery. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for snowboarding when you visit this town.

Lofoten (Norway): The Lofoten Islands attract visitors in winter. This is the best time of year to experience the authentic fishing villages. Travelers can embark on a nature and wildlife exploration to encounter spectacular landscapes and the life of various bird species while also participating in the hunt for the Northern Lights after sunset.

New York (USA): Many thrill-seeking tourists may choose to visit New York City during winter for its vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Thick snowfall and the air filled with sparkling Christmas lights create a magical ambiance. There’s a plethora of events happening here, from festivals to markets and ice skating rinks for you to discover.

Lapland (Sweden): A destination worth mentioning twice, Lapland is truly a winter holiday dream. If you missed out on Lapland in Finland or prefer something truly unique, Lapland in Sweden is the place to be. Among them, Abisko National Park is known as one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights.