12 Beautiful Places for Winter Landscapes in the US That Look Straight Out of a Snow Globe

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Winter in the United States transforms some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes into real-life wonderland. From snow-capped peaks and frosty forests to frozen lakes, the season brings a special kind of magic.

Whether you’re a photographer seeking the perfect snowy shot, an adventurer ready to explore icy trails, or someone who loves winter beauty, there are countless places across the U.S. where the season’s charm is on full display. On top of enjoying the beauty, you will likely not meet crowds like you would in summer.

Ready to take your winter adventures to another level? Here are 12 of the most beautiful places for winter landscapes in the U.S.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/ Idaho

12 Beautiful Places for Winter Landscapes in the US Yellowstone National Park — © Jo / Adobe Stock

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Yellowstone National Park in winter is the perfect definition of a winter wonderland. This park, established in 1872, is America’s first National Park. It sees its biggest crowds between July and August. Therefore, in the peak of winter, you can enjoy the picturesque environment without battling crowds.

In winter, the snowy blanket adds a layer of magic to the park’s geothermal features, making the park’s iconic sights even more dramatic. Interestingly, the park’s geothermal activity continues to bubble and steam. The sight of the Old Faithful Geyser erupting against the snowy background is beautiful. Winter is also the best time to view wildlife like bison and elk.

Aspen, Colorado

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is one of the most famous winter destinations in the world. It is known for its luxury and world-class skiing. Snow-capped peaks and alpine forests surround the town. The city is charming, with twinkling lights and cozy lodges.

Aspen has four ski areas offering something for every level of skier. Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, is famous for its steep terrain, while Snowmass provides wide, beginner-friendly slopes. Ride on the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain for panoramic views of the Rockies.

Beyond skiing, Aspen is known for its high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and art galleries.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

12 Beautiful Places for Winter Landscapes in the US Lake Tahoe, California — © Annora / Adobe Stock

Lake Tahoe is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters and surrounding mountain scenery. The lake’s clarity and snowy landscapes make it a breathtaking site, especially with the Sierra Nevada Mountains as a backdrop. The area is also known for its sunny winter days.

You can go skiing or snowboarding in the surrounding resorts. You could also take gondola rides at Heavenly Mountain Resort for panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. If you are into road trips or scenic drives, drive around Lake Tahoe’s perimeter, especially along the western shore, which offers some of the most picturesque winter views in the region.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is a charming New England town in northern Vermont, often called the “Ski Capital of the East.” Nestled at the base of Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak, Stowe is renowned for its classic New England charm, historic architecture, and excellent winter sports facilities.

In winter, the town’s picturesque streets are lined with historic buildings and twinkling lights, while the surrounding mountains and forests are covered in snow.

There are a variety of skiing trails on both Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Numerous resorts in the town offer ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is a valley between the Teton Mountain Range and the Gros Ventre Range. The town of Jackson, located in this valley, is a gateway to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States, including Grand Teton National Park.

Jackson Hole is also famous for its world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Beyond skiing, the area offers various winter activities, from wildlife safaris to snowmobiling. The town of Jackson itself is also known for its Old West atmosphere, complete with wooden boardwalks and historic saloons.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Glenwood Springs is a picturesque town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. It is also located at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers. In winter, Glenwood Springs becomes a cozy mountain retreat surrounded by snow-covered peaks and forested landscapes.

Glenwood Springs is also known for its geothermal attractions. The town is home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool, which remains warm and welcoming even in the coldest months. If you are not soaking in the hot springs, you can go skiing, snowboarding, or driving along the Glenwood Canyon.

Mammoth Lakes, California

Mammoth Lakes is a stunning town near Mammoth Mountain, one of the winter premier resorts in the western United States. Surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, Mammoth Lakes is a year-round destination, but it truly comes alive in the winter with its snowy views and outdoor activities.

The surrounding peaks, frozen lakes, and dense forests are always covered in snow in winter. Mammoth Lakes is one of California’s best places to experience a snowy paradise. You can go skiing, ice skating, or dipping in the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Majestic caribou bull in front of the mount Denali, ( mount Mckinley), Alaskal — © Martin Capek / Adobe Stock

Located in the heart of Alaska, Fairbanks is known for its extreme temperatures and remote wilderness. Its proximity to the Arctic Circle makes it a great destination for spotting the northern lights.

The city is surrounded by vast and untouched wilderness, which transforms into a frozen wonderland. If you head out for exploration, you will be met by snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, and wide-open skies that stretch endlessly.

Whether you’re chasing the northern lights, exploring the wilderness on a dog sled, or relaxing in natural hot springs like the Chena Hot Springs, Fairbanks offers a winter experience unlike any other.

Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid is a beautiful village tucked in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, this destination’s winter scene is unbeatable. The frozen lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, and dense forests combine to create a stunning winter landscape.

You can take in the scenery of snow-covered Whiteface Mountain, enjoy the reflection of snowy landscapes on frozen Mirror Lake, or snap some photos of the dense forests of the Adirondacks draped in snow. You can also go skiing on Whiteface Mountain or ice skating on Mirror Lake.

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is where you can experience German-style Christmas markets without actually traveling to Germany. This town, located in the Cascade Mountains, is known for its charming Bavarian-themed architecture.

At the peak of winter, the city becomes even more magical, with festive decorations creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival, which usually has many festive lights, music, and family-friendly activities. You can head to the Cascade Mountains for outdoor winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley, surrounded by the Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain ski areas, has long been a favorite destination for winter sports enthusiasts with its rugged mountain peaks and expansive snowy fields.

You can go skiing on Bald Mountain, known for its challenging terrain, or Dollar Mountain, which has beginner-friendly terrains. You also do not want to miss out on Sun Valley Village and Ketchum Town’s warm ambiance.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

12 Beautiful Places for Winter Landscapes in the US Sequoia and Kings Canyon, California — © dawn2dawn / Adobe Stock

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are dreamy destinations in winter. These adjacent parks have impressive giant sequoia trees, including the famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume in the world.

The parks have lush forests, rugged mountain peaks, and deep canyons. You will also see frozen waterfalls, icy rivers, and snow-covered meadows. The parks also see thin crowds in winter. Go to Moro Rock and King Canyon overlooks for panoramic views. While at it, do not miss out on Tokopah Falls, which can freeze into stunning ice formations during winter.