12 U.S. Destinations for a Magical Winter Getaway
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Looking to enjoy a magical and fun-filled winter getaway? The United States has many scenic towns that guarantee you a real-life Winter Wonderland experience. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of skiing down steep slopes or the tranquility of snowy landscapes, these 12 U.S. destinations, perfect for magical winter getaways, will exceed your expectations.
Vail, Colorado
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Located on the slopes of Vail Mountain, this town is a renowned winter sports getaway. While the town has several world-class resorts, you want a slice of the massive Vail Ski Resort.
Admire the charming alpine scenery on the slopes of the Vail Mountain. Then, take cable cars to get better views of the snowy villages for better views.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider dog sledding, where huskies lead tourists through the snowy scenery. You may also want to enjoy horse sleigh rides and fat biking on the snowy trails.
Wrap up by exploring the Colorado Snowsports Museum, which showcases exhibits of World War II’s mountain troops and the 10th Mountain Division. It also pays tribute to notable figures in the snowboarding and ski industry.
Read also: Amazing US Mountain Getaways
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is home to 4 world-renowned ski resorts: Aspen Mountain (locally called AJAX), Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. These facilities attract skiers from around the world.
Visiting this alpine mountain town also offers the chance to enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, and backcountry skiing.
After a long day of winter sports, take a slow evening to enjoy the snow-capped Colorado Mountains. They are truly a sight to behold in winter.
Read also: Hidden US Towns for a Quiet Escape
Lake Tahoe, California
Lying on the border of Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is famous for being home to the highest concentration of ski resorts in the U.S. within a 100-mile radius. Winter enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice in Lake Tahoe, a great destination for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking.
The apres-skiing scene in the charming villages, vibrant casinos, cozy lodges and wine bars here is like no other. It is an unforgettable winter destination, whether looking for stunning views or engaging in endless winter sports.
Read also: US Lake Destinations
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Located in Jackson Hole Valley in Wyoming, this town is home to three massive ski areas: Snow King Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort. These resorts will give you endless activities to indulge in.
Enjoy the snow-capped peaks of Grand Teton National Park and the vast Yellowstone National Park that can be seen from the town. You may also want to reserve well in advance to take the Rendezvous Peak Lift, which offers stunning views of the Teton Range and the nearby valleys blanketed in snow.
If you are lucky, you may spot wildlife such as bison, foxes, elk, deer, coyote, moose, wolves, bald eagles, and trumpeter swans during your winter getaway.
Read also: Awesome Wilderness Spots in the US
Salt Lake City, Utah
For a long time, Utah has been considered to have “the greatest snow in the world”, and visiting Salt Lake City will let you experience this wonder. Salt Lake City is home to world-famous ski resorts such as Snowbird, Solitude Mountain, Brighton, and Alta Ski Resort, all of which have thousands of acres of skiable land.
While Salt Lake City is loved for its vast, skiable grounds, one of the reasons it is considered the best in the world is the quality and texture of the snow. The snow here is lighter and powdery, making skiing and snowboarding more of an adventure than a chore.
Read also: Must-Visit US Cities
Lanesboro, Minnesota
Lanesboro is a charming small town located in the picturesque Root River Valley. The small town transforms into a serene wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking in winter. Root River and the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails offer scenic cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures.
Wrap up your days by taking trips to the downtown area to explore snow-covered historic buildings and streets. You should also experience the winter charm of Sylvan Park or go winter trout fishing.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
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Fairbanks, Alaska
Winter in Fairbanks is breathtakingly beautiful and action-packed. Whether you’re looking to enjoy scenery like no other or engage in day-long winter sports, Fairbanks offers you unparalleled experiences. You see the beautiful Northern Lights and massive ice sculptures, interact with reindeer, fish in frozen lakes, enter glacier caves at Castner Glacier, and soak in natural hot springs. You may also want to experience Alaska’s sport, dog mashing on the thick layers of snow. It is truly an experience you will cherish.
Consider attending the World Ice Art Championships, typically from mid-February to early March, where artists from around the globe create stunning ice sculptures.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the US
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is home to the United States’ first cross-country ski resort, Trapp Family Resort. This would be a great bet if you want to have winter fun with the best. Nestled in the picturesque Green Mountains, Stowe offers backcountry skiing, Nordic skiing, scenic Gondola rides, snowshoeing, and ice skating opportunities.
It is also an excellent place for all levels of skiers; many Stowe resorts offer skiing lessons to adults and children.
Read also: Best US Cities To See Fall Foliage
Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is the place to explore New England’s charm, which gets even better in winter. Stroll along its snow-dusted bridges, streets, and historic villages to experience the beauty of this town.
Ensure to explore nearby ski resorts, such as Saskadena Six (formerly Suicide Six), which offers downhill skiing and snowboarding. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers will have fun-filled days exploring the scenic trails of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
Read also: Best US Towns To See Spring Blossoms
Lake Placid, New York
Situated amidst the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is known for offering memorable winter getaways, thanks to the diverse snowy adventures and charming apres-ski scene it provides. Having hosted the Winter Olympics of 1932 and 1980, you know that this resort town has facilities that will exceed your winter getaway expectations.
Being both a mountain and lake town, there is so much you can do in winter in Lake Placid. Whiteface Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the region, boasts world-class skiing and snowboarding trails. The spot is also great for bobsledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ski jumping.
Beyond snow sports, explore the enchanting views of frozen lakes and snow-covered forests.
Read also: Picture-Perfect Spots in the US
Mammoth Lakes, California
Located in the Eastern Sierra region, Mammoth Lakes is a captivating winter destination popular for its stunning alpine scenery, world-class outdoor recreation, abundant snowfall (an average of 9 meters per year on the peaks), vast terrain, and longer seasons.
The vast terrain creates the perfect destination for downhill skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice skating. Ensure to explore the Inyo National Forest for untouched powdery snow and breathtaking views.
During your exploration, you may want to stop by the region’s hot spring and have a dip. Some famous hot springs to try out include Wind Willy’s, Crab Cooker, Hilltop, and The Rock Tub Hot Springs.
Read also: Breathtaking US National Parks
Whitefish, Montana
Located in the Flathead Valley and not far from Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a winter haven you should add to your bucket list. It is a loved winter destination because it has relatively mild temperatures but lots of snow.
Start your adventure at Whitefish Mountain Resort, known for its impressive skiing and snowboarding facilities The resort offers over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, frozen lakes, and waterfalls.
It is also the perfect destination to go ice fishing and spot wildlife.
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