14 Magical Winter Mountain Breaks for Snowy Views and Cozy Vibes

Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.

Are you looking for the best winter mountain breaks in the world? If so, you’ve come to the right place. While most travelers seek out sun, sea, sand, and luxury beach resorts, many prefer adventures and relaxing mountain getaways. Luckily for them, the world has much to offer.

The world has everything from the snowy skiing slopes in the Alps and mesmerizing mountain peaks in Austria to picturesque mountain towns in the United States and world-famous landscapes in Poland. As such, deciding where to go can be challenging.

Don’t panic, though; we’re here to help. Here are 12 of the world’s best winter mountain breaks that offer impressive views and memorable experiences.

Zakopane, Poland

Save this!

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Zakopane is a famous resort town in Southern Poland, at the base of the Tatras Mountains. Like many of the world’s best winter breaks, it’s known for its winter sports opportunities and fairytale-esque winter landscapes. You’ll likely spend most of your time in Zakopane hiking, skiing, and riding the cable car and funicular.

For the ultimate experience in Zakopane, stay at Osada Chłabówka Zakopane & SPA. This stunning 4-star resort offers authentic wooden cabin-style chalets with balconies overlooking the mountains, private bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens.

It has an on-site spa and wellness center with a hot tub and sauna. You can stay at Osada Chłabówka Zakopane & SPA for $232 nightly.

Obertraun, Austria

Obertraun is one of the world’s most underrated mountain break destinations. This scenic village is in the Salzkammergut region in Upper Austria, near the world-famous Hallstatt. However, compared to Hallstatt, Obertraun is much quieter.

Obertraun is an excellent place to hike, kayak, ski, and snowboard, surrounded by rugged mountains and a serene lake. It is also an easy day trip from Salzburg. Alternatively, the village’s tranquil atmosphere is the perfect setting for a relaxed getaway from the stress of daily life.

Dormio Resort Obertraun offers highly-rated, lakeside cabin-style accommodation in Obertraun. Rooms here feature ensuite bathrooms and offer incredible mountain views. Meanwhile, the resort also has a spa with a sauna, fitness center, and on-site restaurant. Rooms at Dormio Resort can cost $290 a night.

Chamonix, France

Most Expensive Destinations in France Chamonix — © Oleksandra / Adobe Stock

Chamonix is one of the world’s best winter mountain breaks because it offers travelers outstanding mountain views, out-of-this-world experiences, and incredible outdoor activities.

In Chamonix, you can hit France’s iconic skiing slopes, hike up snowy mountains, and climb rock faces. Alternatively, you can relax with a crisp glass of wine overlooking the French Alps.

If you stay at Chalet Tissières, you can expect to be treated like royalty. You’ll stay in luxury cabin-style accommodation with an ensuite bathroom, eat delicious European cuisine, relax in the on-site sauna, and enjoy spectacular mountain views.

This dream-like mountain destination in Europe will set you back approximately $2,200 a night, but you won’t regret staying here if you have a big enough budget.

Leavenworth, Washington, United States

Leavenworth is one of the best winter breaks in the world for American travelers who’ve always dreamt of experiencing winter in Germany but don’t have enough money.

Leavenworth is a magical Bavarian-style town in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Every year, this picturesque town turns into a winter wonderland bursting at the seams with festive cheer.

You can experience traditional German Christmas markets, drink German beer, participate in authentic traditions, and enjoy the impressive natural scenery surrounded by bright lights and festive decorations.

Blue Elk Inn offers affordable accommodation near the action for less than $150 nightly. This 3-star hotel provides Bavarian-style accommodation with modern bedrooms, a sauna, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.

Whistler, Canada

Whistler is a scenic mountain town north of Vancouver in British Columbia. It is one of Canada’s most highly sought-after mountain break destinations. Whistler is famed worldwide for its magnificent mountain landscapes.

As a result, you won’t be surprised to hear it’s home to one of North America’s largest ski resorts (Whistler Blackcomb).

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ski jumping are popular winter activities in Whistler. If you want to stay in Whistler, we recommend booking Nita Lake Lodge.

This Lakeside hotel is only 1,600 feet (500 meters) from Whistler Mountain and Creekside Gondola. It offers stylish studio apartments, an on-site spa, a swimming pool, and two restaurants for less than $170 per night.

Zermatt, Switzerland

As far as scenic winter mountain breaks go, Zermatt, a mountain resort in Southern Switzerland, is hard to beat. This beautiful town is surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains, with the iconic Matterhorn Mountain dominating the skyline.

Besides the impressive scenery, one of the best things about Zermatt is that it offers something for everyone—but especially for skiers.

Keen shoppers can shop until they drop along Bahnhofstrasse, outdoor enthusiasts can hike in the snowy mountains, thrill seekers can race down the mountains on skis, and sports fans can try curling and ice skating.

Regarding accommodation, you can’t go wrong with Alpine Hotel Perren. For just over $210 a night, you can enjoy modern wood cabin-themed accommodation, dazzling views of the Matterhorn, Austrian cuisine, and on-site spa and fitness facilities.

Jackson, Wyoming, United States

Jackson, Wyoming, is one of the world’s best winter mountain breaks for travelers who love to ski. This mountain town is found in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley. Conveniently for skiing enthusiasts, Jackson Hole Valley has three ski resorts: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is often considered one of the United States’ best ski and snowboard destinations. Jackson is also a fantastic place to watch wildlife and hike. Visit the National Elk Refuge to spot local elk.

For an authentic mountain lodge stay in the town, visit Rustic Inn Creek. This 4-star hotel offers luxury cabins, spa facilities, and magnificent views for $250 a night.

🏨 Book this lodge here

Banff, Canada

No list of the world’s best winter mountain breaks is complete without Banff, an out-of-this-world destination offering rugged mountains, turquoise-colored lakes, vast national parks, and iconic photograph opportunities.

There’s a good chance you’ve seen Banff all over your Instagram feed, but nothing beats seeing the town in person, so start packing your bags.

Significant points of interest in Banff include the Banff Gondola, Banff Avenue, the Bow River, and Banff National Park. If you visit Banff in winter, you could also visit the Banff Christmas Market.

Canalta Lodge is one of Banff’s top-rated hotels. Located five minutes drive from Banff town center, this 4-star hotel offers panoramic mountain views, outdoor fire pits, a sauna, and hot tubs for $150 a night.

San Vigilio Di Marebbe, Dolomites, Italy

Admittedly, San Vigilio Di Marebbe in the Dolomites, Italy, is a spectacular mountain destination year-round. However, the village truly comes to life in winter when snow covers the ground. You likely already know that the Dolomites is one of the world’s best hiking destinations, so don’t forget to pack your walking boots for the trip.

When you’re not hiking trails in the mountains, admire the breathtaking landscape views, race down the ski slopes, and enjoy leisurely walks around the village.

Alpine Mountain Chalet is one of the best places in San Vigilio Di Marebbe. This mountain resort has a gorgeous wooden design, rustic apartments with wooden furnishings, an on-site restaurant, and a sauna. What more could we ask for?

Nagarkot, Nepal

Nagarkot makes this list of the best winter mountain breaks in the world because it offers impressive views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, culturally rich experiences, and authentic Nepalese charm.

Tucked away in Central Nepal, at the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, this village is a fantastic hiking and temple-hunting destination.

Must-visit attractions include the Changunarayan Temple, Nagarkot Waterfall, Rani Jhula, and the Panoramic Trail. If it’s views you’re after, stay at Hotel Country Villa. This breathtaking hotel is situated 7,200 feet (2,195 meters) above sea level.

As such, it offers mind-blowing views of the Himalayan Mountain Range. Better yet, it features an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, a sauna, and a spa. Rooms cost approximately $100 nightly.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, situated on the Arctic Circle, is the gateway to winter magic in Finnish Lapland. Known as Santa Claus’ official hometown, it’s a favorite for families with kids, especially during the holiday season.

Visitors can enjoy reindeer sleigh rides, adventures with snowmobiles, and cross-country skiing across snowy landscapes. Don’t miss the Northern Lights and some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

For a luxurious stay, consider the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. This 5-star hotel offers suites with panoramic glass walls in the forest. Travelers can even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from their rooms.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is a prime base for exploring Iceland’s rugged landscapes, from geothermal pools to stunning waterfalls. Its central location offers easy access to iconic places, like the Golden Triangle and the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa. Travelers can also explore the black sand beaches and ice caves in Iceland.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is a 5-star hotel built around the famous Blue Lagoon. It offers views of volcanic landscapes and is the ultimate luxury escape.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

If you’re looking for a wilder mountain break, look no further than the Lofoten Islands in Norway. Lofoton is a mesmerizing archipelago in Northern Norway famed for its dramatic scenery, jagged peaks, quaint fishing villages, and remote fjords.

This part of Norway is a big hit with road-trippers, hikers, climbers, and wildlife enthusiasts. You don’t want to miss the Lofotr Viking Museum, Reinebringen, Haukland Beach, and Uttakleiv Beach during your visit.

For the best experience, stay at Svinøya Rorbuer in Svolvær. This traditional Norwegian wooden property sits in a scenic location among nature, approximately 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) from Svolvær town center. It offers cozy apartments, stunning views, a sauna, and a local restaurant. Rooms cost roughly $200 a night.

Manali, India

Manali is one of my all-time favorite mountain getaways. This postcard-perfect resort town in the Indian Himalayas is the perfect destination for backpackers who want to explore India’s magnificent natural scenery. Set on the Beas River, it’s a gateway to outdoor adventure in Solang Valley and Parvati Valley.

While hiking is the most popular activity in Manali, paragliding, skiing, and rafting are also popular. Meanwhile, the town center has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Storii By ITC Hotels Urvashis Retreat is one of Manali’s most luxurious places to stay. This 5-star property offers luxury wooden cabin rooms on the outskirts of Manali for less than $140 a night. It features a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a fitness center.