If You Like Snow, These Are The Best Places For Winter Travel In The US

Perfect for if you want to cozy up by the fireplace *or* hit the slopes.

The coronavirus pandemic is still impacting travel, and destinations around the world have different COVID-19 restrictions in place. Always check and adhere to local government policies as you're planning future trips.

If you're looking for snow, there are plenty of spots in the US to visit for those perfect winter vibes.

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Here's just a few spots you'll want to bookmark for winter travel!

1. Big Sky, Montana

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If you're the kind of person who wants to hit the slopes and go skiing but you also want the highest chance of encountering wildlife (think elk, wolves, mountain goats, etc.) then Montana is the state for you! 

Big Sky, Montana has some of the best skiing in the state with slopes for every experience level and plenty of cozy lodges where you can curl up by the fire. Since Big Sky isn't a major city, you won't get stuck in crowds of people. So, catch a chairlift, rent a snowmobile, or simply take in the scenery — whatever you choose, you're bound to have a memorable getaway! 

And if you plan your trip at just the right time, you can enjoy some of the many winter events Big Sky has to offer, like the annual Christmas Stroll (complete with Christmas movies and tree lighting), ice skating, hockey, or curling. 

If you're looking for somewhere to stay on your trip to the biggest sky there is, consider one of the four hotels at Big Sky Resort. Prices vary by room and dates, but whichever hotel you choose, they're sure to give snowed-in mountain vibes.

2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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You might notice a theme here...skiing and snowboarding are quintessential winter activities, so of course Jackson Hole offers some amazing slopes. But don't worry, if you're not the skiing type, there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy in Jackson Hole like sleigh rides, winter bike tours, and snowshoeing.

Jackson Hole is just a short drive away from both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, so you can count on amazing views during your visit.

3. Burlington, Vermont

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If you prefer shopping over skiing, head to Burlington! Enjoy the small city decorated for the holidays, with warm glowing lights, fresh falling snow, and plenty of places to shop, snack, or grab a drink. 

Burlington has a bunch of winter events and a winter festival each year to plan your trip around. Head to the Church Street Marketplace for everything from a Santa parade and tree lighting (hello free hot chocolate) to winter markets featuring local businesses.

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This egg has already hatched. Keep looking for easter eggs for a chance to be a winner of our 5 Days of Giveaways! 

4. North Conway, New Hampshire

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For those on the east coast who are looking for a good ski spot, North Conway is among the best. There are more than a dozen different ski resorts in the area to choose from like the beautiful White Mountain Hotel and Resort or this luxurious ski-in/ski-out penthouse at Cranmore Mountain. 

And when you're not on the slopes, you can try out snow tubing, ice skating, snowmobiling, dog sledding, or an old fashioned sleigh ride. Then, end the day with a fondue dinner and drinks at a local pub. 

If you want some drinks paired with traditional Irish food, check out May Kelly's Cottage Bar and Restaurant. But if you have no clue what you want, you could always head to the highly rated Delaney's Hole In the Wall for American food, pizza, and an extensive sushi menu.

5. Lake Tahoe, California

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Lake Tahoe is such a picturesque place to enjoy the outdoors, especially in the winter. Imagine gliding down the slopes with the icy blue lake as your backdrop. 

While there are no bad views when you're in the mountains, Heavenly Lake Tahoe has some of the best views of the lake (for both skiers and non-skiers alike).

During the day you can go cross-country skiing, sledding, or snowmobiling, and when the sun goes down, you can keep those snow pants on for ski parties and snowball fights on the beach... or change into something a little less puffy and soak up the nightlife with live music and dancing. You can even spend the evening following Tahoe South's Beer Trail and enjoy some of the best craft brews along the lake.

6. Sun Valley, Idaho

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Like most of this list, Sun Valley is a great place to go skiing with plenty of resorts to choose from.

But! You can also grab your skates for a day of ice skating or organize a game of ice hockey. If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, head out for some paragliding... or if you prefer to keep it low-key, head to one of the many spas like The Spa at Sun Valley Resort. 

And if you want to get away from it all, take a quick hour-drive trip to the nearby mountain town of Stanley and soak in the hot springs or hit the trails. Prefer to stay closer to your hotel? In the fall and early winter you can visit Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs just 11 miles outside of town.

7. Jeffersonville, Vermont

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Jeffersonville is best known for the family friendly Smuggler's Notch Resort. Smuggler's Notch prides itself on being super kid-friendly — they even offer childcare so parents can spend the day on the slopes. Whether you have kids or teens, there are plenty of supervised activities for them to enjoy.

When in Jeffersonville, you can spend your days snow tubing at North Hill or spend the nights snow tubing at Sir Henry's Hill. Take a guided winter walk, warm up at the bonfire, or hit the snowshoe trails.

Then, of course, you can grab a lift ticket and spend the day on the slopes.

8. Blowing Rock, North Carolina

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Blowing Rock is the perfect winter destination for those looking to road trip from southern states. Appalachian Ski Mtn. hosts over a dozen ski trails for every experience level and, on top of winter sports, there are lots of trails for winter hiking. Glen Burney Falls Trail is among the most popular — always make sure to check the conditions before hiking, as the trails can be icy in the winter.

If you are able to visit during Winterfest, you can participate in the icy Polar Bear Plunge in Chetola Lake, admire ice carving demonstrations, and hop on a hayride through downtown.

9. Vail, Colorado

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If you're looking for a winter vacation, Colorado is likely the first state that comes to mind. Between the Rocky Mountains and the river canyons, Colorado is a great destination for all things outdoors. 

Vail (one of the more popular spots) is made up of three cute villages filled with shops and restaurants. It's easy to visit Lionshead Village, Cascade Village, and Vail Village on your trip as they're connected by pedestrian streets and a free bus system.

The Vail area boasts all the quintessential winter activities, but includes some great spas as well. Take your pick between winter fishing, Nordic skiing adventures, and winter fat tire biking. 

There are also plenty of winter events from music festivals to exploring Vail's art scene.

10. Ogden, Utah

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Ogden is the perfect mix of rustic and urban. Whether you crave the outdoors or the eclectic, there's something for everyone.

Ogden prides itself on being different from other mountain towns. Yes, there's skiing nearby, but that's only a piece of what you can enjoy in Ogden. 

After a day of winter activities, you can visit museums, explore the art scene at their First Friday Art Stroll, or spend the night with friends at one of Ogden's many breweries or distilleries. Spend your night in the tap room of Roosters Brewing Co. or hang out at the Side Bar at Ogden's Own Distillery.

11. Bozeman, Montana

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Bozeman has a thriving arts scene, a bunch of breweries, and some great restaurants. If you want anything other than your typical ski resort, Bozeman is the place for you. 

Grab a drink at MAP Brewing Co., marvel at the holiday lights downtown, or spend your Saturday at the Bozeman Winter Farmers' Market.

And if you want to experience the outdoors, head to the nearby hot springs, try out ice climbing, or take a trip to Yellowstone National Park for a tour via snow-coach or snowmobile. 

12. Fargo, North Dakota

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Fargo is an awesome winter getaway. You can explore art museums, visit the iconic Fargo Theater, shop at local boutiques, and check out one of the many breweries. 

The city is also home to many coffee shop  and to support those local shops, they started the Caffeine Crawl where you can collect stamps and win prizes. Visitors can grab a Caffeine Crawl Passport here and collect 10 stamps from any of the 14 participating coffee shops. Enjoy some coffee, support local businesses, and then bring you passport for the Visitor Center to collect your prize! 

Oh, and if coffee isn't your thing, don't worry! You can also grab a Crafts and Drafts Pass and collect stamps at Fargo's local breweries.

13. Estes Park, Colorado

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There are lots of places across the country to go skiing (see all of the above), but Estes Park is the perfect place for adventurers who want a challenge. Try out backcountry skiing, split boarding, snowshoeing, or ice climbing. 

And if you want to be closer to nature, you can hit the roads and take in the beauty of Colorado from the safety (and warmth) of your on vehicle. Enjoy one of the many scenic winter drives in the area.

If winter is your favorite season, you've probably visited your fair share of winter wonderland destinations. Where's your favorite place to embrace the cold? ❄️