5 Snowy Getaways to Add to Your Winter Calendar

While tropical destinations are totally in our wheelhouse, we still love a good wintertime getaway every now and then. And with the crisp weather settling in, we can’t help but dream of foggy cobblestone streets, cozy coffee shops and snowcapped mountains. Whether you’re envisioning busy city streets or intimate farm towns, these destinations get a little more magical when the weather cools down.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

This relatively isolated town sits in the valley below Grand Teton National Park, which spans 310,000 acres of jagged, snowy peaks. Grab your board and hit the slopes or stroll through the small shops in Jackson Town Square. Yellowstone National Park is also just a short drive away. But be prepared—it’s not uncommon for a wild herd of moose or bison to meander through the streets at their leisure!

New York City, New York

New York City is a sight to see year-round, but it truly comes alive in the winter months. Aside from the iconic ball drop on New Year’s Eve, there are countless holiday markets, shows and fairs that you can take part in on any given day. Take a walk down Fifth Avenue to glimpse the extravagant window displays or bundle up and go ice skating at Rockefeller Center. You’ll never run out of these to do in this bustling city.

Alaska

Sequoia National Park, California

Home to the largest tree in the world, known as General Sherman, the Sequoia National Forest offers an incredibly unique landscape. Although they originally grew throughout the Northern Hemisphere, the species is slowly dying off and can only be found in a number of scattered groves throughout California. These sequoia trees live for thousands of years, and with a blanket of white snow as their backdrop, they are a must-see for any nature-lover.

Alaska

Although the nights are long and the temperature nears 0°F in the colder months, anywhere in Alaska is a site for sore eyes from September through March. A blue-white landscape extends in every direction and massive looming glaciers are within walking distance. As some have begun to melt away, you can often find tour guides who will take you into the ice caves that they have formed beneath the surface. To top off your trip, make sure to stop by Fairbanks to view the Northern Lights.

Denver, Colorado

The Mile High City is the perfect hybrid of a haven for extreme-sports-lovers and a hub for lively city life. Check out Estes Park for skiing and sledding, take a trip to the Denver Art Museum or try the local cuisine at any one of the modern breweries. The variety of things to do is endless, so it’s the perfect destination for couples or families with different ideas of a fun trip.