Winter is always a beautiful time WE travel for unique experiences. First of all, the views of frozen water bodies and waterfalls, fields and snow-capped peaks and ice crystals are enchanting enough to bring travelers outside. But beyond the landscapes that can be seen almost everywhere, this season is the ideal time to visit some specific destinations and enjoy exciting experiences. These destinations range from snowy national parks to pretty towns offering plenty of outdoor activities, including snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog sledding. While others are cooped up in their homes sheltering from the cold, head to these incredible winter destinations for an unforgettable vacation that could easily rival any summer experience you've ever had.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier The national park transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland when temperatures begin to drop rapidly from late November. This region also receives an average of 54 feet of snow per year, making it a true winter wonderland for memorable experiences. The park's main winter activities include snowmobiling along Westside Road and skiing and snowboarding at Crystal Mountain, Washington's largest ski resort. Other activities include paradise sledding, ranger-guided snowshoe walks, and winter camping. Laid-back winter vacationers can enjoy dreamy views from the Mount Rainier Gondola atop Crystal Mountain. Meanwhile, the Crystal Mountain Summit House is located near the top of the gondola and offers a unique dining experience at 6,872 feet above sea level.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park needs no introduction as it is America's first national park and one of the most famous in the world. Winter in this park is incredibly satisfying, as fewer crowds translate to a more intimate exploration of the area's natural wonders, like Old Faithful Geyser, which spectacularly gushes steam into the cool air. Winter visitors to this park will also enjoy plenty of snow-covered open spaces for skiing, snowmobiling, snow coaching, and snowshoeing. Landmarks like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone are transformed into spooky vistas, showcasing the grandeur of the park. In addition to the thrills, these winter activities are the best way to observe the park's emblematic wildlife, including bisonelk and wolves, which appear during the cold season.
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular and fascinating waterfalls in America, attracting millions of people every summer. However, seeing these waterfalls in winter in their partially frozen state is a sight for the books and a beauty best seen rather than explained. Since the Niagara River does not completely freeze, the spray from the falls creates captivating ice sculptures to gaze at. Enjoy the view as you visit the American side of the falls while admiring the sights of the canadian section and the many trees draped in snow. Also experience the beauty of the falls from a magical and breathtaking perspective at night when they are lit up in different colors. The best part is, you can always warm up at one of the many waterfront hotels, such as the Sheraton, Seneca Resort, and DoubleTree by Hilton. Or spend the evening exploring the area at the Niagara Falls Visitor Center.
Park City, UT
City Park is a Wasatch mountain resort town Utah which promises a multitude of adventures and unique experiences for winter vacationers. This city has two ski resorts, including Park City Mountain Resort, with a 3.5-mile trail, 41 lifts and 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. Deer Valley Resort is the city's second resort and is home to a 2.8-mile trail, 24 lifts and 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. Winter activities at both resorts include skiing, scenic gondola rides, ziplining, and snowboarding. Visitors are also welcome to stroll through the city's snowy downtown area to shop and dine or ride a horse-drawn sleigh. For festival fans, the city hosts the Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the country, held annually in January.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks in Alaska is a highly sought-after winter destination despite its remoteness from the rest of the country due to the magnificent aurora borealis (aurora borealis). This phenomenal apparition in the sky is worth seeing at least once in a lifetime, and winter is a great time to chase the sights due to the shorter daylight hours and darker skies. Fairbanks is also a great destination for exploring the ice sculptures at the Aurora Ice Museum or the World Ice Art Championship in February.
If you have enough time, take the long trip to Castner Glacier, an ice cave, or drive to the arctic circle get lost in a frozen world. Meanwhile, dog sledding and ice fishing expeditions to frozen lakes such as Harding, Birch, and Quartz lakes are also exciting winter activities offered in Fairbanks. Additionally, winter lasts about five months in Alaska, which leaves plenty of time to enjoy the season.
Big Sky Hotel, Montana
The Big Sky Resort in Montana is a premier winter destination in the United States and one of the best ski resorts in the country, with nearly 6,000 acres of skiable terrain. This resort is an adventure paradise for all winter sports, as it also has a six-mile piste, more than 250 trails and 36 lifts. The ski resort receives an average of 400 inches of snow per year, giving adventurers plenty of snow to play on. Plus, half of its ski slopes are reserved for experts, while the other half is split between intermediates and beginners, meaning there's something for everyone, regardless of their skill level. For some views, adventurers can take the Lone Peak Tram to the top of Lone Mountain, where views of two national parks and three states are splendid. Other exhilarating winter activities at the resort include riding heated chairlifts, dog sledding, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake in California which offers magical landscapes and a host of exhilarating activities every winter. Some of the area's most famous activities include snowshoeing along the lake beach, warming up by the fire, frolicking in the snow with family, and enjoying the sunset over the mountains. Visitors can also take a scenic winter sunset cruise on the lake to enjoy its charming and unique beauty up close. Additionally, the lake's waters are crystal clear in winter and ideal for a clear-bottom kayak tour, with the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains completing the experience. Meanwhile, several ski resorts surround the lake, inviting visitors to hang out and have fun. These resorts offer everything from snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow biking, snowboarding, and sledding, among others. Some of these resorts include Sugar Bowl, Tahoe Donner Downhill, Alpine Meadows, and Diamond Peak Ski Resorts.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Valley of the Sun in Idaho, has a reputation as America's first ski resort, established in 1936. Throughout its history, this town has hosted thousands of winter vacationers, with notable names like Ernest Hemingway on the list. In fact, the town is known more as a ski resort destination than as an actual community of residents. The Alpine Ski Area, or the area known as Sun Valley Ski Resort, includes Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. Bald Mountain is primarily aimed at intermediate and advanced skiers, with a vertical drop of 3,400 feet, while beginners can explore Dollar Mountain. Top winter activities in the area include horse-drawn sleigh rides, skating at Sun Valley Village's outdoor rink, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and skiing.
Meanwhile, a gondola ride to the top of Bald Mountain for panoramic views can be the highlight of a winter vacation here. Additionally, visitors reluctant to go outdoors can head to Sun Valley Lodge to play bowling. Away from the resort, Silver Creek and Big Wood River are excellent places for winter fly fishing expeditions in the area.
Conclusion
Although winter is often considered an off season by many, it can be an incredibly exciting season, especially when spent in these prime destinations. In these destinations, picturesque landscapes shine at every turn while exciting activities await to keep the body active. Plus, unlike summer, there will be fewer crowds this season, making everything even more special. Plus, accommodation will be cheaper and you'll have the chance to see some of America's most beautiful landscapes in their rarest forms.
