Some people try to escape winter at all costs, heading to warm destinations that thaw their chilly bones and help them keep their summer tan. Others, however, revel in the snowy weather, seizing every opportunity to enjoy the cold with friends who share a passion for winter sports and other active pursuits. These individuals are always on the lookout for great winter holiday locations. While they may have their favorite spots, most are open to new adventures in places they’ve never experienced.
If you’re a snow bunny, your choice of winter holiday destination is likely influenced by your budget. Some are fortunate enough to have great winter destinations within short driving distances, while others may need to commit to a long drive or fly.
The cost of your winter holiday may also depend on when you go. Prices, including package vacation deals, tend to be lower after the Christmas holidays when the slopes empty out and business slows down. And remember, some of these winter sports destinations offer activities like skiing well into April, weather permitting. This is also a great time to head to fun winter vacation locations.
Below is a list of potential destinations offering ideal winter weather and all the fun that comes with it.
Great Ski Resorts in Canada
Canada is home to many fantastic winter destinations, spread across the country, making them accessible to visitors on either coast.
- Whistler-Blackcomb – Located near Vancouver, Whistler-Blackcomb is one of Canada’s premier ski areas. For downhill enthusiasts, it offers 200 trails across two mountains and a total of 8,100 skiable acres. There are also 6 parks and a super-pipe for boarders, plenty of space for cross-country skiing, 17 mountain restaurants, and a beautiful village with shops and various lodging options. Non-skiers will find plenty to keep them busy as well.
- Mont Tremblant – Located in Quebec, Mont Tremblant is one of the best-known ski areas on Canada’s eastern side. Skiers can enjoy 94 runs served by 13 modern ski lifts, while boarders can explore acres of ramps, rails, and jumps. For après-ski fun, Mont Tremblant Village offers cafeterias, sit-down restaurants, bars, pubs, and plenty of shopping, all in a European-style atmosphere.
United States
With several mountain ranges across the United States, ski resorts are plentiful here too. Below are a few great winter holiday locations from different parts of the country.
- Aspen – Aspen may not be affordable for everyone, but it’s certainly world-class. A favorite of the rich and famous, it’s a former Colorado mining town in the Rockies that has been transformed into an upscale European-style village. Aspen offers skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and much more. Skiers can choose from 4 different mountains, with options for every skill level.
- Deer Valley Resort – Located in Park City, Utah, Deer Valley hosted the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Games’ skiing events. The terrain spans four mountains and accommodates skiers of all levels. Extreme skiers can try heli-skiing and snowcat-skiing, while snowmobile enthusiasts can explore 800 miles of trails.
- Killington – The largest ski and snowboard area on the East Coast, Killington, Vermont, offers seven interconnected mountains and the most diverse skiing in the region. It’s also home to the longest terrain park in the East, ideal for snowboarders. Additionally, Killington is surrounded by charming New England towns, such as Woodstock and Manchester, which are a joy to explore.
Europe
While it’s hard to narrow down the list of great winter holiday locations in Europe, some have earned international acclaim among cold weather sports enthusiasts.
- Chamonix-Mont Blanc – One of France’s most famous ski areas, Chamonix/Mont-Blanc is located in the eastern part of the country. It’s a “hip” resort, popular with young skiers and snowboarders. For those seeking extreme terrain, this is the place to go—just be sure to take a guide if you plan to explore off-piste areas. Accommodations range from affordable to luxurious, catering to different budgets.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo – Often simply called “Cortina,” this stunning resort is located in Italy’s Dolomite region. Known as the Aspen of Italy, it’s an upscale ski resort that attracts Europe’s elite. Despite its glamour, the skiing here is outstanding, and the slopes are rarely crowded due to the abundance of sunshine. The town of Cortina is lively, and the après-ski scene is equally vibrant.
- The Jungfrau Region – Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region is home to some of the most famous summits in the Alps, including the Eiger, Schilthorn, and, of course, the Jungfrau. Visitors stay in three main resort areas: Grindelwald, Wengen, and Murren. The area is best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, and it attracts a large English-speaking ski population, making communication easy.
- Val d’Isere – Famous in the 1960s due to Olympic gold medalist Jean-Claude Killy, Val d’Isere is now one of the most popular ski areas in the Alps. Often paired with neighboring Tignes, it offers slopes for all levels, ample space for Nordic skiing and snowboarding, and a charming old village with modern amenities. Affordable accommodations are available, and the resort attracts visitors of all ages, including families with children.
