It’s high time to get to planning your winter vacations this year. With so many options to choose from, most of which are located in Europe and the USA, you can’t say that you’re out of ideas. The best winter vacations with snow this year will take you from Scandinavia, all the way to Vermont.

So, pack your cold-weather gear, put your sunglasses on, and head on out into these great snowy destinations.

Banff, Canada

Staggering Blue Water of a lake in Banff

The sheer beauty of Banff, Canada is simply staggering. Located in Banff National Park, the small town is rather easy to explore.

The same cannot be said about the surrounding area, however. Nestled between Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, this small town in Canada has some of the most fairytale-like places to be discovered. Encircled within endless snow and rising mountains, you can find Lake Louise – an alpine lake of otherworldly hue. It can take all different shades of blue depending on where you’re looking from.

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Whether you’re here for skiing or rafting, Banff will prove to be a unique experience, and perhaps one of the best winter vacations with snow you’ll ever have. Make sure to come prepared for an adventure – there’ll be very little lounging around to be had.

Central Vermont, United States

Hay Field in Central Vermont covered in Snow

If there’s a place that’s simply a symbol of snow, skiing, and the atmosphere of being cut off from the world, it would be Central Vermont.

Leagues of snow all around you and a sense of being lost in a world distinct to the one you know – this is what Central Vermont is all about. Equally kind to friends and foreigners alike, it creates an environment of hospitability, despite being a snow-covered wilderness. Both new and experienced skiers will find more than their fair share of slopes to go down on.

Snowmobiling and sleigh rides are the next favorite pastimes. Besides frolicking in the snow, you can go and check out the Vermont Marble Trail, or visit the Simon Pierce gallery.

Bavarian Alps, Germany

Bavarian Alps are a collection of medieval towns, castles, and otherwise amazing locations.

All of this is covered with a thick layer of snow that enhances the beauty of all the places. Whether you’re coming for an adventure or just for a hint of sightseeing, you won’t be able to miss all the snow, as it definitely steals the limelight from everything else.

Before you know it, you’ll be in a bobsled, racing down the icy slope. And that’s precisely how a visit to Bavarian Alps in the winter should look like – forget about everything else. Lose yourself in all the beauty of the Alps.

Saariselka, Finland

A Forest Covered in Snow in Saariselka, Finland

Saariselka is a story in its own right. Hidden far up north, already deep in Arctic Circle territory, this small hamlet in Lapland is a place of serenity and magic.

While you may think that we’re overexaggerating, the fact of the matter is that between Aurora Borealis, reindeer husbandry, gold mines, and the indigenous Sami people, there’s so much more going on than Saariselka lets on at first.

The snow is there to just make the entire experience more magical and fascinating. Saariselka is definitely one of the best winter vacations with snow that you can hope for this year. Also, if you’re into cross-skiing, you won’t regret it.

Patagonia, Argentina

Amazing Glacier located in Patagonia, Argentina

Patagonia is a blessing upon Earth, located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Considering how simply amazing the air is here and how pure it is, it’s often said that Patagonia is a true ecological wonder. Visting here in the winter can be a boon to your health, and a much-needed respite from polluted city air.

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More than 20,000 skiers go down these mountains every hour – at least judging by the lift capacity. In Nahuel Huapi National Park, Mount Catedral houses one of the biggest ski centers in South America.

Visiting Patagonia should be on any serious traveler’s itinerary, not just because of endless ski slopes and literal tons of snow. Instead, you should visit it simply because of a unique feeling it provides to those curious enough to venture there. Patagonia really feels ancient, like a forgotten land from long ago. It truly begs a visit, at least once.

Aspen, Colorado

First settled by silver prospectors more than a century ago, the Aspen area is home to four distinct mountains: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. 

Aspen, Colorado is one of the most iconic winter towns in the USA. It’s the first place people think of when talking about snow and luxurious winter holidays. Any winter activity that comes to your head – you can do it in Aspen. From riding snowmobiles to skiing, sledding, and all the other entertaining and playful activities on snow, Aspen will provide.

This wealth of snowy areas and open space, in general, accommodates skiers of all experience levels. Aside from the aforementioned activities, you can do in the snow, dozens of fancy and inviting restaurants are great places to have a breather.

Gstaad, Switzerland

White Snow-Capped Peaks of Gstaad, Switzerland

Gstaad is home to picturesque vistas and authentic Swiss chalets. It has a long history of attracting Hollywood clientele, including stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Roger Moore.

Besides its wondrous ice slopes and other places of interest to winter holidaymakers, Gstaad offers beautiful vistas. Despite ice and snow are the main draw here, it’s actually hikers who comprise the largest portion of guests on an annual basis. Endless hidden trails are really cornerstones of an amazing adventure in the snow!

Chamonix, French Alps

Located in the French Alps, Chamonix is a place of magic and leagues of snow that simply invite visitors to traverse it. Stay in a ski chalet and experience the French Alps and Chamonix in the best way imaginable. 

Chamonix is, besides being an amazing winter destination, also quite a romantic one. You won’t find a better snowy retreat where you can spend some time this year!

A real tourist boom happened in the 19th century, and suddenly, quiet and forgotten Chamonix was overwhelmed with tourists from all corners of Europe. There were so many people here that a need for regulating the mountain slopes arose.

Today, it’s still popular, but it’s not that insanely overcrowded. However, the beautiful snow commune of Chamonix is still largely tourist-oriented, so make sure to drop by and meet the friendly locals of this area of the French Alps.

Hopefully, you’ve found at least a single place that is of interest to you in this article. There are few destinations more romantic than plains and mountains of snow, simply pushing you into each other’s warm embrace.