Top Cold-Weather Winter Travel Destinations

Seeker Editors

Cold weather travel is a delight that often gets overlooked. Here at Seeker. we love cozying up by the fireplace in a snow-covered cottage, exploring the gorgeous pearly views of icy tundra, and walking through an impeccably-decorated Manhattan pretending we are starring in our very own Lifetime holiday film. We selected some of the most dreamy and wintery destinations around the world. How many have you been to?

New York, Antarctica, Vail Mountain, Patagonia, Park City, Big Sky, Aspen, Nagano, Warren, Quebec City, Banff, Lake Tahoe, Steamboat Springs, Saint Moritz, Copenhagen, Hallstatt, Saint Petersburg, Edinburgh, Nuremberg, Saariselkä

  • New York, United States

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      New York City is a prime destination for cold-weather enthusiasts, with attractions like the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue. Visitors can also explore Central Park's winter wonderland, warm up with a hot drink at a cozy cafe, or catch a Broadway show. Additionally, there are plenty of winter sports options, including ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding, just outside the city.

  • Antarctica

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      Antarctica, the world's southernmost continent, is an otherworldly destination for cold-weather enthusiasts. Visitors can scale icebergs, hike the snow-capped mountains, and observe colonies of penguins in their natural habitat. The stunning landscape, home to some of the most unique wildlife on the planet, provides an unparalleled adventure that few other destinations can match. Travelers to Antarctica should prepare for extreme weather conditions, but the frozen beauty of the continent makes it well worth it.

  • Vail Mountain, United States

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      Vail Mountain in Colorado is a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, it offers a range of activities for visitors, from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The picturesque Rockies backdrop makes this mountain an unforgettable experience for those looking to enjoy the winter wonderland.

  • Patagonia

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  • Park City, United States

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      Park City is a charming and vibrant town in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah that boasts world-class skiing and snowboarding, as well as a range of other winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. Visitors can explore the historic Main Street's trendy art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants after a day on the slopes. With its ideal location, stunning scenery, and endless winter adventures, Park City is a top cold-weather winter travel destination.

  • Big Sky, United States

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      Big Sky, Montana is a winter wonderland for adventurous travelers seeking a cold-weather escape. Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to hit the slopes and explore miles of powder-covered terrain. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice fishing. With scenic mountain vistas and cozy lodges, Big Sky is the perfect destination for those looking to embrace the magic of winter.

  • Aspen, United States

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      Aspen, Colorado is a world-renowned destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With four popular ski resorts, including Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, visitors can enjoy some of the best skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the country. Beyond winter sports, Aspen also offers upscale shopping, dining, and cultural events, making it a top destination for those seeking a luxurious winter vacation. The stunning natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains adds to the allure of Aspen, creating an unforgettable winter travel experience.

  • Nagano, Japan

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      Nagano is a beautiful winter destination in Japan that boasts some of the best ski resorts in the world. From ski jumping and snowboarding to skating, visitors can enjoy a wide array of winter activities while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Don't miss out on visiting the famous snow monkeys that enjoy onsen hot springs to keep warm during the winter months. Overall, Nagano is an unforgettable winter wonderland for those who love adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

  • Warren, United States

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      Come to Warren, Vermont if you're looking for a quintessential winter wonderland experience. This picturesque town offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating. Warm up with some hot cocoa at one of the cozy cafes or hit up the local craft stores for some unique Vermont-made souvenirs.

  • Quebec City in Quebec City, Canada

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      Quebec City is a charming French-speaking city that is perfect for a winter getaway. The city's historic old town is enchanting when covered in snow, with cobblestone streets, stone walls and chateau-style buildings. Visitors can explore the city's European heritage, indulge in hearty French-Canadian cuisine, and take part in winter activities such as ice skating, sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing.

  • Banff, Canada

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      Banff, located in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, is a premier winter travel destination known for its stunning natural beauty and unmatched outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding at three world-renowned resorts, as well as ice skating, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. The charming town also offers plenty of cozy accommodations, restaurants, and shopping options to make your winter vacation unforgettable.

  • Lake Tahoe, United States

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      Lake Tahoe, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a stunning winter destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 22,000 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain, gorgeous snowy landscapes, and picturesque villages, visitors can enjoy activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, ice-skating, and snowshoeing. Additionally, Lake Tahoe offers cozy cabins and resorts for those looking for a warm retreat after a long day of exploring.

  • Steamboat Springs, United States

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      Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a premier destination for cold-weather activities. Home to one of the largest ski resorts in North America, the town offers over 165 trails for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. Visitors can also experience the famous natural hot springs or go on a snowmobile tour through the picturesque landscapes of the Rocky Mountains.

  • Saint Moritz, Switzerland

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      Saint Moritz, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is one of the top cold-weather winter travel destinations in the world. Known for its luxurious resorts, upscale shopping, and world-class skiing, visitors can experience breathtaking mountain vistas, exhilarating outdoor activities, and indulge in fine dining and relaxation at some of the best spas in the region. Expect to be charmed by the quintessential Swiss village ambiance, with historic architecture and picturesque frozen lakes that complement the modern amenities of a world-class resort town.

  • Copenhagen in Copenhagen, Denmark

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      Copenhagen, Denmark is a charming winter destination filled with colorful architecture, warm cafes, and cozy winter markets. Visitors can enjoy ice skating at Tivoli Gardens or exploring the beautiful 18th-century Rosenborg Castle. For a unique winter experience, try the Danish tradition of hygge, which involves creating a cozy atmosphere with candles, blankets, and warm drinks.

  • Hallstatt, Austria

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      Hallstatt is a picturesque town located in Upper Austria and is known for its stunning alpine scenery, ancient salt mines, and well-preserved historic buildings. With its cozy and cozy atmosphere, the town makes for an ideal winter getaway for visitors looking for a perfect balance between relaxation and exploration. Visitors are sure to enjoy the stunning views, festive holiday markets, and unique winter activities like ice-skating and skiing.

  • Saint Petersburg

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      Saint Petersburg, also known as the "Venice of the North," is a stunning cold-weather destination that comes alive in winter. Visitors can explore the breathtaking Palace Square, take a tour of the famous Hermitage Museum, and marvel at the stunning Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The city is also known for its cozy cafes, festive Christmas markets, and ice-skating rinks, making it the perfect winter getaway.

  • Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland

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      Edinburgh, Scotland is a must-visit destination during the winter season, as the city transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive celebrations and stunning scenery. Take a stroll through Princes Street Gardens for amazing views of Edinburgh Castle and the Christmas markets, indulge in traditional Scottish dishes and drinks, and explore the historic Old Town. Embrace the chilly weather and embrace the Scottish culture in this beautiful city.

  • Nuremberg, Germany

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      Nuremberg is a charming city located in the heart of Bavaria, Germany that offers a wonderful dose of holiday cheer during the winter season. With a variety of Christmas markets, including the world-famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, visitors are treated to a festive atmosphere complete with mulled wine, gingerbread, and stollen. The city also boasts a rich history, which can be explored through its impressive castle, museums, and medieval architecture, making it an ideal destination for winter travel.

  • Saariselkä, Finland

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      Saariselkä is a magical winter wonderland situated in the heart of Finland's Lapland region. Visitors can anticipate hitting the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding, and enjoying activities such as husky sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer safaris. The town also boasts of the stunning Northern Lights, making it a top cold-weather winter travel destination.