Crisp white blankets of snow, the fun and thrill of Christmas festivities, pleasant coastal fun with the ocean and beaches, and adventurous winter activities—winter months in the U.S. bring forth a lot of unique experiences.
Whether it’s snowboarding in Aspen or skiing and historical exploration in Park City, Utah, the possibilities are simply endless. If you aren’t a fan of bone-chilling cold, there are sunny getaways in the country too, despite the peeking winter, ensuring that there’s something for every traveller.
The next time you plan your vacation, keep these 10 winter destinations in the USA in your checklist.
1. Aspen, Colorado
- Things to do: Skiing, snowboarding, shopping, Aspen Film Festival
- Best time to visit: December to March
Tagged as a premier ski resort town in Colorado, Aspen is right in the centre of the Colorado Rockies and is a heaven on Earth during winter. Covered in deep snow, this luxurious town has a lot of activities to offer its visitors. You can book your stay at one of the many luxury lodges or indulge in the adventurous ski culture in the city. The cultural scene in Aspen, during the winter months, is quite thrilling, too. Wintersköl or the Aspen Film Festival is a highlight you shouldn’t miss out on while in Aspen during winter.
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2. Lake Tahoe, California
- Things to do: Snowmobiling, skiing, ice skating, gondola ride, après-ski
- Best time to visit: December to February
Up next on the list is the iconic Lake Tahoe, which is located on the border of California and Nevada. This stunning alpine lake, surrounded by snow-covered white mountains during the winter months, is truly a magical experience. Regarded as one of the largest and clearest freshwater lakes in the U.S, there are many adventure activities for you to indulge in during the winter months. From snowmobiling to sledding and ice skating, you can enjoy solo or scenic gondola rides with your family.
3. New York City, New York
- Things to do: Visit Rockefeller Center during Christmas, explore holiday markets, tour the city lights, etc.
- Best time to visit: November to January
Your winter wonderland exploration in the U.S is incomplete if you don’t visit New York City. Despite the tall buildings and the urban jungle, the beauty of New York during the winter months, especially around Christmas time, is unmatched. The streets are covered in snow and lit up by holiday decorations and lights, truly defining the meaning of “Winter Wonderland.” The cultural experience and festive charm of the city during the winter months are truly what makes the visit worthwhile.
4. Park City, Utah
- Things to do: Skiing, snowboarding, explore Main Street, Sundance Film Festival
- Best time to visit: January to February
Among the top winter destinations in the USA, Park City is undoubtedly one of the most popular spots. What was historically a popular mining town has now transformed into a world-class ski resort, enabling visitors to indulge in a plethora of winter adventure activities, including skiing and snowboarding, around Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley. If your visit coincides with the dates of the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, you can also attend the event.
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5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Things to do: Snowcoach tours, wildlife watching, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding
- Best time to visit: December to February
Yellowstone National Park is a great destination to explore if you want to get lost in the lap of nature during the peak winter months in the U.S. During the winter months, the beauty of abundant wildlife, frozen waterfalls, and steaming geysers truly adds to the surreal experience. One of the highlights of the visit is going on a snowcoach tour to Old Faithful. You can also indulge in wildlife watching to spot bison, wolves, and elk in Lamar Valley. With the perfect backdrop of nature, taking pictures is also quite a privilege during the winter months in the national park.
6. Anchorage, Alaska
- Things to do: Aurora Borealis watching, Dog sledding, winter biking, ice fishing, snowshoeing
- Best time to visit: December to March
For the actual Arctic experience, Anchorage in Alaska is a destination you can’t miss out on. The beauty of untouched wilderness and snow-covered mountains on all sides is bound to change your brain chemistry (for the better). Beyond exploring the native culture there, you can immerse yourself in many unique outdoor adventures like dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, etc. Also, if watching the Aurora Borealis has been on your bucket list, this is where you get to tick that off. Don’t miss out on learning about the culture there by visiting the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
7. Leavenworth, Washington
- Things to do: Explore the Village of Lights, attend the Christmas Lighting Festival, sledding, and tubing.
- Best time to visit: November to January
Visiting Leavenworth in Washington is a must if you want to experience the kind of Christmas they show in Hallmark movies. This is a Bavarian-themed village located in the Cascade Mountains. Every “typical” holiday experience in a Hollywood Christmas movie can be experienced in real time in this small village. You can stroll through the Village of Lights, where the display comprises over 500,000+ twinkling lights. The Winter Karneval is also a highlight in December. If you are into adventure, there’s sledding and tubing available, or you can enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride too.
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8. Stowe, Vermont
- Things to do: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, gondola ride.
- Best time to visit: December to February
The charm of a quaint New England winter town is available at Stowe in Vermont. If you want to spend your winter vacations in a subdued place away from the chaos of the hustle-driven city life, this is where you need to be. Cozy inns and snow-laden trees make you feel like you have stepped inside a movie. You get to indulge in adventure activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing at one of the best ski resorts in the Eastern U.S. If you are travelling with family, don’t miss out on taking the Gondola ride up Mount Mansfield.
9. Big Sky, Montana
- Things to do: Skiing, snowboarding, guided snowmobile tour, snowshoeing, dog sledding.
- Best time to visit: December to March
As the name suggests, Big Sky in Montana is known for its vast open skies, towering mountains, and the wilderness. Unlike Aspen, which is often overcrowded, Big Sky offers less-crowded slopes to enjoy various winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, etc. With 5,800 acres of terrain around, the experience is truly magical. You can also indulge in a guided snowmobile tour through the Gallatin National Forest or visit the nearby Yellowstone National Park for a quick day trip.
10. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Things to do: Surfing, snorkelling, attending cultural festivals, relaxing and rejuvenating on the beaches
- Best time to visit: December to February
If you want to escape the harsh, chilling winters, head to Honolulu during the winter months. The tropical weather, warmth, and sunshine will revive and rejuvenate your soul. The sun-drenched coastal beaches offer many water activities that are adventureable, like surfing, snorkelling, etc. You can also explore the Diamond Head Crater to witness some panoramic island views. The Honolulu City Lights is a popular cultural festival in December, so add that to your list of to-dos.
Final Words
Winter months across the U.S offer a perfect retreat away from the daily monotonous routine of life. From the snow-capped mountains perfect for activities like skiing and snowboarding to basking in the warm sunshine along the beaches, there’s something to appease the travel bug in everyone planning their next vacation. So, plan ahead, make your bookings, and await the most anticipated vacation of the year to the U.S during the peak winter months.
