8 Best Destinations For A Winter Vacation In The United States
Winter is always a great time in the U.S. to travel for unique experiences. First off, the sights of frozen waterbodies and waterfalls, snow-covered fields and peaks, and ice crystals are enchanting enough to bring travelers outdoors. But besides the scenery that can be seen almost everywhere, this season is a great time to visit some specific destinations for exciting experiences. These destinations range from snow-covered national parks to lovely towns offering plenty of outdoor activities, including snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog sledding. While others are locked up in their houses away from the chilling weather, 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 National Park transforms into a magnificent winter wonderland once temperatures start to drop rapidly from late November. This area also receives an average of 54 feet of snow annually, making it a true winter haven for memorable experiences. Top winter activities in the park include snowmobiling along Westside Road and skiing and snowboarding at Crystal Mountain, the largest ski resort in Washington. Other activities include paradise sledding, ranger-guided snowshoe walks, and winter camping. Laid-back winter vacationers can take in dreamy views from the Mount Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain’s Summit. Meanwhile, the Crystal Mountain summit house is located near the top of the gondola and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of dining at 6,872 feet above sea level.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park needs little 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 the fewer crowds translate to a more intimate exploration of the area’s natural wonders like the Old Faithful Geyser as it dramatically gushes steam into the cool air. Winter visitors to this park will also be met with plenty of snow-covered open space to enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, snow coaching, and snowshoeing. Landmarks like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone transform into chilling views, showcasing the park’s grandeur. In addition to the thrills, these winter activities are the best ways to see the park’s iconic wildlife, including bison, elk, and wolves, which show up in the cold season.
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is one of America's most dramatic and fascinating waterfalls, 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 doesn’t freeze totally, the sprays from the falls create ice sculptures that are captivating to behold. Enjoy the views by touring the U.S. side of the falls while also beholding the sights of the Canadian section and the several trees draped in snow. Also, see the beauty of the falls from a magical and breathtaking perspective at night when it is illuminated with varying colors. The best part is that you can always warm up at one of many hotels along the waters, such as the Sheraton, Seneca Resort, and DoubleTree by Hilton. Or, spend the evening learning about the region at the Niagara Falls Visitor Center.
Park City, Utah
Park City is a Wasatch mountain resort town in Utah that promises a boatload of adventures and unique experiences for winter vacationers. This town has two ski resorts, one of which is the Park City Mountain Resort, featuring a 3.5-mile run, 41 lifts, and 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. Deer Valley Resort is the town’s second resort, and it hosts a 2.8-mile run, 24 lifts, and 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. Winter activities in both resorts include skiing, scenic gondola rides, zip lining, and snowboarding. Visitors are also invited to stroll through the town’s snow-drenched downtown to shop and dine or ride on a horse-drawn sleigh. For festival lovers, the city hosts the Sundance Film Festival - the largest independent film festival in the country, held every January.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks in Alaska is a highly sought-after winter destination despite its distance from the rest of the country due to the magnificent northern lights (Aurora Borealis). This phenomenal appearance in the sky is worth seeing at least once in a lifetime, and winter is the perfect time to hunt the sights due to shorter daylight hours and darker skies. Fairbanks is also an ideal destination to explore ice sculptures at the Aurora Ice Museum or the World Ice Art Championship in February.
If there’s plenty of time, take the long trip to the Castner Glacier, an ice cave, or drive to the Arctic Circle to get lost in a frozen world. Meanwhile, dog sledding and ice fishing expeditions in frozen lakes such as Harding, Birch, and Quartz Lakes are also thrilling winter activities offered in Fairbanks. Plus, winter lasts for about five months in Alaska, and that’s plenty of time to enjoy the season.
Big Sky Resort, Montana
The Big Sky Resort in Montana is a foremost winter destination in the U.S. and one of the country's best ski resorts, with nearly 6,000 acres of skiable terrain. This resort is an adventure haven for all things winter sports, as it also has a six-mile run, over 250 trails, and 36 lifts. The ski resort gets an average of 400 inches of snow yearly, giving adventurers enough snow to play on. Additionally, half of its skiing trails are for experts, while the other half is split between intermediates and beginners, meaning there’s something for everybody here regardless of skill level. For some views, adventurers can embark on the Lone Peak Tram ride to the top of Lone Mountain, where views of two national parks and three states are splendid. Other exhilarating winter activities in the resort include riding heated chairlifts, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing.
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake in California that offers magical scenery and a host of exhilarating activities every winter. Some of the area’s most famous activities include snowshoeing along the lake's beach, warming up at a fire pit, frolicking in the snow with the 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. In addition, the lake's waters are crystal clear in winter and ideal for a clear-bottom kayaking tour, with the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains complementing the experience. Meanwhile, several ski resorts surround the lake, inviting visitors to patronize and have a blast. These resorts offer everything from snowboarding and skiing to 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
Sun Valley in Idaho flaunts the reputation as America’s first ski resort town, 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 more renowned as a skiing resort destination than an actual community of residents. The alpine ski area, or the area known as Sun Valley Ski Resort, consists of Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. Bald Mountain is mainly for intermediate and advanced skiers, with a vertical drop of 3,400 feet, while beginners can explore Dollar Mountain. Prime winter activities in the area include horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating on the outdoor rink in Sun Valley Village, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and skiing.
Meanwhile, a gondola lift to the top of Bald Mountain for scenic views can be the highlight of a winter vacation here. Also, visitors reluctant to go outdoors can head to the Sun Valley Lodge to enjoy bowling. Away from the resort, Silver Creek and Big Wood River are great spots for winter fly fishing expeditions in the area.
Conclusion
While winter is often seen by many as an off-season, it can be an incredibly exciting season especially when spent at these prime destinations. At these destinations, picturesque scenery shines at every turn while thrilling activities await to keep the body active. Plus, unlike in summer, the crowds will be fewer during this season, making everything all the more special. Also, accommodations will be cheaper, and there’s a chance to see some of America’s finest landscapes in their rarest forms.
