Top Snowy Winter Vacation Destinations

These leaves have fallen from the trees and winter will be here before you know it. With winter comes cold, snowy weather, perfect for numerous outdoor sports and adventures. However, many people don’t live in destinations where snowfall is heavy or regular. This is the perfect reason to visit one of these snowy winter vacation destinations and experience the best the season has to offer!

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is a world-renowned ski resort town that offers excellent skiing, snowboarding, and a vibrant apres-ski scene. You can be sure there will be plenty of fresh snow when you visit as Aspen averages 179 inches of powder per year. Top Aspen winter activities include:

• Go snowmobiling through Maroon Bells and Snowmass backcountry
• Snowshoe to the Pine Creek Cookhouse restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal after your trek
• Spend the day or night ice skating inside at Aspen Ice Garden or Aspen Recreation Centre, or outside at the Snowmass Base Village

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

This renowned ski resort town was host to the 2010 Winter Olympics. It’s one of the best winter vacation destinations for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. You’ll have no issue finding perfect conditions, as Whister gets an average snowfall of 458 inches per year. Can’t-miss winter activities include:

• Go snow tubing on the 1,000-foot lanes at Coca Cola Tube Park, with trails for all levels of thrill seekers
• Partake in a guided ziplining tour with Ziptrek
• Travel through the forest of Callaghan Valley pulled by a team of sled dogs

Park City, Utah

Park City is best known for its ski resorts, including Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort. It’s also home to the popular Sundance Film Festival that takes place in January. You’re sure to have ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding with an annual snowfall of 276 inches. While on your winter retreat in Park City, be sure to:

• Take a ride on snow-covered terrain on a Fat Bike through Park City’s trail system
• Go on a cross-country skiing adventure through 70 km of beautifully groomed trails
• Learn all about Park City and the Olympic legacy through a guided tour of Utah Olympic Park

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Known for its challenging terrain, Jackson Hole is a haven for expert skiers and snowboarders. The nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks also offer unique experiences during the winter months. In addition to Jackson Hole’s snowmaking capabilities, they get an average snowfall of 458 inches. When planning your winter vacation itinerary be sure to:

• Take a snow-covered tour through Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, or the National Elk Refuge
• Hop aboard an afternoon horse-drawn sleigh ride and finish your evening with a fireside meal at Mill Iron Ranch or Spring Creek Ranch
• Ride the famed Aerial Tram from the Mountain Resort to the 10,450 summit of Rendezvous Mountain

Killington, Vermont

Killington, Vermont is fondly known as the “Beast of the East,” boasting one of the longest ski seasons in the eastern U.S.. The area also offers a wide range of fun outdoor winter activities you won’t want to miss. With the long ski season comes plenty of fresh powder, as Killington has an annual snowfall average of 250 inches. When in Killington during the winter months, you’ll definitely want to:

• Visit Killington Tubing Park, equipped with multiple lanes and a lift to make tubing a breeze
• Take a scenic gondola ride at the Killington Mountain Resort and see the skiers from high above
• Go hiking through Thundering Brook Falls Trail up to the ice-encrusted McLaughlin Falls for a truly spectacular sight