10 must-visit winter wonderlands around the world

Updated December 6, 2024

Frozen waterfalls. Snow-dusted pine trees. Spectacular natural light shows. Some places were just meant to be viewed in all their wintertime glory. But what’s even better than a jaw-dropping vista? One with less crowds and lower costs. Traveling during winter lets you trade packed trails and peak season prices for quiet hikes, cheaper admission rates, and more affordable flights. Sure, you’ll need to bundle up for your adventures, but these wintry locales around the world are spectacular enough to rustle you out of hibernation.

Where to go all in on winter: Canada’s first national park, Banff is a winter-lover’s paradise. You can ice-skate on the picturesque Lake Louise, snowshoe and cross-country ski on miles of fir-lined trails, and hop on sleigh rides across the meadows, all with the Canadian Rockies in the background. Plus, it’s the perfect time to visit Abraham Lake—where bubbles freeze into a stunning pattern below the ice’s surface each winter.

More on your to-do list: The park is about a two-hour drive from Calgary, but stay in Banff to experience a cozy mountain town bursting with holiday cheer—the shops along Banff Avenue know how to deck the halls to the max.

Where to go all in on winter: Winter in Chilean Patagonia is the perfect time to bundle up and take a guided trek to the base of the iconic Torres del Paine, where you can marvel at the towering granite spires dusted with snow. Or, take to the expansive glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. For a more immersive experience, head to the remote village of Puerto Natales and indulge in local Patagonian lamb at Cafe Kaiken.

More on your to-do list: If you’re keen on wildlife, the winter months also provide a unique opportunity to see penguins on a boat trip to see the famed Magellanic penguin colonies.

Where to go all in on winter: If “winter wonderland” means winter sports to you, head to Lake Placid, the host city of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games. Visit the Ski Jump Complex, where you can see just how high the pros jump, and the Herb Brooks Arena, where the United States men’s ice hockey team beat the Soviet Union in the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” game. Pretend you’re racing for the gold on the Olympic Speed Skating Oval (be sure to slow down to take in the views) or get your adrenaline pumping at the Bobsled and Luge Complex.

More on your to-do list: Continue the sporty vibe by renting snowmobiles and hitting the slopes on Whiteface Mountain (home to the highest vertical drop on the East Coast), where you can cross-country ski and ride a toboggan.

Where to go all in on winter: Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Kathmandu is the gateway to treks in the Annapurna and Langtang regions, where you can experience breathtaking views and thrilling snow treks—travelers typically opt for an expert-led, multi-day guided trek. For travelers looking for an adrenaline rush, head to the nearby hills for paragliding over the Kathmandu Valley or take a scenic flight to see Mount Everest up close.

More on your to-do list: Nepal is more than just its towering mountains. The tail end of winter, during January and February, is the perfect time to view wildlife like one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers at the Chitwan and Bardia national parks. Budget-minded travelers can hop on the bus from Kathmandu, but flying is the more comfortable option and only takes around 45 minutes.

Where to go all in on winter: Rovaniemi, a small city on the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Lean into the festive spirit at Santa Claus Village, a theme park with Elf’s Farmyard, where you can feed reindeer; SantaPark, an underground fantasy land built in a series of caverns; and Santa Claus Secret Forest, a snowy destination located in the woods just outside the city.

More on your to-do list: When you’ve had enough of the jolly ol’ guy, you can hit the slopes at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy or take a snowshoe hike to see frozen waterfalls. Because it’s such a popular winter destination, a number of airlines offer direct flights to Rovaniemi from major European cities from late October to early April.

Where to go all in on winter: Wānaka is a popular base for folks spending their trip shredding the nearby slopes or unwinding at resorts like Cardrona Alpine Resort. Forty minutes from Wānaka, the resort offers access to more than 1,300 acres of terrain and 2,297 feet of vertical drop. In terms of an après vibe, you won’t go thirsty: there are four craft breweries, several wineries, and the Cardrona Distillery just up the road. If you’re looking for a hearty meal, head to Après for pizza or Kika for Spanish tapas.

More on your to-do list: After a few days of adrenaline, catch a movie at one of Wānaka’s two cinemas, take a snap of That Wanaka Tree (an Insta-famous willow tree growing out of Lake Wānaka), or lose yourself in the Great Maze at Puzzling World.

Where to go all in on winter: Coastal Tromsö is especially fitting for a winter getaway, as it’s a popular gateway for epic northern lights viewings. For one, its location 200 miles above the Arctic Circle means that the polar night—which lasts from November through January—is in full effect. Take in the sights by booking a tour with Greenlander or Wandering Owl (the latter includes professional photography so you can kick back and live in the moment).

More on your to-do list: Be sure to book a guided tour designed around the area’s Indigenous Sami culture and maritime history.

Where to go all in on winter: Fairbanks makes an incredible base for exploring some of America’s most awe-inspiring winter landscapes. Just over a two-hours drive south, Denali National Park and Preserve is at its best in winter, with miles of tundra ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. If you don’t want to ferry yourself around, join a guided trip or tour from Fairbanks for a chance to see northern lights—some tours also stop at the nearby Chena Hot Springs Resort, or include other wintry exploits like ice fishing, glacier hiking, and snowmobiling.

More on your to-do list: Don’t forget to visit North Pole—this tiny Alaskan town 20 minutes from Fairbanks is home to the Santa Claus House, a family-friendly spot that celebrates yuletide all year long, but especially in the winter months.

Where to go all in on winter: Plitvice Lakes National Park is a top destination for nature lovers all year long—expect heavy crowds on the trails in summer—but come winter, it looks like something out of a sci-fi novel. About a two-hour drive from Zagreb, the 75,000-acre national park’s key attractions like the Upper Lakes, Lower Lakes, and Veliki Slap (otherwise known as the Great Waterfall) open as long as the weather and access allow. Remember to check the website for the latest updates before heading out.

More on your to-do list: If your home base is in Zagreb, be sure to spend some time exploring. Visit the Zagreb Christmas Market in the medieval Upper Town—be sure to grab a cup of mulled wine to sip on as you walk through the festive stalls. If you’re itching for some winter sport action, take a ride up to Sljeme to ski and snowboard to your hearts desire.

Where to go all in on winter: Gullfoss Waterfall, located 90 minutes from Reykjavik, is an especially dramatic sight in the winter months. Visit during peak daylight—Iceland only gets five hours in December and January—and be sure to climb the stairs to the ridgeline of the canyon from the upper pathway for the best views of the massive two-tiered waterfall. During the warmer months, you can catch the rainbow effect as the sunlight reflects off the mist, but in the winter, you’re more likely to get sprayed with tiny ice pellets so bring sunglasses to protect your eyes.

More on your to-do list: Another reason to visit Iceland in the winter? You have a better chance of experiencing the magic of the aurora borealis. Peak season for viewing the phenomenon is October to March. Consider a guided tour of the Golden Circle Route to hit all the top sites.