Many individuals prefer to get away during summer. They love the thought of sipping fine wine on the shoreline as the sun sets or working on a glorious tan out at sea. However, it can be just as fun to embrace the cold and snow. From spotting humpback whales in Antarctica to snowshoeing in Canada, below you’ll find some amazing winter wonderland destinations that are popular with both domestic and international travelers.
Is there anywhere more magical to visit than Antarctica during winter? Despite most of the continent being covered in ice, you can still expect a diverse landscape that consists of active volcanoes and blue glaciers. Be sure to look out for humpback whales and emperor penguins, and don’t forget to take in the stunning 360-degree views of untouched snow. If you want a truly memorable trip, this winter wonderland destination needs to be high on your list.
This beautiful winter playground often receives heavy snowfall, which means it’s one of the best places to fly to if you want to participate in snow sports, sightseeing and taking fabulous pictures. Located in southern Utah near the city of Bryce, there are plenty of quaint, rustic lodges and cozy cabins to rest in once you have had a busy day exploring. While you’ll no doubt love to see the dazzling snow-capped hoodoos in winter, it can come at a cost: the freezing temperatures. Make sure you pack plenty of winter clothes and wrap up warm – it’ll be worth it.
Banff National Park in Canada makes for an incredible winter wonderland destination. Established in the late 1880s, this park is known for its beautiful mountain views, tranquil hot springs and remarkable geological formations. If you love to be outdoors, you can also participate in a number of activities such as snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating and skiing. For gorgeous views of the Canadian Rockies, make sure that you take the Banff gondola up to the Sulphur Mountains. When you have reached the top, you will be able to see Mount Rundle, the Bow River and the town center itself.
At 1,943 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. Made out of glacial runoff and precipitation, you’ll be taken aback at just how beautifully clear and blue it is. If you visit during winter, you can get stuck into snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, which makes for a wonderful day out with the whole family. Receiving an average of 42 feet of snow per year, Crater Lake National Park is open all-year-round and provides picture-perfect days.
The Lapland region of Finland is one of the most picturesque winter wonderland destinations you could ever visit. With 200 long days of winter, astonishing wildlife, pristine displays and huge expanses of snow, it’s a fascinating experience that’s not to be missed. When you’re there, you may have the opportunity to see one of nature’s most spectacular shows, the Northern Lights, as well as take a reindeer safari ride. If you’re traveling with your children, you could also introduce them to Santa Claus. After all, Lapland is his only official home.
Make your winter magical by heading to one of the above winter wonderland destinations. Here at VistaJet, we fly to 96% of the world’s countries, which means that we can get you to almost every corner of the globe. If you’re looking for the best snowy countries to visit and want to book your trip soon, please get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to help.