Top 21 Snowy Destinations on Our Bucket List
Here’s our list of top 21 snowy destinations around the world that make for magical winter vacations — whether you’re into skiing, cozy chalets, or festive charm ❄️✨
North America
🇺🇸 Aspen, Colorado
Known for its luxurious ski resorts and picture-perfect story book alpine town, Aspen is a dream for winter travelers. Beyond skiing, enjoy snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and après-ski cocktails by the fire. The town sparkles during the holidays with “12 Days of Aspen”, featuring festive lights, live music, and family events.
🇺🇸 Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
A stunning mix of snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for snowboarding, snowshoeing, skiing, and cozy lakefront cabin views. During the holidays, Heavenly Holidays Festival in South Lake Tahoe features tree lighting ceremonies, fireworks, and outdoor ice skating.
🇺🇸 Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Tucked near Grand Teton National Park, this rugged mountain beauty, upscale ski town with incredible slopes is perfect for both thrill seekers and those seeking serenity. It transforms into a cozy winter retreat during Jackson Hole WinterFest with sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge and festive lights downtown.
🇨🇦 Banff, Alberta
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff offers jaw-dropping views, frozen lakes like Lake Louise, cozy lodges and endless snow activities. The town glows during the Banff Christmas Market, inspired by European charm with handmade gifts, mulled wine, and mountain magic.
🇨🇦 Whistler, British Columbia
Canada’s most famous ski resort, Whistler combines incredible slopes with a charming pedestrian village. In December, the Whistler Winter Arts Festival and Whistler Film Festival bring a festive vibe, along with twinkling lights and cozy après-ski lounges.
🇨🇦 Mont Tremblant, Quebec
A French-inspired alpine village that feels straight out of Europe. With cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, it’s magical in winter. The Tremblant Winter Festival fills the village with light shows, family activities, and holiday performances all season long.
Europe
🇨🇭 Zermatt, Switzerland
Home to the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a luxury alpine haven for skiing and winter romance. Its charming car-free streets glow with fairy lights in December, and the Zermatt Christmas Market is filled with Swiss treats, mulled wine, and handcrafted gifts.
🇫🇷 Chamonix, France
Set at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is an adventure paradise — skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering await. The town transforms for Christmas in Chamonix, with street performances, light parades, and a market full of French winter delicacies.
🇦🇹 Innsbruck, Austria
One of Europe’s most festive destinations, Innsbruck’s Old Town hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Austria. With mountain views, sparkling stalls, and traditional Tyrolean food, it’s a perfect mix of alpine adventure and holiday cheer.
🇮🇹 Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
The “Queen of the Dolomites” with stylish ski resorts and gourmet dining, Cortina blends glamour and mountain beauty. Known for its elegant shops and cozy chalets, it hosts Mercatino di Natale, a chic Italian-style Christmas market with artisan crafts and warm mulled wine.
🇫🇮 Lapland, Finland
The ultimate winter wonderland — experience reindeer rides, the Northern Lights, husky safaris and cozy glass igloos. Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi for a magical holiday experience complete with Christmas markets, elf workshops, and snow-covered magic for all ages.
🇮🇸 Reykjavik, Iceland
Not just snow - explore the land of glaciers, waterfalls, and cozy winter nights. The city hosts the Yule Town Christmas Market, filled with Icelandic crafts and festive food. Don’t miss ice caving, geothermal spas, and chasing the Northern Lights just outside town.
🇨🇿 Prague, Czech Republic
Few cities feel as enchanting in winter as Prague. Snow blankets its Gothic spired castles and cobblestone streets, and its Old Town Square Christmas Market is world-famous for its festive lights, live carols, and Czech treats like trdelník and mulled wine.
Asia
🇯🇵 Niseko, Japan
Japan’s most famous ski region offers world-class powder, relaxing onsens (hot springs), and stunning mountain scenery. During winter, nearby Sapporo Snow Festival (February) showcases incredible ice sculptures and lights — worth the trip!
🇮🇳 Gulmarg, India
Perched in the Himalayas, Gulmarg is an off-the-beaten-path gem known for its scenic jaw dropping slopes and tranquil vibe. While it doesn’t have festive markets, it’s an incredible spot for skiing, snowshoeing, and cultural charm with snow-dusted pine forests.
🇰🇿 Almaty, Kazakhstan
Great for adventurous travelers, a rising winter destination offering ski resorts, mountain adventures, and cultural experiences. The city’s Zimniy Festival (Winter Festival) brings light shows, skating, and winter bazaars — perfect for travelers seeking something unique.
Unique & Dreamy Options
🇳🇿 Queenstown, New Zealand (Southern Hemisphere Winter: June–August)
Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown offers snow sports, cozy lodges, and lake views during its winter months. Ski in July surrounded by stunning alpine lakes.Visit in June for the Queenstown Winter Festival, full of fireworks, music, and mountain celebrations.
🇸🇪 Kiruna, Sweden
Located above the Arctic Circle, Kiruna offers the world-famous Icehotel, reindeer safaris, and mesmerizing Northern Lights. During December, you’ll find Sami Christmas Markets with handcrafted goods and traditional Swedish foods.
Check out the one of a kind Icehotel here.
🇦🇹 Hallstatt, Austria
This postcard-perfect lakeside village becomes a snow-covered fairytale in winter. The Hallstatt Advent Market is small but incredibly charming, set against a backdrop of alpine peaks and twinkling lights reflected on the lake.
🇨🇭 Interlaken, Switzerland
A base for snowy adventures, perfect for both thrill seekers and peaceful winter retreats -from skiing to paragliding over snowfields. During winter, the Interlaken Christmas Market adds festive charm to its mountain setting, with cozy wooden stalls and hot chocolate by the fire.
🇪🇪 Tallinn, Estonia
A hidden gem in Europe for winter magic. Its Christmas Market in Town Hall Square is one of the most beautiful in the world, featuring medieval backdrops, carols, and an enormous Christmas tree tradition dating back to 1441.
Where would you cozy up this season?