Winter doesn’t imply you must hibernate indoors—it’s the right time to discover magical landscapes, cozy mountain cities, and thrilling adventures.
Image your self snowshoeing by way of frosted forests, snowboarding down powdery slopes, or sipping scorching cocoa in an enthralling downtown after a day of out of doors enjoyable.
We’ve scoured the U.S. to uncover the perfect out of doors cities that mix beautiful winter wilderness with heat, welcoming retreats.
Whether or not you’re chasing snowy thrills or delicate winter escapes, these locations supply the right stability of journey and luxury.
Prepared to find your subsequent winter wonderland? Let’s dive in!
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is the right metropolis for a quiet, snowy getaway.
Bundle up and head out to Acadia Nationwide Park for some lovely snowshoeing, mountain climbing, or cross-country snowboarding.
We advocate testing Acadia’s Carriage Roads, which make up 45 miles of unbelievable roads and trails that may get you up near all of the park’s greatest views.
When you’ve acquired your fill of the snowy panorama, head again to Bar Harbor and discover the numerous cozy cafes and retailers scattered all through the city.
Additionally see: Climbing In Snow 101
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is the quintessential New England snow city.
In the event you’re searching for an East Coast ski getaway, that is it.
Head out within the morning to the Stowe Mountain Ski Resort for 485 acres of skiable terrain and 116 downhill snowboarding trails of each stage.
In the event you’re searching for one thing extra relaxed, you’ll be able to discover the snowshoeing and mountain climbing trails on the Trapp Household Lodge.
Be sure to test their day and season go necessities earlier than heading over!
This Vermont city definitely has no scarcity of journey and views, however be sure you additionally try their cute city heart.
There, you’ll discover boutiques, native eating places, and cafes – all beneath the gorgeous Smugglers Notch Mountain.
Brevard, North Carolina
Winter in Brevard is delicate, with solely occasional snow.
It’s an incredible spot to go to if you wish to see beautiful, chilly views – with out the effort of heavy snow.
Often called the “Land of Waterfalls,” Brevard boasts over 250 waterfalls with mountain climbing trails of all difficulties to succeed in them.
Winter may be the perfect time to go to them as a result of crowd measurement will probably be low and the chilly climate can create lovely and icy options all through the falls.
Due to the delicate climate, you’ll have the ability to benefit from the numerous biking trails in Pisgah Nationwide Forest year-round! Comply with the Bent Creek Path to succeed in Lake Powhatan for a straightforward, 5.5 mile path to a stunning lake view.
All that, and the city of Brevard itself is tremendous cute! Take a look at O.P.Taylors for a traditional toy retailer expertise, or seize a scoop at Dolly’s Ice Cream (however be sure to test their hours first).
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
In the event you’re searching for a gentle and peaceable getaway this winter, Eureka Springs is the place for you.
You received’t be hit with tremendous chilly climate, so that you’ll have the ability to benefit from the Ozark Moutain’s many mountain climbing trails with out worrying an excessive amount of about icy situations.
We advocate the Lake Leatherwood Loop as a beginning hike on your getaway.
It’s a average, 2.4 mile loop that may get you out to see the Ozark websites – and get you excited for extra hikes!
Whenever you’re completed with the nippiness, try the historic downtown of Eureka Springs for cozy retailers, artwork galleries, cafes, and native nightlife.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is a snowy ski city nestled on the base of the Tetons with a luxurious vibe.
In the event you’re into snowboarding, go to the Jackson Gap Mountain Resort for well-kept and difficult terrain.
Throughout the winter months, the Nationwide Elk Refuge close by provides sleigh rides by way of the beautiful wildlife protect.
This is among the greatest methods to see the rugged panorama and its inhabitants of their pure habitat.
One of many oldest historic cities within the Mountain West, Jackson itself provides a plethora of artwork galleries, native eating places, bookstores, museums, and a historic city sq..
Take a look at the Yippy I-O Sweet Firm for a traditional sweet retailer expertise and nice fudge!
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs is a beautiful, ski resort city in Northwest Colorado.
With over 170 trails (their longest run is 3 miles lengthy!), the Steamboat Ski Resort is a superb spot to crush some powder or take a look at your mettle of their many terrain parks.
When you’re drained out on the hill, you’ll have the ability to discover their downtown, the place you’ll discover nice lodging, native retailers, and improbable eating choices.
They even have scorching springs of their principal downtown space.
Take a look at Previous City Scorching Springs for extra info.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish is a snowy, rustic metropolis positioned proper subsequent to the doorway to Glacier Nationwide Park.
In the event you’re trying to ski, Whitefish Mountain Resort boasts 3,000+ acres of skiable terrain (that’s rather a lot!) and 110+ named trails.
The city of Whitefish is a beautiful, relaxed city that prioritizes caring for the character round it.
Outfitters from the city can take you to do nearly something.
Strive your hand at mountain climbing winter fats biking with their unbelievable information companies!
One of many well-kept secrets and techniques of Whitefish is that it’s one of many principal stops of Amtrack’s Empire Builder practice.
Board this practice in Whitefish and take a experience by way of a number of the most beautiful surroundings you could find in Glacier Nationwide Park.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is snowy, however not as frigid as a number of the different spots on this listing.
Even so, you’ll nonetheless discover unbelievable snowboarding and snowboarding at Taos Ski Valley.
Don’t need to ski? Take a look at the numerous trails that lace by way of the Rio Grande space, or try the native scorching springs.
Taos may be one of many coolest cultural spots on this listing.
Town has a protracted indigenous historical past and is house to the Taos Pueblo (a UNESCO World Heritage Website).
The Pueblo provides unbelievable instructional and cultural excursions to be taught concerning the 1000’s of years of historical past within the space.
We extremely advocate testing the excursions, that are hosted all yr lengthy.
This mountain city additionally provides all kinds of artwork galleries, native retailers, improbable eating experiences, and rather more!
Sedona, Arizona
Winter is the perfect time to go to Sedona as a result of the climate is crisp and the gang measurement is low! Visiting Sedona means you’re avoiding snow and making the most of unbelievable mountain climbing and biking alternatives.
We advocate testing the Satan’s Bridge Path (by way of the Dry Creek Street) for a average and lovely hike.
In the event you’re searching for one thing more difficult, try the Cathedral Rock Path – it’s quick, however the elevation acquire is unquestionably substantial!
In the event you’re trying to loosen up, Sedona is house to quite a lot of wellness and religious retreats.
If that’s your jam, check out this web page to see a listing of accessible retreats hosted within the metropolis.
Bend, Oregon
Bend is a cute, snowy city with plenty of obtainable winter sport alternatives on the West Coast.
Take a look at Mt.Bachelor for over 950 acres of nice snowboarding and snowboarding terrain.
If you’d like a slower tempo, Deschutes Nationwide Forest is a superb spot for snowshoeing and cross-country snowboarding adventures.
We advocate testing Tumalo Falls (by way of Tumalo Creek Path) for a average, 6.4 mile path.
The city of Bend itself is house to quite a lot of native procuring and eating, in addition to a improbable arts district.
Need a time out of the snow altogether? Take a look at the Excessive Desert Museum to be taught concerning the historical past of the world, the native sawmill economic system, and their space’s present conservationist efforts.
Tell us the place you go!
We hope you’re taking this listing and run with it!
We love all these spots, however we need to hear the way you favored them by yourself adventures.
Do you may have some other suggestions? Tell us within the feedback beneath.