Pack Your Parka
Some people use a dip in temperatures to go away for the winter, others revel in it. If you belong to the latter group, you probably find yourself frustrated when you search "winter vacations" only to be greeted with images of palm trees and sandy beaches. Don't despair, the cold weather destination of your dreams is just a scroll away!
Sergio Pérez Mateo on Unsplash
1. Jukkasjärvi
You may have seen ice hotels on social media before, but Jukkasjärvi is home to the original ice hotel. Nestled in the northernmost part of Sweden, Jukkasjärvi sees significant tourist traffic from December to April for its world famous ice hotel. Not only is each room intricately themed, but guests are invited to leave their mark on the hotel...literally!
2. Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
Another ice hotel, this time a little closer to home. The oldest ice hotel in North America is less than an hour from Quebec City. QC is already one of the most charming cities in Canada for its European flair, and the snow only makes it more beautiful. Take a stroll through old town after you defrost from the ice hotel.
Matias Garabedian from Montreal, Canada on Wikimedia
3. Dawson City
The site of the Klondike Gold Rush, you don't have to stake a claim to enjoy Canada's territories today. Winter in Dawson City is a snow-lover's paradise with everything from sled dog races and snowshoeing to film fests and winter carnival. It's also the only bar on earth where you can enjoy a shot with a side of amputated toe.
4. Nuuk
Nuuk is the capital of Greenland, and rather balmy as far as cities on our list go. Greenland is a vibrant mix of Inuk and Danish cultures, and Nuuk provides ample opportunities for whale and puffin-spotting. You can also try some of the most unique foods on earth including whale, seal, and reindeer!
5. Harbin
One of China's best cities for tourists is also one of its coldest. Located in the northeast of the country, Harbin is aptly named "Ice City" for its long, cold winter. Plan a trip around New Years to enjoy the world's largest snow festival with the world's largest ice sculptures.
6. Rovaniemi
Did you know that Santa lives in Lapland? That's what the people of Rovaniemi, Finland say. They have two Santa-themed parks, making this the perfect Christmas getaway. But, if Christmas isn't your thing, you can watch the Northern Lights from the cozy comfort of a glass igloo.
7. Aomori City
The world's snowiest city is in...Japan? That's right, Aomori City, at the base of the Hakkōda Mountains, gets an average of 312 inches of snow annually! If you want snow, this is the place to go. Not worry, the hot springs are accessible year-round.
8. Chamonix
Fans of the Winter Olympics shouldn't miss out on Chamonix, France—it hosted the first games in 1924. Just north of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is the archetypal alpine chalet town. We hope you aren't afraid of heights; Chamonix has one of the steepest cable car systems in the world.
9. Ladakh
We bet you haven't heard of Ladakh, India. Located between two imposing mountain ranges, Ladakh has a unique blend of Indian and Nepali culture. Watch a marathon across a frozen lake, try to spot the elusive snow leopard, or catch a hockey game—it's Ladakh's most popular sport.
Harvinder Chandigarh on Wikimedia
10. Nome
The site of Balto's famous Run of Mercy, Nome is still the destination for sled-dog racing. Time your trip for early march to see the winning team cross the finish line of the Iditarod. You might not be able to see Russia from your window, but you can certainly try!
11. Banff
Located in Canada's oldest National Park, Banff is simply magical in the winter. While the turquoise waters of Lake Louise are renowned for their canoeing in the summer, they're equally delightful when frozen under the blades of your skates. Even if the Northern Lights don't come out to play, you'll have no trouble stargazing away from the hustle and bustle of city living.
12. Tórshavn
The capital of Denmark's Faroe Islands makes Greenland look like a bustling metropolis. Tórshavn isn't the snowiest locale on this list, or the coldest—it's actually quite mild for its latitude—but it has unmatched winter vibes. Brooding cliffs, turf roof houses, and hillside spas...what's not to love?
13. Burlington
Sometimes the winter wonderland you crave is in your own backyard, or across the country if you're on the west coast. Burlington Vermont has it all nestled between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. Apart from the usual winter sports, you catch a cold-weather drag ball, visit one the the country's oldest synagogues, or learn some etiquette at the Emily Post Institute.
14. Strasbourg
Nobody does Christmas markets quite like Europe, and Strasbourg—located on the French-German border—has one of the best. Dating back to 1570, this Christmas market sees over 2 million visitors a year in need of some yuletide joy. So, grab a cup of mulled wine along with one of Strasbourg's famous teddy bears.
Photo Claude TRUONG-NGOC on Wikimedia
15. Tallinn
Estonia and the Baltics in general are vastly underrated in terms of European destinations. Tallinn's Old Town is accessible by foot, a breathtaking fortified city dating back to the Medieval era, filled with museums and historic sites. The pastel-painted buildings and bulbous onion domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral absolutely shine with a coating of snow.
16. Sapporo
You probably know the beer, but this city in Hokkaido, Japan has so much more to offer. Sapporo has a unique climate with humid summers and very snowy winters. While Sapporo doesn't get as much snow as Aomori, it still gets enough that the city hosts both a Snow Festival and a Christmas market.
17. Tromsø
Don't be fooled by Tromsø's deceptively mild winter temperatures, their erratic snow schedule really brings the heat...er, ice. The gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø has two months of complete polar night where the son isn't visible at all, but the Northern Lights come out to play. Winter also happens to be herring feeding season for pods of humpback, fin, and orca whales.
18. Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen, on the Swedish island of Svalbard, is the world's northernmost settlement with a population greater than 1000. In other words, it's the most northerly place where more than a handful of people live year-round. Make sure you carry a rifle to protect against polar bears!
Frode Ramone from Oslo, Norway on Wikimedia
19. Zermatt
Only a few minutes' walk from the Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of Switzerland's most charming resort towns. Zermatt is obviously a haven for skiers and snowboarders, but you don't have to pound the powder to visit. Zermatt is filled with charming bakeries and relaxing spas.
KleinMatterhorn.jpg: Cable1
derivative work: Papa Lima Whiskey 2 (talk) on Wikimedia
20. Antarctica
If you want cold, the South Pole will give you cold. Antarctica is neither the cheapest nor the most accessible destination on this list. However, it's an experience unlike any other, and there's no better place to enjoy the Midnight Sun or see the Southern Lights.
