There are two types of tourists in the winter months: people that are searching for winter snow and the people that are searching for summer warmth. This article will be focusing on those of us who are looking for a vacation on the colder side of that spectrum. If that isn’t what you’re looking for, and you want to know about the warmer places to visit, go try the other article which you can find on Scouted.com’s blog. If, however, you are reading this after being directed this way from the other article, welcome! Lets hope you find what you are looking for while you’re here. Now, let’s get on with it. Here are the best places to experience the snow this winter in the U.S.
- Boulder, Colorado
Legendary for its stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, and endless skiing opportunities, Boulder, Colorado is the city to visit this winter. Even if you don’t like skiing there’s still plenty to do. If you wanted to do something outdoorsy, you could take a scenic drive up to the snow covered Flatirons to witness their imposing beauty first hand. Or you could go snowshoeing through any one of the hidden gems that is that web their way across Boulder, such as Betasso Preserve, or Eldora, both of which will knock you off of your feet with their natural beauty. If you wanted something more indoors to keep yourself cozy, and out of the snow for a day, you could quench your thirst, and warm your blood on craft beer from any one of the amazing local breweries, like the lovely Avery Brewing Company which is positioned right next to Twin Lakes if you fancy a stroll after you are done drinking, or Twisted Pine Brewing Co which has beer, and food both of which are delicious as they are classic. Boulder is known as the beer crafting capital of the world! And finally, if you wanted to do something in between the outdoors and the indoors, you could just have a nice stroll around the enchanting campus of the University of Colorado.
- Alaska
If you’re feeling like you want adventure this winter season then Alaska is the place to be. From ice fishing, to dog mushing, to northern lights, and snowmobile tours, the chances for adventure really are endless. Oh and please don’t let the northern lights just get brushed past like that. The lights are so otherworldly, and beautiful that multiple separate cultures had to explain them away with godly magic. A chance to see them is worth the trip by itself, and that’s not even mentioning that since Alaska was where humans first stepped foot on the Americas, there is 20 ish thousand years of history to be discovered, and explored. There are unique adventures, such as Goose Creek Tower, stunning sights like Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves, and welcoming people to be found in every corner of the state, which makes it a perfect holiday destination for you this winter.
- Whitefish, Montana
Glacier National Park is reason enough to head to Whitefish, with its over 1,500 square miles of wild, glacier-carved peaks and valleys that stretch all the way up to the Canadian border. There are over 700 miles of hiking trails for you to snowshoe over, and plenty of beautiful mountain outlooks to stop and practice your photography skills at. Although, Glacier National Park isn’t the only reason to go to Whitefish. It’s reason enough, but it’s not the only reason. You could go to Whitefish Mountain Resort to experience the perfect skiing, and snowboarding conditions that Montana has to offer, or you could enjoy the winter conival that Whitefish puts on every year in February, or even use your winter time to enjoy a spa day at one of their five star wellness centers!
- Zion National Park
Zion National Park doesn’t get a huge amount of snow, but when snow is on the ground Zion becomes one of the most majestic, and magical places on earth. It is often perceived as a place of solitude, even in the buseust of seasons. This means that in the winter when there are less tourists the solitude is even more striking. Walking alone on the snow covered paths really makes you feel like you are a part of the nature around you. With scenic drives along parkways unaffected by tour buses, wildlife unique to the winter months, and such a photogenic landscape to watch you’ll be sure to find it magical too.
- Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of those places that you hear mentioned constantly, and there is a good reason for that. It has 12 different ski resorts, was the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. It is also just plain beautiful with the flat, snowed over expanse of the lake itself providing a unique otherworldly feel to the town. Emerald Bay State Park is beautiful no matter the season even if you can’t see the titular water in winter, and with it being so close to any one of the luxury ski resorts to choose from there is really no reason not to visit.