Winter is a wonderful season to plan a ski or snow trip, as there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality time with loved ones and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious vacation or a budget-friendly getaway, there are many winter destinations to choose from.
When planning a winter vacation in the snow, choosing a destination that caters to everyone’s interests and ages is crucial. Fortunately, many unique mountain towns and ski resorts in the USA offer unforgettable experiences. To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best winter vacations with snow.
Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park is a beautiful mountain town situated about 90 minutes away from Denver, Colorado. In winter, the city provides spectacular snowy views that create a peaceful and inspiring ambiance for outdoor activities.
If you’re planning to visit Estes Park this winter, take the opportunity to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s an excellent chance to observe wild elk, moose, and mule deer in their natural habitats. Additionally, you can join a winter ecology walk, a guided nature tour led by a park ranger that covers over 350 miles of scenic hiking trails across Rocky Mountain National Park. The scenery of frost-covered trees and sparkling alpine views is breathtaking. Even if you have no prior snowshoeing experience, you can still join the adventure, but you must reserve your spot in advance.
Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains region is an excellent destination for tourists who seek fun-filled adventures. It is famous for its diverse range of winter activities. When the terrain is covered in a thick blanket of snow, you can indulge in activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. The Pocono Mountains area offers an abundance of options for skiing, with several resorts featuring vast ski runs and slopes.
Besides skiing, there are plenty of other fun winter activities to enjoy. Snow tubing is popular among visitors, with fast-paced lanes and simple tracks available. Sleigh riding and ice skating are also great activities to try. For a horse-drawn sleigh ride, you can visit Daisy Field Farm, while Hickory Run and Tobyhanna Park are famous state parks where you can enjoy ice skating.
Winter Park, Colorado
The Winter Park area is renowned for its winter playground, particularly among skiers and snowboarders. It is home to Winter Park Resort and the National Sports Center for the Disabled, the world’s largest disabled program.
Winter Park is a beautiful winter destination that outdoor enthusiasts should not miss. It boasts a stunning landscape and is known for its exciting outdoor adventures, including dog sled rides, hot air balloon excursions, horse-drawn carriage rides, and backcountry snowcat skiing.
Additionally, Snow Mountain Stables provide options for sleigh rides, wagon rides, and guided trail rides through the beautiful and rugged Colorado countryside. This fantastic destination in Colorado offers everything you need for an unforgettable snow trip.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a charming New England ski town that offers a wide range of winter activities, perfect for both winter sports enthusiasts and those who want to enjoy the picturesque beauty. Some winter activities in Stowe include skiing and snowboarding at Stowe Mountain Resort, snowshoeing on various routes, indoor and outdoor skating rinks, and even sleigh rides.
If you’re looking for a serene and picturesque location to spend some quality time with your loved ones, Wiessner Woods is an excellent choice. This wooded area is well-known for its natural beauty and provides a beautiful opportunity to take a leisurely walk and soak in the breathtaking scenery. The area has several well-marked trails that intersect, making it an ideal place to try out snowshoeing.
Telluride, Colorado
Colorado is famous for its snow-clad mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts during winter. Tourists visiting Telluride during this time can indulge in plenty of exciting activities, such as après-ski activities, skiing, and snowboarding. Telluride Ski Resort is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard since almost 60% of its runs are dedicated to beginners and intermediates. Telluride’s location, close to several airports, makes it a convenient and easily accessible winter sports destination with shorter travel times.
Park City, Utah
Park City is a former mining town in the United States, which has now become one of the most popular skiing destinations in the country. It boasts two world-renowned ski resorts: Park City Ski Resort and Deer Valley Ski Resort. This charming mountain town is also known for hosting the annual Sundance Film Festival and has become a hub for culinary enthusiasts.
While Park City Ski Resort offers snowboarding, skiing, and night skiing, Deer Valley Ski Resort only offers skiing. During the ski season, Park City is a great place to visit as it features well-maintained slopes and expert instructors. You can stay at a ski-in/ski-out vacation home with access to Park City Mountain Resort or a luxurious Main Street lodging, which will give you easy access to the entire town.
Snowmass, Colorado
If you’re planning a winter trip to the Aspen/Snowmass area, don’t miss out on Ullr Nights – a winter wonderland party held on select nights at Snowmass’ Elk Camp.
One of the many great things about a trip to Snowmass is that one lift ticket will grant you access to all four of the area’s world-class mountains, which are only a few miles apart: Snowmass, Aspen, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. Whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or simply taking in the breathtaking mountain views, there’s something for everyone at this winter destination. After a day on the slopes, you can head to the ice skating rink at Snowmass Base Village or take a free hike at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies to explore the snow-covered trees. For the more adventurous traveler, the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is a must-try, winding its way through the forest.
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Snow Adventure!
A ski or snow trip is one of the best winter adventures you can experience. Planning ahead of time where you will travel will ensure that your vacation is one that you will never forget. We hope this list inspires you to organize your trip and create your itinerary with activities and attractions in the area. By managing everything in advance, you can guarantee a unique snow trip.
Article by Rocio Espinosa
