When the first snow flake gently floats through the air and lands on my tongue, my thoughts immediately turn to winter activities, like skiing and enjoying a roaring fire in a cozy chalet. For those who love magical, snowy holidays, let us help you with a bit of inspiration with some of our favorite winter vacation spots!
Lapland, Finland
With Christmas just around the corner, who wouldn’t want to meet Santa and his elves? The hometown of Santa Claus is in Rovaniemi, located on the Artic Circle in Lapland. While there, bask in the Aurora Borealis that appear 200 nights a year. Meet reindeer, take a husky sled tour, or enjoy the versatile downhill and cross-country ski resorts.
Salt Lake City, Utah
For the winter sports enthusiast, Utah is paradise! For much less than a holiday in Colorado, the state is packed with ski/snow resorts. Salt Lake City is a great central location with all kinds of winter activities adjacent: skiing, ice-skating, snowshoeing, ice castles and the Olympic park all situated near-by. Enjoy shopping in the city and catch a show and dinner in Temple Square.
Switzerland
Amongst scenery that seems to come straight out of a fairytale, Switzerland is a prime location for a snowy get-away. Full of charming vibrant cities like Zurich and Lucerne, amazing skiing in the Swiss Alps, train journeys that focus on breathtaking views (try the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn), ice tunnels and ice sculptures (in Jungfraujoch where you have the opportunity to stand at the top of Europe, 3,454 meters up), there is no limit to the stunning beauty you will see while snuggling up with a cup of true Swiss hot chocolate.
Banff, Canada
Banff and Lake Louise are both opulent and down to earth, all at the same time. Awe-inspiring views, pristine wilderness, and loads of winter sports plus amazing art galleries, performances, and stellar restaurants that dot the area all make Banff an incredible mountain destination. Known as a hub for international writers and artists, there is always something going on.
Germany Christmas Markets
If you love seasonal food, mulled wine, and local artisan crafts, then head to Germany for some of the greatest Christmas markets in the world. Traditionally held in the town square, these outdoor festival markets are filled with good cheer, lip-smacking food, music and entertainment. Why not make a tour of the country’s best markets over December next year?
The Alps
Dotted along the French, Italian, Austrian and Switzerland borders with ski resorts with everything from self-catered apartments to luxurious cabins and five star hotels, the Alps is sure to please the avid skiers in your life. With over 26,723 kilometers of slopes, great weather with daytime temperatures averaging around 20 degree Fahrenheit, big vertical drops so long runs and rarely more than a few minute wait for any lift, there is so much to love about skiing in the Alps. Many of the resorts connect to one another resulting in days of exploring new powder without ever going down the same ski run.
Kiruna, Sweden
A few miles outside of Kiruna, sits the Ice Hotel, a hotel made completely out of crystal clear ice from the Torne River. The hotel used to only be open from December to April, but now, thanks to solar energy, there is a new permanent ice structure portion called ICEHOTEL 365. The hotel is full of dazzling works of ice art, architecture, and feels like you stepped inside of a fairy tale. If you aren’t able to stay in the hotel, they offer nightly guided tours.
Reykjavik, Iceland
With breathtaking volcanic scenery (which many may recall as the backdrop for several parts of Game of Thrones), revitalizing geothermal hot springs meant to sooth the soul and body, incredible glacier hikes, whale watching, and the gorgeous area of Skógafoss with dramatic landscapes, waterfalls and black sand beaches, Iceland has loads to offer.
Visited any of the destinations featured?
Let us know if you have visited any of the winter destinations mentioned: we would love to hear from you! Email us at marketing@lifestylebenfitsclub.com
Wherever you go, make sure your trip is protected from the moment you pack your suitcase until you return with souvenirs with a travel protection program like Here2There from Lifestyle Benefits Club.
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