Snow has a magic all its own — the way it quietly falls, blankets the landscape in beauty, and transforms ordinary places into winter wonderlands. It gives us unique recreational opportunities, from skiing and snowshoeing to simple joys like building a snowman, and it fills us with fun and a sense of wonder.
Recently, USA Today 10Best ranked the best places for snow lovers across the United States. Julie and I have been fortunate to visit five of these destinations, and we absolutely love them. Each offers something special, whether it’s breathtaking scenery, cozy winter vibes, or unforgettable adventures.
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With that in mind, let’s dive into the list. Here are the top 10 places to go if you love snow.
10. Winter Park, Colorado
Winter Park lives up to its name, attracting large numbers of visitors during the colder months. Outdoor adventure is the main attraction here, with Winter Park Resort serving as the centerpiece for skiing. The area also offers tubing, snowshoeing, and plenty of places to ice skate. Just 1.5 to 2 hours from Denver, Winter Park is an accessible getaway where wellness spas provide a relaxing counterbalance to the snowy fun. This town is a standout for anyone seeking snow adventures.
9. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Lake Tahoe is stunning year‑round, but winter brings a special kind of magic. The area is known for world‑class skiing and breathtaking snowy vistas. Visitors can also enjoy snowshoeing, sledding, and tubing, along with a lively après‑ski scene.
Julie and I have visited Lake Tahoe, and its beauty rivals that of any national park we have explored. The crystal-clear water, framed by jagged, snow-covered peaks, is unforgettable. Beyond the slopes, you will find plenty of shops and places to relax while soaking up the scenery. South Lake Tahoe offers vibrant nightlife with clubs, casinos, and live entertainment, while North Lake Tahoe is better suited for those seeking a quieter retreat. For more ideas, check out our guide to things to do in North Lake Tahoe.
8. Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is a true winter wonderland, offering visitors the chance to channel their inner Olympian. The Olympic Legacy Sites provide unique experiences, including speed skating, ice hockey games, and the Cliffside Coaster, which runs alongside the former Olympic bobsled track and is the longest mountain coaster in the United States.
Julie and I have visited the region, and it is impossible not to feel the history here. I will always have fond memories of watching the 1980 Winter Olympic Games on television as a kid, and visiting Lake Placid brings that to life. Beyond the Olympic sites, the area offers stunning natural beauty, countless recreational opportunities, and plenty of ways to relax while soaking in the atmosphere.
7. Stowe, Vermont
Nestled near Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, Stowe is a mountain town that shines in every season. Winter brings top‑notch skiing, dogsledding, cross‑country trails, and plenty of family fun for those willing to brave the cold.
Julie and I visited in autumn and absolutely loved the area. The fall colors and crisp cider were unforgettable, and we can only imagine how magical Stowe looks blanketed in snow. Winter visitors can cross‑country ski or snowshoe at the von Trapp Family Lodge, admire historic covered bridges and frozen waterfalls, or stroll the scenic Stowe Recreation Path. The town also offers quaint shops and tasty local eats.
After a day outdoors, warm up with hot cocoa, local craft beers, cider, or a hearty meal at one of Stowe’s cozy restaurants and pubs.
6. Aspen, Colorado
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is world‑famous for its skiing, but the winter fun goes far beyond the slopes. Visitors can enjoy snowboarding and ice skating, or take tours on a snowmobile or a snowcat. Adventurous travelers at Snowmass Mountain will want to try the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster for a thrilling ride through the snowy landscape.
For a more relaxed experience, ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain. Even if you are not a skier, the views are spectacular, and lunch at the summit is a memorable treat. Back in town, Aspen offers excellent shopping and dining, ranging from casual local favorites to high‑end fine dining. The Aspen Art Museum adds another dimension to the visit, with striking architecture and contemporary, cutting‑edge exhibits. We’d love to experience Aspen’s winter magic firsthand someday.
5. North Conway, New Hampshire
Set in New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, North Conway is steeped in ski history and home to the New England Ski Museum. The area offers 13 downhill and Nordic ski areas, including Wildcat and Bretton Woods, along with thousands of acres of backcountry terrain such as Tuckerman Ravine. Nearly 30 miles of trails welcome snowshoers, cross‑country skiers, and fat bikers, while lift‑serviced snow tubing provides a gentler thrill. After a day of adventure, visitors can enjoy a vibrant après‑ski scene with dining and cultural experiences that round out the perfect winter escape.
Julie and I visited in the autumn and loved it. Although the region is famous for fall foliage drives, the Kancamagus Highway transforms in winter with frozen waterfalls and snowy mountain views. Train enthusiasts will appreciate the Conway Scenic Railroad, which offers beautiful views of the White Mountains, and the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the world’s first mountain‑climbing cog railway, located less than an hour’s drive away. If trains are not your thing, North Conway also offers ice skating, snowmobiling, and local breweries to enjoy.
4. Caribou, Maine
Caribou is one of New England’s most picturesque historic settlements, especially after a fresh snowfall. This northern city receives an annual average of 118 inches of snow, making it a true winter playground. Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating, and a wide variety of other winter sports.
The area is also renowned for its extensive snowmobiling trails, which stretch for miles and provide endless opportunities to explore the snowy landscape. Whether you are seeking adventure or simply want to soak in the charm of a small New England town in winter, Caribou offers a memorable cold‑weather escape. We’d love to enjoy the winter magic here someday.
3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole combines a Wild West vibe with endless winter adventure. The historic town square, framed by its iconic antler arches, is a favorite spot to dine, shop, or simply soak in the atmosphere after a day outdoors. Snow‑focused activities abound at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and the area offers ice skating, tubing, sleigh rides, and guided wildlife tours.
Julie and I have visited Jackson Hole and love it, primarily for its proximity to Grand Teton National Park. The mountain scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities are outstanding, making this region a photographer’s dream. Beyond the outdoor thrills, visitors will also find plenty of shopping, dining, and spas to round out a memorable winter escape.
2. Frisco, Colorado
Founded during the Colorado Silver Boom, Frisco has transformed into a lively winter destination. Surrounded by six mountains, the town draws skiers from near and far, while those who prefer to stay closer to town can enjoy the tubing hill at Frisco Adventure Park.
Beyond the slopes, Frisco offers boutique stores and cozy coffee shops that make for a perfect afternoon stroll. Resorts and local wellness centers offer hot tubs, massages, and yoga, allowing visitors to warm up and recharge after a day outdoors. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, Frisco delivers a balanced winter escape.
1. Upper Peninsula of Michigan
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a winter paradise, offering skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling across towns like Sault Ste. Marie and Marquette. While much of Mackinac Island closes for the season, the trails in Mackinac Island State Park remain open for cross‑country skiing, adding a unique twist to a classic destination.
Winter here is about more than outdoor adventure. Ice skating and ice fishing are popular pastimes, and the region’s cozy towns welcome visitors with cafes, breweries, and local diners. Along the lake, the snowy and icy conditions add a nuanced layer of beauty to an already stunning landscape.
The Upper Peninsula is also home to remarkable natural sites, including Isle Royale National Park and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Whether you are chasing adrenaline on the trails or simply soaking in the scenery, this region delivers one of the most memorable winter escapes in the country.
Snowy Vacation Spots You’ll Never Forget
Snow has a way of transforming landscapes and experiences, and these destinations prove why winter is such a magical season. Whether you are chasing adventure on the slopes, soaking in mountain views, or simply enjoying a cozy café in town, these snowy vacation spots offer something unforgettable. Julie and I have loved exploring several of these spots, and we look forward to visiting more in the future. Wherever you go, may the snow bring you beauty, fun, and a sense of wonder.
Featured image credit: jag_cz via Deposit Photos
