Sometimes as the winter approaches, we’re so busy planning for the holidays, purchasing gifts for our loved ones, traveling to be with those loved ones, etc. that we forget to plan something for ourselves. Often times, we might consider escaping the cold by traveling to sunnier, warmer weather instead embracing the winter weather. It can be easy to forget that the cold offers its own splendor like hot chocolate, skiing/snowboarding, warm fireplace discussions, hot bowls of soups and stews and more. So, if you’re looking for a post-holiday season getaway, or want to start planning a winter vacation for next year, keep reading for some of our favorite wintertime destinations in the U.S.

Vermont

It can be hard to choose just one New England destination in the winter. Much like the fall time, New England’s landscape and scenery during the winter is breath taking. Vermont is home to many ski mountains resorts such as Okemo, Sugarbush, Killington, and Smugglers’ Notch, just to name a few. You could wake up and get right on the slopes for a day full of shredding the mountain, return your skis or snowboard to valet, and end the night sipping tea or coco by the fire.

Vermont is home to the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, which offers tours of the facility. You’ll be able to see first-hand just how those iconic pints are made and packaged. You may even have the opportunity to sample new test flavors that may or may not ever make it to your local grocery store!

But, if you’re looking for a quaint city with entertainment, food, art, music, shopping and more, consider stopping by Burlington. Church St. is a popular attraction for natives and tourists alike.  Some even refer to this street as the heartbeat of the city. It wouldn’t be hard to spend a day or two exploring all that Church St. has to offer.

Colorado

Colorado might be an easy guess for a top winter destination in the U.S. because many people know that this state is home to some of the best skiing in the country. But that’s not all that Colorado has to offer in the winter. Wildlife in the state can usually be spotted in abundance. But, during the winter when many of those animals are hibernating or have migrated to warmer climates then it isn’t as common. So, sightings are quite special and rare. Be sure to keep your eye open for moose, deer, mountain goats, bears and more.

Skiing and snowboarding are almost a given. You can visit Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride, and more for some great slopes. But what other winter adventure might you find in Colorado? Fat biking is another option for cold outdoor fun. These are an offroad style of bike with oversized tires that help keep the bike stable, making these bikes a worthy option for some fresh crispy air. They are becoming more popular throughout Colorado. Consider checking it out! Colorado also offers a wide range of options when it comes to things to do. If you want to read more about what Colorado has to offer consider Exploring Colorado a little more!

Alaska

If you want to go somewhere cold, but still want to feel like you’re going on an exotic vacation, without having to pack a passport, consider Alaska for your cold weather destination. Winter is one of Alaska’s busier seasons, second only to summertime. What makes it so popular though? The possibility of seeing the aurora, or the Northern Lights, is one of the most popular attractors to Alaska during the wintertime. Light shows dancing in the air do sound fantastic, don’t you think?

You may also want to consider going dog-sledding while in Alaska. There are many tour options when it comes to dogsledding not only for location but also duration of the ride. Maybe you’d rather do something a little more hands on though. Ice fishing is another popular option to pass the time. Alaska has so much to offer outdoors by both land and sea, you might even want to consider an extended stay in Alaska or planning your Alaskan adventure in multiple parts or trips.

If you love the cold but haven’t been able to plan a trip during the winter in a while, consider our suggested spots for your next cold getaway. Don’t forget to pack your Travel Protection every time you go away. Talk to your travel advisor today or learn more on our website. Safe travels…and stay warm!

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