There is plenty to tell about the depth of the winters and the course of snowy resorts where one must head. In reality, some European cities are even more beautiful in winter, as snow covers the rooftops and turns valleys and mountains into a powdery white fairy tale.
If you are searching for a snow holiday because you enjoy winter or just a change of pace, find the destinations that will awe you with their many outdoor fun opportunities in the coldest months of the year with our list of the best snowy winter holidays. Here are a few places you should not miss. We have options from India and All across the world. Let’s have a look!
Across the World:
Northern Lights, Tromsø, Norway
Located more than 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Tromso experiences an irregular snowfall pattern with some winters experiencing sub-arctic weather and chilly winds and some seeing milder temperatures. Either way, Tromso’s going to see snow in winter and a lot of it. Northern lights may appear in the area at any time between September and April, but the heart of winter provides the best chance of seeing them. If you are in town, taking the Fjellheisen cable car to the top of the mountain has the best views, but you will do better if you are out of town on a trip, away from light pollution. For better odds, a visit during the polar night period, 48 days between November and January, when the sun never rises, and the northern lights could appear at any time of the day.
Ski Resort in Zermatt, Switzerland
For snow galore with a dash of adrenaline, the best-known resort in Switzerland is the ideal destination. Zermatt is a small town on the border with Italy, surrounded by high mountains. Here, more than 200 kilometres of tracks serve skiers of all abilities from beginners to seasoned skiers who can tackle the top resorts at an incredible altitude of 3,883 metres.
Zermatt is the favourite destination for skiers in Switzerland because snowfall is consistent, the views are spectacular, and there are a lot of challenging scenic runs. This place also has off-piste options for those who want the ultimate experience. It is also possible to spend the night on the mountain by taking one of the huts reached via a walk up the valley.
Not a skier? Zermatt offers excellent winter skiing and snowshoeing. The best trails are high up the mountain, where the snow is deeper – reached by ski lifts – but some start in the town of Gornergrat or Schwarzsee.
Snowy Mountains of Bregenzerwald, Austria
The Bregenz Forest is beautiful all year round, but as the colder months approach, it becomes a winter wonderland. A combination of signposted winter hiking trails, 72 marked snowshoe trails and a cross-country ski trail network extending over 300 kilometres makes this a dream destination. The Hittisau cross-country ski area around the forest is spectacular, with 30 kilometres of cross-country and 50 kilometres of classic mountain ski trails with a maximum altitude of 1,040 metres.
Many of the trails are pet friendly. For a new spin on snow experiences, a variety of local organizations organize night-time snowshoeing trips on full moon nights-equipped with headlamps or a soft flashlight. Tour guides take tourists through the thick, powdery snow, where the forested scenery is magical and alien under the moonlight. The town of Bregenz is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, at the foot of the Pfänder range. It offers a lot of indoor fun in the form of museums, music festivals and ornate baroque buildings.
Holiday Season in Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi may not sound familiar, but this tiny village inside the Arctic Circle is considered the official hometown of Santa Claus. The Santa Claus Village is 8 kilometres from the centre of Rovaniemi and can be reached by taxi or by boarding the Santa’s Express train. Although the charming little village is open all year round and has many Christmas attractions (including the Santa’s post office), Rovaniemi is particularly stunning during the winter.
It is a perfect place to see the northern lights, have lunch at an ice restaurant, or spend the night at an igloo ice hotel. The Ranua Wildlife Park provides 2.5 kilometres of snowy trails where you can meet wild arctic animals or try a snowmobile or a sleigh ride through the snow-covered surroundings. Perhaps one of the most magical opportunities here is the chance to enter a guided snowshoeing tour of the Arctic Circle, where you can witness frozen landscapes and the true meaning of ‘Polar Night’ where the sun never rises.
In India:
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Another popular tourist destination, Mussoorie, is the perfect place to see the snowfall in Uttarakhand. However, to witness a decent amount of snowfall, it is best to schedule a visit to Mussoorie between mid-December and mid-February. Though all the attractions in Mussoorie are open to the public in the winter, nothing beats the experience of walking along the Mall Road while it is snowing. It is ideal for two packages of 2 Nights 3 Days Mussoorie Weekend Tour and
6 Nights 7 Days Mussoorie Tour with Nainital.
Auli, for a Memorable Skiing Experience and Himalayan Views
Only second in Gulmarg, Auli in Uttarakhand is your best bet when it comes to seeing snowfall in the winter season as well as enjoying skiing and snowboarding in India. The place is also famous for one of India’s longest cable car journeys, starting from Joshimath. Auli is a scenic destination with a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, including the second-highest mountain in India, Nanda Devi (7816 m). The snowfall time in Auli is January to February. You must do your research right about the place and the best places commonly visited by the tourists.
Narkanda, for enjoying snow to the heart’s content
It is known as a pit stop to a variety of travel destinations in Himachal, Narkanda cannot become the best winter spot to see snow.
The snowfall here mainly begins in December, but there is also no unusual sight in November. Narkanda is also steadily gaining popularity for offering a skiing opportunity. There are hotels which focus on the mountain view with beautiful snowflakes falling, with you having a heart filled with peace where you wished to stay forever. It is 16 to 18 hours from Delhi and is one of the best places to visit.
Manali, for outstanding views and chilling vibes
The beginning of November itself means that there will be snowfall in Manali. Among the top tourist attractions, Manali is also a popular destination to watch snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. The best way to experience the snowfall in Manali is to book a hotel or homestay in Old Manali and see the snow forming a blanket on the mountains right from your window. You can also relax in one of the artsy cafés with a steaming cup of coffee or, you know, the good old monk. Adventure seekers should head to the Solang Valley, where a lot of adventure activities like skiing are waiting.
Some of the best packages to go for are 3 Nights 4 Days Manali Tour Package and 4 Nights 5 Days Kullu Manali Tour.