7 beautiful destinations for your next winter snow holiday
There's nothing quite like waking up and opening the curtains to find a magical winter's morning awaiting you. With much of the UK used to experiencing damp, grey and cold rather than clear skies and a crisp covering of snow, many of us dream of an ice-cold escape where we can enjoy beautiful scenery and cosy up after a bracing time outdoors.
So, if you're looking for a magical winter escape or want to dream of places you could spend Christmas next year, here are a handful of places with magical snowy vistas.
Ski the slopes
Tignes, France
Enjoy holiday skiing in style at this high-altitude ski resort on the Italian border. Tignes goes all out during Christmas hosting festivities throughout December. See Santa and enjoy the Father Christmas parade and watch or take part in a torchlight descent. Every Thursday during French and British school holidays, ESF instructors and students snake down the mountain with beautiful flickering lights.
The village of Tignes Le Lac holds a Christmas market selling wooden toys and handmade decorations. And you'll also find outdoor ice rinks and high-end cafés and restaurants, not to mention the stunning views you can enjoy from the Grande Motte glacier.
Sitting at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, Tignes Le Lac is guaranteed to have snow in winter.
Bregenzerwald, Austria
Always beautiful, Bregenz Forest becomes a winter wonderland in the colder months. Discover signposted winter hiking trails, 72 snowshoe trails, and a cross-country ski trail that stretches over 180 miles.
The Hittisau cross-country ski area is particularly stunning. Here you'll find more cross-country skiing as well as classic mountain skiing trails with a maximum elevation of 1,040 metres. Many of the trails are also dog-friendly.
Add a daring twist to your snow adventures and join a full moon snowshoeing trip at night. Wearing a headlamp and equipped with a soft flashlight, cross deep powdery snow in the forest landscape under a magical moonlit sky.
Explore stunning scenery
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
If you seek a sophisticated snowy escape, you can't beat Switzerland and the stunning Alps. Discover snow-laden forests, icy peaks, and glistening lakes.
The best way to experience the magnificence of the Swiss Alps in winter is with a ride on the Glacier Express. Travelling between St. Moritz and Zermatt from December to May, for the best views, be sure to book your seats in the panoramic coach.
Lofoten, Norway
In winter, the Lofoten archipelago in Norway comes into its own. Known for its dramatic scenery, there are fewer people around during the winter months, making it a great time to explore the fishing villages.
Despite the lack of people, there's still plenty to do. Experience the spectacular landscape and bird life with a nature trip and, after the sun sets, hunt down the Northern Lights.
Have fun in the snow
Tromso, Norway
For a lively and fun winter escape where there's bound to be snow, Tromso is the place to go. Watch the Northern Lights, visit the Arctic Cathedral, and dash through the winter wonderland on a dog sled.
Wrap up warm and enjoy the vibes in the Arctic city where you can feast on seafood, join winter festivals, or duck into a wide range of restaurants and cafes to stay warm.
Scenes from a snow globe
Lapland, Finland
A list of magical winter escapes wouldn't be complete without Lapland. Deep inside the Arctic Circle, Lapland is Finland's official fairy tale destination, perfect for a family holiday or romantic winter getaway.
Think cosy log cabins and roaring fires, miles of snow-quilted forests with reindeer to find. For children, visit Santa's grotto, enjoy sleigh rides, or let the dogs do the work with husky sledge rides.
Finland’s northernmost region, Lapland is a sparsely populated area bordering Sweden, Norway, Russia and the Baltic Sea. Hop over to Swedish Lapland and book a stay in the Icehotel, where you can sleep on a bed made of ice. Close to the Abisko National Park, you're on the doorstep of one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.
Snow closer to home
Highlands, Scotland
Although snowfall in Scotland is unpredictable, it's still a beautiful place to visit in winter. With far fewer visitors at this time of the year, it's wise to make sure you plan ahead to make sure everything you hope to do is possible. For a winter walking holiday, you can't beat the Scottish Highlands.
For a dollop of winter indulgence, consider a break at
The Torridon, a luxury estate retreat in the north-west Highlands. Here you can combine your passion for the natural environment with activities including archery, sea kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, guided walks and mountain bike rides.
The wild and rugged landscape makes for some exhilarating hiking. And experienced climbers can enjoy the challenge of navigating the Torridon mountains in winter conditions.
