9 Underrated Winter Destinations Around the World

Most people flock to spots such as Reykjavik, Tromso, and Rovaniemi come winter to experience the arctic atmosphere and spot the northern lights, but Murmansk and the surrounding Kola Peninsula bordering Finland is an equally dazzling (and chilly) viewing point. The largest city in the Arctic Circle, Murmansk is an ideal jumping-off point for Aurora Borealis–hunting expeditions, as well as dog sledding adventures and day trips to the nearby slopes for skiing and snowboarding. You can even visit traditional Sami villages and connect with reindeer herders to learn about their Indigenous culture.

Soak up the alpine atmosphere without having to take on the crowds in the Alps by adventuring instead to Transylvania in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Thick pine forests covered in snow, medieval towns surrounded by steep slopes, and imposing castles overlooking the quiet valleys form a timeless backdrop for snowshoe hikes and wildlife tracking expeditions to spot signs of the local wolf and bear populations. Venture into gorges and canyons to marvel at some of the most spectacular winter scenery in Europe and be sure to visit Transylvania’s headliner: Bran Castle, legendary home to Vlad the Impaler who was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Slovakia’s majestic Tatras include more than 300 peaks in the highest stretch of the Central Carpathian Mountains and its UNESCO-listed Tatra National Park is thick with beech and spruce woods, spectacular glacier lakes, and world-class hiking and skiing in the High Tatras. Explore this dramatic alpine landscape on snowshoes, by husky sled, or horse-drawn sleigh—you may spot bears and other local wildlife along the way. You can also take a winter dip in natural hot springs, hop on a scenic train to Strbske Pleso, or ski down the exhilarating slopes in some of Slovakia’s top resorts.

Sapporo is known as one of the top winter destinations in Asia, so much so that the city’s annual Snow Festival attracts millions of visitors each February. You don’t need to visit during this busy time to enjoy the area’s winter landscapes and sports, however. Snow generally blankets the city and nearby ski slopes from November to April, so the holiday season is an ideal time to take in the holiday lights downtown and explore the surrounding peaks on skis or snowshoes. Visit the frozen Aoi Ike pond and Shirohige Falls, soak in the hot springs at Jozankei Onsen, and discover the area’s spectacular cuisine.

Though Sapa is a popular summer hotspot, this picturesque landscape of terraced rice paddies and tiny villages takes on an otherworldly beauty when dusted with snow in the winter. Skiing and snowboarding haven’t yet arrived on the rugged mountain slopes overlooking the valley below, but Sapa is an ideal base for winter hiking through the countryside. Stop to visit colorful hill-tribe villages and markets; connect with locals during an overnight homestay; or summit Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.

One of northeast Asia’s top ski resorts, Yongpyong hosted the downhill slalom events during the 2018 Winter Olympics and is a paradise for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from across the globe. The resort is set in the little-known Baekdudaegan Mountains—on clear days, views stretch across to the East Sea—and the ski season here runs from November to April; there are more than 30 slopes connected via 15 lifts and a gondola up to the scenic peak of Mt. Balwang. In addition to downhill skiing, the area offers floodlit night skiing, cross-country trails, and two half-pipes.

For spectacular snow-covered scenery stretching for miles in every direction, Banff National Park is second to none and an ideal holiday destination for fans of outdoor winter activities and sports. Explore the park on snowshoes or by horse-drawn sleigh, follow the icewalk through the Johnson Canyon, marvel at the Athabasca Glacier, admire Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway, spot local wildlife such as elk and bighorn sheep, and even try your hand at ice climbing. Covering more than 2,500 square miles (6,475 square kilometers) of the Canadian Rockies, there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy nature’s frosted grandeur on your own.

Though the town of Jackson is often teeming with a mix of skiers and Hollywood celebrities during the busier holiday weeks, you can easily escape to the surrounding valley of Jackson Hole and nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks to explore far from the crush. Discover the most scenic spots with a sleigh ride, dog sled adventure, or snowmobile adventure and spot elk and other wildlife at sunrise or sunset. Don’t let the crowds turn you off from exploring downtown Jackson, however. This former frontier town is now known as a buzzy hub for music, art, and dining.

Said to be the blueprint for the bucolic town of Bedford Falls in the classic Christmas film It’s a Wonderful Life, Seneca Falls is the perfect backdrop for an old-timey holiday with small-town charm. Locals lean into its Hollywood connection with an It’s a Wonderful Life Festival each December, including a bonfire, tree lighting, caroling, Santa visits, fireworks, train and wagon rides, and, of course, special screenings of the movie. Set in upstate New York, Seneca Falls is also an excellent base for exploring the Finger Lakes region, known for its delightful landscapes and boutique wine production.