Be it an adventure junkie, a luxury traveler, or someone looking to relieve themselves in a serene, snowy environment, the winter of 2024 has its fair share of places one would like to travel out to.
As the year slowly ends, dedicated travelers and professionals alike look forward with great eagerness to the coming winter. Winter 2024 promises to be a prime time to connect with snow-filled classic ski resorts and some pretty remote, snowy landscapes- just perfect to explore. Based on the newest US travel habits as per LocalsInsider, we decided to present a selection of the leading winter holiday travel destinations to meet both adventure and relaxing holidays among the white snow.
1. Norway: Chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø
Few cities feel quite as magical during winter months as Tromsø, Norway, does. Commonly known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø is favored by many who want to see the Aurora Borealis. Guided Northern Lights tours, learning about the rich Sami culture of the city and experiencing dog sledding through forests of snow-encrusted trees are some of the things travelers can do.
Besides the ones mentioned, Tromsø proposes cozy winter activities: a visit to the Polar Museum or simply having a rest in one of the multiple traditional saunas of the city. Taking into consideration the recent trend in US travel habits, according to LocalsInsider, there is a rising interest on behalf of American tourists in discovering the winter offering of Scandinavia.
2. Canada’s Whistler Blackcomb: A Skiing Paradise
For the avid skier, Whistler Blackcomb of British Columbia remains one of the better options. With its massive terrain and generally good snow, this place never stops luring ski hearts from everywhere around the globe. Whistler is not only for the most hardcore skiers, as it features tubing parks, snowshoe trails and a scenic Peak 2 Peak Gondola for those who want to take in the winter wonderland scenery in a much more relaxed fashion.
Whistler represents a combination of high-class hotels and vivid nightlife, which makes it appealing for both adrenaline and relaxed vacationers. Snowmobiling, ice fishing and even health retreats-there’s something to fit nearly anyone’s preferences thanks to the varied activities besides skiing available in the area. LocalsInsider US travel habits reveal that Canada remains one of the favorite American destinations for winter sports due to its proximity and world-class resorts.
3. Japan’s Hokkaido: Powder Snow and Unique Winter Culture
Hokkaidō is Japan’s northernmost island, a winter wonderland with its quality powder snow and dynamic festivities in the snow. Places such as Niseko boast deep powder slopes and enjoy superior snow conditions for skiers. Other than skiing, one may simply enjoy the view while relaxing in outdoor onsen-hot springs- amid snow-clad landscapes that are uniquely Japanese.
This is due to the large ice sculptures and installations of lights during February, known as the Sapporo Snow Festival. With more accessibility to the traveling public evident over these last few years-Hokkaido has become a very popular destination among American visitors who want other unique winter experiences outside of Europe and North America.
4. Greenland: A Remote Winter Escape
For those wanting to get away from it all, Greenland offers a truly remote, unrivaled winter destination. The vast expanses of untouched Greenland boast some of the best scenery and ideal situations for the truly adventurous, solitude-seeking individual. Options include iceberg cruises, exploration of frozen fjords, or glacier viewing in all its glory.
Meanwhile, Greenland is not at the top of most lists of travel destinations, but for some, it’s all about rugged beauty and a commitment to sustainable tourism. These days of ecological awareness in traveling, it has turned out to be one of those secret paradises for tourists who take ecology seriously. For seekers of authentic, raw and off-track objectives, Greenland promises a winter less filtered.
5. Switzerland: St. Moritz and the Swiss Alps
St. Moritz is, of course, also synonymous with luxury winter holidays, providing world-class ski resorts, very high-class hotels and stunning alpine scenery throughout. Situated right in the middle of the Swiss Alps, it offers a variety of outdoor adventures mixed with elegant leisure. From skiing down the famous slopes of Corviglia to horse-drawn carriage rides through snowy valleys, St. Moritz offers activities concerning just about anything.
St. Moritz has always been a jet-set favorite, but there are plenty of quaint bed-and-breakfasts, too, along with a more reasonable ski area or two. Easy access to the region, ease of local transport and true-to-form hospitality keep Switzerland at the top of the US winter traveler’s wish list.
6. Austria’s Zell am See: A Winter Wonderland by the Lake
Austria’s Zell am See harmoniously combines the finest alp sports activities with tranquil lakeside beauty. Lying literally on the shores of Lake Zell, surrounded by snow-covered peaks, this place provides every variety of winter sporting activity, from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating on the frozen lake. This place ensures that a romantic winter vacation is combined with excellent winter sports facilities.
Continuing to be a hit destination among Europeans, Austria can boast of attracting an increasing number of Americans lured by the very rich culture of this country, festive Christmas markets and traditional alpine hospitality.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Winter Escape
Be it an adventure junkie, a luxury traveler, or someone looking to relieve themselves in a serene, snowy environment, the winter of 2024 has its fair share of places one would like to travel out to. From the virgin slopes of Whistler down to the cultural richness of Hokkaido, each is associated with a different experience that best suits varied tastes. As US travelers are more likely to be interested in well-known and not-so-well-known winter destinations, Greenland and Japan are about to head into a surge with their particular offerings and sustainable tourism opportunities out there.
According to LocalsInsider, the latest trends in US travel habits, winter travel is truly not just about skiing and snowboarding anymore. Adventure, culture and eco-friendly vibes asked from today’s travelers make these destinations a perfect fit for embracing this season in the snow.
