My Top Winter Travel Destinations

Jackson, WY

Jackson Hole is most popular with the ski crowd. However, even if you are not a skier, there’s lots of winter fun for everyone. Mike and I planned several daytrips here while we were living in Idaho Falls and didn’t go skiing once. From festive sleigh rides, to ice skating, to hot springs, there are fun wintry activities for everyone.

*A winter sleigh ride – Thousands of elk migrate down in search of food each winter season at this sanctuary established in 1912. Sleigh rides at the National Elk Refuge start in December (wagon rides in the absence of snow) and end in March/April. I highly recommend checking this place out. We visited near the end of the season and still saw a ton of elk. A really cool experience!

*Drive through Bridger- Teton National Park – Bridger-Teton National Forest is a winter wonderland this time of the year. Consider driving along Gros Ventre Rd. where you are almost guaranteed to see moose up close -a wonderful experience for the nature lover. We saw so many just in a short drive. Check the website for road closures and weather alerts.

*Ski at Jackson Hole – One of the top ski resorts in the country. Find information about prices and additional activities at the Jackson Hole Mountain website.

*Stroll around the Jackson downtown area – Besides being home to numerous local shops and restaurants, there are 4 really cool arches made out of the shed Elk antlers. I recommend stopping at Pearl St. Bagels for a cup of hot cocoa.

Lake Tahoe CA, NV

Lake Tahoe can be considered both a summer and winter playground. There really is no bad time to plan a visit. I’ve visited in both seasons and find neither time is really better than the other. During the winter months, you can look forward to world class skiing, skating, scenic tram rides, cozy restaurants, and beautiful resorts. The region sees lots of snow. According to Visit Lake Tahoe, the snow is “measured in feet not inches.”

*Visit Heavenly Mountain Resort – There is something for everyone at Heavenly: skiing, ice skating, shopping, and scenic gondola rides! The ambiance is festive and touristy. There are plenty of restaurants in the vicinity after burning all those calories. Lots of sporting goods store, a Coldstone Creamery, and several bars and taverns.

*Take an aerial tram ride – Squaw Valley offers year-round scenic tram rides. At the top you can ice skate and enjoy the mountain scenery. Also, this was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics; there is a cool little podium where you can take pics a small memorabilia museum. Update: Squaw Valley is now Palisades.

*Walk around The Shops at Squaw Valley – This scenic mountain shopping complex offers plenty to keep you busy. Amenities include outdoor fire pits, plenty of sports apparel stores, and a few great restaurants. I recommend Reserve Wine Bar!

*Ice skate at Squaw Valley – Ice skating and scenic mountain views in the winter months; what could be better?!

Take a look at My Tahoe Vacation Guide for more details on the best things to do in this mountain oasis.

Island Park, ID/Yellowstone/Mesa Falls

The isolated areas out West offer a serene setting for recreation which can not me matched on the busy Easy coast. If a tranquil wintry experience is what you are after, you really cannot top the Yellowstone area. As the area is closed to vehicle traffic, the park is super desolate and filled with wildlife. Sign up for a snowcoach tour or enjoy winter recreation at one of the many parks in the area. Hot springs, cozy inns, and homestyle restaurants are easily found in the area.

*Visit Harriman State Park – At Harriman there are plenty of winter activities including 25 miles of groomed cross country ski trails (highly recommended), snowshoeing, and more! The setting is so rustic and secluded, really it is a winter wonderland this time of year. This was my first time skiing and I had a great experience!

*Yellowstone – While spring and summer are the best times to visit Yellowstone due to the abundance of outdoor activities available, you do not need to rule out a winter visit. If anything, this is the most peaceful time to visit and also the best time to see wildlife. While the main roads are closed to vehicles, you can take a guided snowcoach tour through the park. Check out all the bison I saw on the Grand Loop Drive.

Mesa Falls – The most scenic waterfall in the state is accessed via a scenic drive along US 47. While the drive is closed to vehicles in winter, it is groomed for snowmobiles. Also, you can access the road via cross country skiing.

Lava hot springs – Soothe your muscles and mind in natural mineral springs. Rates are affordable and the views are incredible.

 Jackson & North Conway NH (White Mountains area)

The White Mountains area is a beautiful escape for city dwellers coming from Boston, Providence, and other nearby Northeastern metropolises. It’s an easy drive from many big Northeastern cities. The area is home to many quaint inns and there are endless opportunities for winter recreation in the mountains. From festive sleigh rides, to ice skating, the idyllic setting will take you straight into a Hallmark movie. My favorite daytrip by far is to Nestlenook Farms, a rustic winter oasis that reminds me of a scene straight out of a made-for-TV Christmas movie.

*Visit Nestlenook Farms – Nestlenook Farms is a winter wonderland complete with ice skating, horse drawn sleigh rides, and snowshoeing. The gorgeous Victorian ice rink and beautiful isolated setting in the White Mountains easily make this a winter bucket list contender. Bonus – there are a number of quaint inns in Jackson and surrounding towns.

*Drive around the beautiful snow covered mountains and forests.

*Stay at an inn – Winter is a great time to stay in one of the many inns in this scenic New England town. Plenty of winter activities nearby including Cranmore Ski Mountain, a town ice rink, and mountain scenic drives. I would love to stay in the Christmas Farm Inn.

*Visit Settlers’ Green Outlet stores – Over 60 great outlet shopping choices! This is a great place to find deals from any of your favorite big brands.

Oh, and just for fun here is a little I made up of reasons why you shouldn’t limit yourself to a summer visit. There are many advantages to visiting the New England region in winter.