Get into the Spirit of the Season with These Classic Winter Getaways

In warmer climates, it can sometimes feel like we’re not getting a true winter experience. Especially when holiday movies showcase snowy backdrops, brightly decorated trees and icicles dangling from rooftops. When watching these scenes, it’s easy to start dreaming of a cold-weather winter getaway—one filled with skiing and ice skating or just simply going sightseeing while bundled up in winter gear. Make this winter one to remember by booking a memorable trip to one of these five destinations.

See the winter sights in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Get a feeling of that old-time holiday spirit when you stroll through the decked out streets of Philadelphia.

Stay in Philadelphia to discover one of the best sightseeing cities in the country—and winter is no exception. Stroll cobblestone streets to take in the holiday décor. Take a selfie or two in snowy downtown and catch a glimpse of U.S. history under a blanket of snowy white. And be sure to visit the Delaware Riverfront for the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, celebrating over 25 years of winter fun. Open every day from November 23 through March 3, this outdoor wonderland includes a fairytale winter landscape decked out in holiday trimmings, a world-class ice-skating rink, a Kid’s Lodge and arcade, and so much more! Had enough of the cold? Head inside the Lodge for a steamy hot-cocoa on the heated wraparound porch.

Get your snow thrills in Flagstaff, Arizona

Skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snowshoeing—you'll find winter fun like this (and more) in Flagstaff

When planning a winter vacation, Arizona is probably the last place you’d think to put on your list. But north of the cacti and dry landscape is a snowy wonderland that comes alive every winter. Book a hotel in Flagstaff, where you’ll discover top-notch skiing and snowboarding on Humphrey Summit and the ever-popular Arizona Snowbowl—a wintertime resort offering snow-thrills for over 80 years. Never skied before? Snowbowl is also a first-timer’s paradise, with the largest swath of beginner terrain in the West. Or you can always don a pair of snowshoes and take a self-paced hike through nature’s winter wonderland.

Have a uniquely winter adventure in Bozeman, Montana

There's nothing quite like zipping through snowy landscapes on a dog-powered sled.

Nestled on a wide plain under the watchful eye of snow-capped peaks and an endless sky, a stay in Bozeman is just a step away from a rugged outdoor winter adventure. Make your own adventure with a hike along many winter trails open year-round. Sip hot-cocoa while ice fishing at Hyalite Reservoir. Or, for a bit of adrenaline that doesn’t involve skis, drive about an hour south to West Yellowstone for a dog-sledding adventure through Spirit of the North Sled Dog Adventures. This family-friendly, once-in-a-lifetime kind of adventure is sure to be highlight of your winter trip.

Take a chilly dip outdoors in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Want a truly unique wintertime experience? Try a hot dip in geothermal pools while surrounded by snow.

Plan your next stay in Steamboat Springs, home to world-class ski slopes and outdoor winter fun typical to the Rocky Mountain towns that dot the area. But what makes this place extra special are the geothermal springs that offer year-round outdoor therapy and relaxation—even in the chilly winter months! Slide into the 104-degree pools of Strawberry Springs, the area’s most popular geothermal spring. Open year-round, the winter offers the unique experience of a summer-like dip surrounded by a deep layer of powdery white snow. After your soak, grab a cocktail and a quick bite at the Old Town Pub, a popular local staple since 1904.

Find endless winter activities in Traverse City, Michigan

Get an unexpected kind of snowy adventure on the seat of a fat bike.

There’s a lot of fun to be found when you stay in Traverse City, and the winter is no exception. Try a different twist on the usual ski-thrills by hitting the slopes in the dark… Head to Timber Ridge and try night-skiing on some well-lit trails. Looking for a wildlife adventure? Snowshoe through Sleeping Bear Dunes and you might catch a glimpse of feeding deer and other creatures. Finally, rent a fat bike for a uniquely challenging winter experience biking on snow trails like Glacial Hills and Leelanau Trail just outside the city.