These 12 U.S. Destinations Are Picture-Perfect For Outdoor Adventures This Winter
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Sarah McCosham
Author
Winter’s here and there’s no better time to get outdoors. Yes — outdoors. In spite of the chill in the air, this sublime season is perfect for experiencing the quiet splendor of Mother Nature, in all her snow-dusted, ice-frosted glory. Whether you’re strapping on snowshoes for a cross-country trek, marveling over a frozen waterfall, or bundling up to be the first to see the sunrise in the U.S., there’s something magical about the outdoors in the cold-weather months. Let these destinations fuel your wanderlust for outdoor adventures and winter getaways in the U.S.
1. Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA
Nestled on the border of Yosemite National Park and the eastern edge of the Sierras, Mammoth Mountain offers endless opportunities for outdoor play.
The eponymous Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is one of the best places for year-round skiing, as the winter season in Mammoth typically runs from early November into May (after that, the summer season brings unique opportunities for high-flying fun on the mountains). Because of this, Mammoth Mountain is one of the country's most popular resorts; however, with more than 3,500 skiable acres, there's plenty of room for everyone.
In fact, for families with kids or beginners, June Mountain offers some of the most spectacular views in the Sierras. The surrounding lakes, variety of terrain, and free lift tickets for kids 12 years old and under attract families all year long to what's colloquially referred to as "California’s Family Mountain."
Take a look at this video by @GoPro:
The eponymous Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is one of the best places for year-round skiing, as the winter season in Mammoth typically runs from early November into May (after that, the summer season brings unique opportunities for high-flying fun on the mountains). Because of this, Mammoth Mountain is one of the country's most popular resorts; however, with more than 3,500 skiable acres, there's plenty of room for everyone.
In fact, for families with kids or beginners, June Mountain offers some of the most spectacular views in the Sierras. The surrounding lakes, variety of terrain, and free lift tickets for kids 12 years old and under attract families all year long to what's colloquially referred to as "California’s Family Mountain."
Take a look at this video by @GoPro:
2. Cascades National Park, Washington State
Crystal Mountain Resort, 33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd, Enumclaw, WA 98022, USA
Western Washington is home to some of the deepest annual snowpacks in the world, with Mount Rainier and Mount Baker averaging more than 650 inches of snowfall a year. Because of this, Washington is a great winter destination, especially for snowshoeing.
Within this winter wonderland, Crystal Mountain Resort is a must-visit for outdoor recreation, offering guided snowshoe tours through some of the most magical winter landscapes in the U.S. Experiencing this snow-filled fantasy as you smoothly traipse over the mountains of Washington is a sublime experience you won't ever forget.
Within this winter wonderland, Crystal Mountain Resort is a must-visit for outdoor recreation, offering guided snowshoe tours through some of the most magical winter landscapes in the U.S. Experiencing this snow-filled fantasy as you smoothly traipse over the mountains of Washington is a sublime experience you won't ever forget.
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3. Bend, Oregon
Bend, OR, USA
Of all the towns in the Pacific Northwest, Bend, Oregon, truly has it all. This beautiful town in south-central Oregon is known far and wide for its amazing outdoor recreation, which is on a whole other level during the wintertime.
Swap your hiking boots for skis as you take on Mt. Bachelor, a dormant volcano that's now home to 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain and the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington. Don snowshoes during a guided winter hike with Wanderlust Tours (pictured) on one of the best winter hikes in the U.S. Or simply sit back in a charming Bend accommodation that's known for its retro vibes and cozy campfires. We promise you'll feel all warm and welcome in this adorable Oregon town, even during the coldest months of the year.
Swap your hiking boots for skis as you take on Mt. Bachelor, a dormant volcano that's now home to 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain and the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington. Don snowshoes during a guided winter hike with Wanderlust Tours (pictured) on one of the best winter hikes in the U.S. Or simply sit back in a charming Bend accommodation that's known for its retro vibes and cozy campfires. We promise you'll feel all warm and welcome in this adorable Oregon town, even during the coldest months of the year.
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4. Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley, ID 83353, USA
We have beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho, to thank for the concept of a "ski vacation." Sun Valley Resort opened in 1936, and, in addition to being America's oldest ski resort, it was also home to the country's first chairlift.
In the 80+ years since, Sun Valley has become a beloved and popular wintertime destination in the U.S., earning numerous accolades from countless media outlets. Because in addition to offering an abundance of winter recreation, Sun Valley is also one of the most objectively beautiful places in the country -- especially during the cold months. Under fresh powder, Sun Valley's endless robin's egg blue skies seem even more brilliant, with the sun bouncing off the sparkly snow in the most dazzling of ways. Come and immerse yourself in the landscape of Sun Valley this winter, and prepare to be amazed. It's one of the best destinations for winter vacations in the U.S.
In the 80+ years since, Sun Valley has become a beloved and popular wintertime destination in the U.S., earning numerous accolades from countless media outlets. Because in addition to offering an abundance of winter recreation, Sun Valley is also one of the most objectively beautiful places in the country -- especially during the cold months. Under fresh powder, Sun Valley's endless robin's egg blue skies seem even more brilliant, with the sun bouncing off the sparkly snow in the most dazzling of ways. Come and immerse yourself in the landscape of Sun Valley this winter, and prepare to be amazed. It's one of the best destinations for winter vacations in the U.S.
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83001, USA
While many people make plans to visit Jackson Hole's mountain resorts in the wintertime, this gorgeous valley offers more than just world-class skiing. This cozy little mountain village is about as charming as it gets, offering guests a slice of small-town life that's hard to come by these days. Ice skating in the town square feels like something out of a snow globe scene, with or without a fresh coating of snow.
Outside of town, the National Elk Refuge offers an unrivaled experience of the Wyoming wilds, giving guests the unique opportunity to take a sleigh ride through a real-life winter wonderland. With elk and deer roaming wild this time of year, this is a beautiful, bucket-list experience you can only have in Wyoming.
Outside of town, the National Elk Refuge offers an unrivaled experience of the Wyoming wilds, giving guests the unique opportunity to take a sleigh ride through a real-life winter wonderland. With elk and deer roaming wild this time of year, this is a beautiful, bucket-list experience you can only have in Wyoming.
6. Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA
Crested Butte has been known to describe itself as "The Last Great Ski Town In America," and as soon as you arrive in this high-elevation mountain town, you'll begin to understand why. The winter scenery is sublime, with the town getting nearly 220 inches of snow each year. The mountains are snow-capped and irresistible for skiing, snowboarding, and all types of winter recreation.
The downtown is impossibly charming and filled with shops and restaurants -- and also stop-light free! Whether you're planning on enjoying countless runs or are more into the apres ski experience, you'll be completely enchanted by the wintertime splendor of Crested Butte, Colorado.
The downtown is impossibly charming and filled with shops and restaurants -- and also stop-light free! Whether you're planning on enjoying countless runs or are more into the apres ski experience, you'll be completely enchanted by the wintertime splendor of Crested Butte, Colorado.
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7. Glory Hole Falls, Arkansas
Glory Hole Falls Trail, Arkansas 72854, USA
There’s more than just a sea of green within the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas. Some of the best frozen waterfalls in the U.S. are hidden in this epic expanse, like, of course, Glory Hole Falls. This wholly unique waterfall is unlike anything you've seen before; the water flows through the rock instead of over it, creating a circular cascade that's truly spectacular.
And the wonders don't stop there, either; in the winter, when the Natural State experiences a cold spell, this iconoclast of a waterfall freezes into a perfectly suspended column that will absolutely take your breath away.
And the wonders don't stop there, either; in the winter, when the Natural State experiences a cold spell, this iconoclast of a waterfall freezes into a perfectly suspended column that will absolutely take your breath away.
8. Minnehaha Falls, Minnesota
Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Minnesota is positively overflowing with gorgeous waterfalls; from the incredibly popular Gooseberry Falls in Two Harbors to the lesser-known Winnewissa Falls in Pipestone, the Land of 10,000 Lakes might well be called the Land of the Waterfalls. In fact, it's one of the best states to discover frozen waterfalls in the U.S.
But none compares to Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot cascade that's the Platonic ideal of waterfalls. This Minneapolis waterfall, like all the others in the state, is beautiful in the spring and summer, but in the winter, it holds an otherworldly beauty that will render you speechless. It's absolutely worth braving the cold to see, however, and it's such a wondrous sight that you might just want to stay in this real-life "Frozen" fairy tale forever.
But none compares to Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot cascade that's the Platonic ideal of waterfalls. This Minneapolis waterfall, like all the others in the state, is beautiful in the spring and summer, but in the winter, it holds an otherworldly beauty that will render you speechless. It's absolutely worth braving the cold to see, however, and it's such a wondrous sight that you might just want to stay in this real-life "Frozen" fairy tale forever.
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9. Crystal Mountain, Michigan
Crystal Mountain (Michigan), 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI 49683, USA
A world-class ski resort in the Midwest? Absolutely. This is the magic that awaits at Michigan's Crystal Mountain. You could spend weeks at Crystal Mountain and never experience all this Michigan resort has to offer.
No matter what your age, interest, or athletic ability, you’ll find something to enjoy at this one-of-a-kind resort and ski locale in Thompsonville, Michigan. Hit the slopes when the snow is fresh, head into the spa for a massage, or enjoy a glass of wine at one of the resort’s on-site eateries. This is an all-inclusive, immensely accessible, and wholly unexpected winter adventure perfect for everyone.
Take a look at this video by @PureMichigan:
No matter what your age, interest, or athletic ability, you’ll find something to enjoy at this one-of-a-kind resort and ski locale in Thompsonville, Michigan. Hit the slopes when the snow is fresh, head into the spa for a massage, or enjoy a glass of wine at one of the resort’s on-site eateries. This is an all-inclusive, immensely accessible, and wholly unexpected winter adventure perfect for everyone.
Take a look at this video by @PureMichigan:
10. Killington, Vermont
Killington, VT 05751, USA
While pretty much all of Vermont turns on the charm come winter, there's something extra special about Killington. This small ski town becomes downright sublime when blanketed with snow, and the eponymous Killington Ski Resort rivals any of its brethren in the West.
Always the first to open and the last to close each winter season, the Killington Resort is a popular destination for travelers looking for a bucket-list-worthy ski getaway on the East Coast. This 3,000-acre resort has 1,977 skiable acres to explore and seven major mountains to conquer -- the largest of which is the eponymous 4,241-foot-tall Killington Peak.
Always the first to open and the last to close each winter season, the Killington Resort is a popular destination for travelers looking for a bucket-list-worthy ski getaway on the East Coast. This 3,000-acre resort has 1,977 skiable acres to explore and seven major mountains to conquer -- the largest of which is the eponymous 4,241-foot-tall Killington Peak.
11. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Being the first in the U.S. to gaze upon the sunrise of a new day is an opportunity that shouldn't be passed up. There's nothing like experiencing the sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain, a place that, from around the second week in October through the first week of March, is the first place to see the sunrise in America.
Accessible by car, it's the highest point on the East Coast, and even if you visit during the "off" season, the sunrises here are truly worth waking up early -- and braving the cold -- for.
Accessible by car, it's the highest point on the East Coast, and even if you visit during the "off" season, the sunrises here are truly worth waking up early -- and braving the cold -- for.
12. Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, AK, USA
A region of rugged and untouched beauty, Denali National Park and Preserve is one of the best places to witness the beauty of Alaska's night skies. There are a number of year-round campgrounds located in the park, providing the opportunity to stay and gaze into the skies all night long -- any time of the year.
But Denali takes it to another level; this park is a bucket-list destination for stargazing where you'll marvel at some of the most amazing spectacles on the planet, including -- if you're lucky -- the elusive Northern Lights.
Take a look at this beautiful video of the Northern Lights by @NatGeo:
But Denali takes it to another level; this park is a bucket-list destination for stargazing where you'll marvel at some of the most amazing spectacles on the planet, including -- if you're lucky -- the elusive Northern Lights.
Take a look at this beautiful video of the Northern Lights by @NatGeo:
There are so many wondrous spots for winter getaways in the U.S. So, let the cold invigorate and inspire you to bundle up and embark on some truly epic outdoor adventures this winter.
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More to Explore
Winter Getaways In The U.S.
What are some of the best winter hikes in the U.S.?
With numerous states experiencing cold and snow during the winter months, that doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Go out there and hike! Guaranteed you’ll experience more solitude and quiet while spending time outdoors in the winter, and doesn’t that sound lovely? It does to me! Here are some of the best winter hikes in the U.S.:
- Snowshoe Loop at Mount Rainier National Park in Washington
- The Watchman Trail at Zion National Park in Utah
- Black Elk Peak Loop at Custer Park in South Dakota
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan
- Breaks Interstate Park Loop Trail at Breaks Interstate Park in both Kentucky and Virginia
- Gorham Mountain Trail at Acadia National Park in Maine
Where can I find frozen waterfalls in the U.S.?
There’s something truly magical about seeing a frozen waterfall. Seeing a photo of one is one thing, seeing one in person is a whole different experience. The following places are where you can find frozen waterfalls in the U.S.:
- Snoqualmie Falls in Washington
- Roughlock Falls in South Dakota
- Bridal Veil Falls in Utah
- Glory Hole Falls in Arkansas
- Minnehaha Falls in Minnesota
- The Apostle Islands in Wisconsin
- LaSalle Canyon at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois
- Brandywine Falls in Ohio