Dreaming of a white Christmas?
Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, is presenting seven frosty destinations guaranteed to deliver layers of powdery snow for an unforgettable winter holiday.
Let the excitement build as you pack your warmest coat, put on your winter boots and get ready for an epic snow adventure during this wonderful time of the year!
Lapland, Finland
If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, then the Lapland region in Northern Finland is the place to be! Home of Santa Claus, this winter wonderland is a great destination for the whole family, thanks to its stunning scenery and variety of activities including reindeer rides through the magical forests. Snow in this region begins falling in November and lasts until at least May.
If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, then the Lapland region in Northern Finland is the place to be! Home of Santa Claus, this winter wonderland is a great destination for the whole family, thanks to its stunning scenery and variety of activities including reindeer rides through the magical forests. Snow in this region begins falling in November and lasts until at least May.
The Lake Inari Mobile Cabins offer glass bedrooms allowing guests impressive views of the arctic surroundings and if lucky enough, the Northern Lights. Weather permitting, the cabins can be moved to be on the ice of Lake Inari.
Alaska, The United States
When talking about snow and winter landscapes, Alaska is often the first destination to come to mind. Winter here usually starts in October and lasts until April with travellers able to enjoy a great variety of activities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including snowmobile tours, glacier hiking, Northern Lights excursions and skiing.
Nestled among the beautiful Chugach Mountains and surrounded by breathtaking scenery and wildlife, Hotel Alyeska offers quick access to a tramway leading to the top of the mountains, as well as relaxing spa treatments. Although the largest of the 50 states, you can expect to see snow in most parts of Alaska between the months of September and April, so plan accordingly.
Moscow, Russia
The Russian capital is like a fairy tale snow globe city during the cold winter months. The stunning Saint Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Novodevichy Convent are not to be missed! Just don’t forget to pack your winter woolies since the average temperature during winter is about -10°C.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option in Moscow, the Hostel Netizen offers modern rooms just four km away from Lenin’s Mausoleum and the infamous GUM Department Store.
Iceland
Snow on the ground from November to April is pretty much guaranteed in Iceland. Ice caving, glacier hiking, guided driving tours and taking a dip in the geothermal waters at one of the many natural pools are just some of the activities that travellers can enjoy during their wintertime stay in Iceland. The unique landscapes and a chance at glimpsing the Northern Lights will make this a memorable, snow-filled adventure!
Situated 10 km from Iceland’s Ring Road, Hótel Selid is set in the middle of amazing scenery. Packed lunches are also available in case you would like to explore the surrounding area or the Thórsmörk National Park, located 66 km away.
Greenland
Magnificent icy scenery, moonlight reflecting on the shimmering snow and the unbelievable colours of the Northern Lights are all just waiting to be experienced in Greenland during the frigid polar nights. If you love adventure, then take the time to enjoy all the outdoor activities this winter wonderland has to offer, including dog sledding, snowmobiling and ski touring. It’s not unusual to see large amounts of snow in many towns in Greenland from December to March.
Located on the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord in western Greenland, the Hotel Arctic offers modern rooms overlooking the sea and the icebergs, as well as local Greenlandic dishes at the gourmet Restaurant Ulo.
Charmonix Valley, France
Situated at an altitude of between 758 and 4,810 metres, the Chamonix Valley is one of the most famous European destinations for skiing, family holidays or just a romantic winter break. Pack your ski or snowboard equipment and get ready to discover the place where the World’s first Winter Olympics took place in 1924. There’s usually snow on the ground from December to April, but the snow-capped mountain can be admired year round.
Featuring an indoor pool and a relaxing wellness centre, the Les Granges d’en Haut offers cosy chalets only 400 metres away from Les Chavants Ski Lift. If you’re not a huge fan of winter sports, then you can just relax by the fireplace enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or reading your favourite book.
Sapporo, Japan
You don’t always have to travel to the mountains to catch snowflakes. Taking place during the first two weeks of February 2017, the Sapporo Snow Festival guarantees its visitors a lot of unique fun in the snow. The festival, which originally began in 1950 at Odori Park, today gathers travellers from all over the world. Admiring the stunning ice sculptures, visiting the giant snow slides at the Tsudome or enjoying a drink at the ice bar are just some of the snow-friendly activities available in this second snowiest place on earth.
The La’gent Stay Sapporo Odori Hokkaido is just a five-minute walk from Odori Subway Station and features a natural hot spring bath and a restaurant serving dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
alaska christmas finland france greenland iceland japan Moscow northern lights russia Sapporo Snow Festival snow travel winterLatest News
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