While many of us spend the winter months pining for anything but icicles dangling from pine trees and the crunch of snow beneath boots, some people (believe it or not) genuinely enjoy the season. Right now our Flighties and friends alike are outside in sub-zero temperatures having the time of their lives. But don’t take our word for it. Here are some of the planet’s best winter wonderland destinations, and the people who are enjoying them.
Canada
Duh, eh? “The Great White North” offers the epitome of the winter experience. From hitting the slopes in Whistler to ice fishing off the coast of Newfoundland or exploring white-out landscapes above the treeline in the Northwest Territories, Canada is one of your best destination choices for getting a taste of the frozen but golden life, from coast to coast to coast.
USA
From the deserts of Arizona to the frigid tundra of Alaska, the United States boasts a truly diverse climate. During the winter months much of the country gets blanketed in a thick duvet of white snow, offering visitors a chance to enjoy both the scenery and sports that only winter offers. The state of Utah even plays off neighbouring Nevada’s state slogan with the claim of having “The Greatest Snow on Earth”.
Scandinavia
The term Scandinavia always refers to the mainlands of the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and sometimes includes Iceland and Finland. These Nordic countries extend north of the Arctic Circle and boast iconic scenery spotted with glacier lakes and the Scandes mountain range, creating idyllic winter landscapes that are simply stunning.
Europe
Europe is synonymous with so much about what makes winter magical. The stunning snow-capped Alps mountain range stretches 1,200 km across 8 European countries, creating the perfect background for the famous Christmas markets, centuries-old churches adorned with festive lighting, and other seasonal scenery that define the charm of Europe and the holidays alike.
Russia
There’s a reason why Russia’s winter climate is otherwise known as General Winter, General Frost, and General Snow – the season can get so intense that it’s thought to have contributed to the failure of several invasion attempts when troops from other countries simply couldn’t stand the conditions. So it’s not for novices; but if you bundle up properly and take plenty of hot chocolate breaks, Russia will offer one of your most memorable winter getaways yet.
Have your own great winter photos to share? Follow @FlightCentreCA on Instagram and tag your photos with #openmyworld for your chance to be featured. If you’re ready to book your own getaway to a winter wonderland, contact one of our travel consultants at 1-866-502-4605, visit your closest store or connect with us online.