Best Winter Vacations
The winter months are made for more than hibernation. When the thermometer begins its slow descent, it’s your cue to start planning winter getaways. And what better way to embrace the cold weather than by strapping on some skis? 🎿 From Canada’s alpine giants to Japan’s snow-filled outdoor adventures, our pick of the best winter vacation destinations celebrates not just the art of skiing, but the full spirit of winter travel.
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Today, we asked our local photographers for their travel tips on the best places to chase joy downhill. Here are the 10 best winter vacations for skiing adventures.
Let’s head to the hills! 🏔️
TLDR: Best Places for a Ski Getaway
- Explore the endless terrain and diverse trails of Whistler, Canada
- Experience timeless alpine glamour in Aspen, Colorado
- Wander between small-town charm and natural wonders in Banff, Canada
- Chase sunshine and powder in the alpine playground of Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
- Embrace the Wild West spirit on the challenging slopes of Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Ski through a winter wonderland in the heart of the Dolomites, Italy
- Find Quebecois charm and vibrant après-ski energy in Mont-Tremblant, Canada
- Savour Swiss sophistication and alpine adventures around Lucerne, Switzerland
- Discover romantic canals and alpine beauty in Annecy, France
- Ride the powder and soak in soothing onsens in Hakuba, Japan
Photo: Alanna in Whistler for Flytographer. Yasmin and family capture memories in Whistler with a family photoshoot.
1. Whistler, Canada
Whistler is North America’s largest ski resort and consistently ranks at the top for best winter travel destinations. 🏆 It actually brings together two different mountains — Whistler and Blackcomb — with trails that thrill everyone, from gentle gliders to fearless downhillers.
When the skis come off, Whistler Village wraps you in its small-town charm with cozy cafes, lively bars, and inviting après-ski spots. With snow blanketing the peaks from November through May, the season stretches generously, so if you plan well, you can enjoy it with fewer crowds. Speaking of which, visitors don’t come just for the snow. Thanks to its year-round appeal, Whistler comes alive even more in the warm weather.
Photo: Alanna in Whistler for Flytographer. Jon and partner capture memories in Whistler with a winter photoshoot.
2. Aspen, Colorado
This iconic Colorado resort town is the undisputed winter playground of the jet set in the USA. With boutique hotels like The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and The St. Regis Aspen, plus Michelin-starred mountain cuisine and chic art galleries, it’s easy to forget you go to Aspen to ski.
Make no mistake, though, this Rocky Mountain wonderland delivers the real deal, with consistent snowfall and four distinct ski areas for every kind of skier. Experts tackle Aspen Mountain, while beginners and intermediates find their rhythm on Buttermilk and Snowmass. ❄️
When it’s time to unwind, trade your skis for a soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, where you can float in naturally heated, mineral-rich pools surrounded by snow-covered peaks — proof that you, too, can feel like a million dollars in Aspen. ✨
Photo: Madison in Vail for Flytographer. Kristen and family capture memories in Vail on a winter photoshoot.
3. Banff, Canada
The three major ski resorts in the Banff area make this small town one of the best winter vacation spots in Canada. 🇨🇦 Together, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay offer nearly 8,000 hectares of pristine terrain within the spectacular Banff National Park. In truth, the slopes across all three ski areas are best suited to intermediates and experts, but beginners and fans of cross-country skiing are far from forgotten.
Banff itself is a cheerful little town. During Christmas, it comes alive with lights, events, and festive markets. Add in frozen waterfalls, castle-like hotels, and a magical ice-skating session on Lake Louise, and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped right into a snow globe. ☃️
Fly tip: Banff occasionally throws in the Northern Lights for good measure, best spotted from Lake Minnewanka, Vermilion Lakes, or the Bow Valley Parkway. The best chances for a sighting are from late September to mid-May.
Photos: Flytographer in Banff. Joseph and partner capture memories in Banff with a winter photoshoot.
4. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
In the high Sierras of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe, or the “lake in the sky,” makes for a great, you guessed it, ski escape. 😉 North Tahoe offers a broad mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain, while the grand resorts on the south side are closer to more advanced pistes.
Beyond the slopes, a whole snowy playground awaits to be explored, where you can go ice skating, snowshoeing, or take a snowmobile tour surrounded by evergreen ponderosa pines. 🌲
When you’re ready to warm up, Carson Hot Springs is a favourite, operating since the mid-1800s and showing no signs of stopping. There’s also plenty of family-friendly entertainment and fantastic eateries spread across the region, from quirky bohemian cafes to all-American diners. 🍔
Fly tip: This is a region filled with sunshine but also known for its late-season snowstorms. You know what that means: spring skiing without the crowds.
Photo: Ashley in Lake Tahoe for Flytographer. Ethan and partner capture memories in Lake Tahoe with a winter photoshoot.
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Are you a confident skier? 🤔 Then welcome to Jackson Hole, the untamed heart of the Wild West of skiing. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort caters mainly to intermediate and expert skiers, with only about 10% of its slopes suited for beginners. The skiing here is famously challenging, but the ride to the top on the Aerial Tram will make you forget all that as you snap photos of the magnificent Teton Range. 📸
For off-slope adventures, take a snowmobile tour through the landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. Your post-powder triumph is soaking in the Granite Hot Springs, perfect for easing sore muscles! Flat and walkable, Jackson town still carries that authentic Western spirit, meaning you’ll have no trouble finding a lively cowboy bar for a spirited take on après-ski. 🤠
Fly Tip: More winter vacation ideas in the Mountain West? Park City, Utah, also delivers some of the best skiing in the United States. “The Greatest Snow on Earth” is actually a registered slogan for Utah, and there’s only one way to find out if it lives up to the claim.
Photo: Peter in Jackson Hole for Flytographer. Tim and partner capture memories in Jackson Hole on a cross-country ski photoshoot.
6. The Dolomites, Italy
I’ve raved here before about how the Dolomites are pure wanderlust fuel for winter trip photoshoots: all jagged limestone peaks, storybook villages, and that irresistible blend of German and Italian flair. 😍
You know what? This one absolutely earns its spot on your ski bucket list, too. This is Italy’s Super Ski region, a vast web of interconnected slopes linking 12 stunning resorts. The best way to take it all in is by going on a “Ski Safari,” hopping from resort to resort on a multi-day adventure. The perfect post-ski moment? Stay out for the alpenglow, that magical twilight hour when the peaks blush pink and gold.
Photo: Lucrezia in the Dolomites for Flytographer. David and partner capture memories in the Dolomites on a winter photoshoot.
7. Mont-Tremblant, Canada
Eastern Canada’s top ski resort, Mont-Tremblant combines compact size with impressive variety, offering terrain for all ability levels, though beginners and intermediates will feel especially at home, with about half the runs designed for them. The season stretches from November to April, and lift tickets remain comparatively affordable. 👍
There’s plenty to do beyond the slopes, too. Go dog sledding through the forest, snowshoe across quiet trails, or try cross-country skiing and fat biking. The ski village itself is a delight, all old Quebec–style architecture and vibrant streets. The French-Quebecois charm of the locals adds to the warmth and character of the place.
Heads up: Mont-Tremblant is a favourite weekend escape from Montreal, so aim for weekdays if you prefer fewer crowds. But if you’re actually chasing the buzz, Le P’tit Caribou, named one of the best après bars in North America, never disappoints. 😉
Photo: Allen in Mont-Tremblant for Flytographer. Abdul and partner celebrate their surprise proposal with a winter photoshoot.
8. Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne is a winter destination with the best of both worlds: the sophistication of a Swiss town, complete with festive Christmas markets, world-class museums, and endless urban charm — and at least five winter resorts within easy reach. The town’s lakeside architecture is a sight to behold, especially under a blanket of snow, with majestic mountains rising almost within arm’s reach.
As for the slopes, Andermatt and snow-sure Engelberg are two of the most iconic nearby resorts. Andermatt draws confident skiers in search of a challenge, while Engelberg welcomes beginners and intermediates. ⛷️ Craving some alpine warmth? Nothing captures Swiss ski culture quite like gathering around a bubbling pot of fondue after a day on the slopes.
Fly Tip: Zurich also appears on our ranks of the best places in Europe for a cold-weather getaway, offering similar festive cheer. 🎉
Photo: Flytographer in in Lucerne. Theresa and family capture memories in Lucerne on a family photoshoot.
9. Annecy, France
Sure, Annecy is better known for its summer charms, but this hidden gem also ranks among the best winter vacation spots in Europe and makes an ideal base for a week of skiing or snowboarding. 🏂 Several great ski areas lie within easy reach. Le Semnoz is a family-friendly resort with long, gentle beginner slopes, while La Clusaz caters more to advanced skiers. Chamonix and Megève aren’t far away either. In the latter, you can experience a mountain getaway just like Emily in Paris did.
If you’re planning a double ski trip, Annecy adds a romantic touch. Its medieval old town, often called the “Venice of the Alps,” is crisscrossed by flower-lined canals and makes for the perfect post-ski stroll. 🌷
10. Hakuba, Japan
What about an Asia-bound winter holiday? Home to the Japanese Alps, Nagano Prefecture is a favourite winter vacation destination in the country. 🇯🇵Hakuba Valley stands out for its spectacular scenery and collection of interconnected small and mid-sized resorts, all well-suited to beginners and intermediates.
Some of the region’s biggest draws include its incredible on-mountain food (a steaming bowl of ramen after a day on the slopes is pure bliss!) and the chance to soak in a traditional onsen to ease tired muscles. 🧖
Fly Tip: Hop on the Shinkansen, and you can reach Tokyo or Kanazawa in just a few hours for a day trip. Neon-filled nightlife or tranquil gardens? Tough choice.
Photo: Daniel in Tokyo for Flytographer. Ariel and partner capture memories in Tokyo on a winter photoshoot.
Capturing Perfect Winter Memories on the Slopes
If you’re planning a cozy winter escape, an adrenaline-filled winter season, or a peaceful winter trip through snow-covered towns, here’s another travel tip: connect with one of our talented photographers around the world, and you’ll get timeless shots you’ll treasure long after the snow melts. 💙
