Winter is not the same across the country. Some states experience a frosty chill and heavy snowfall, while some—especially the coastal areas—have warm and cozy weather. Either way, both conditions make for perfect getaways for the season. There are several locations with snow-capped mountains during the winter, which make for ideal getaways for an adventurous ski trip. At the same time, coastal towns are the perfect destinations for those looking for warm winter escapes.
Destinations to enjoy the chill
Vail
Located in Colorado, Vail is among the most popular destinations for winter vacations in the country. The key reason for this is the mountainous terrain of the place, which makes it the perfect site for skiing. In fact, there are more than 350 ski trails in the town. Owing to this, there are also numerous ski resorts in Vail, including the Vail Ski Resort, Beaver Creek Resort, and the Sonnenalp Hotel. Besides skiing, the European aesthetic of Vail Village also makes it an alluring place to spend the holiday.
Big Sky
Montana is a state with more than 3000 peaks, which is why it attracts ski enthusiasts from all over the country. In particular, the Big Sky region is popular for adventurous activities. One of the best ski resorts in the country is located here and is also named after the region – the Big Sky Resort. The destination is also close to the Mountain Village, which is an ideal place to relax after spending a day zipping down the snowy peaks.
Telluride
With over 2000 acres of skiing terrain that includes more than 140 ski trails, Telluride in Colorado makes for a perfect winter getaway for thrill seekers. Besides the skiing elements, a great thing about Telluride is that it is a fairly small town with shops and eateries at a walkable distance. Plus, the gondola rides that travelers need to go up to the mountain are also free to use. The town is also close to Mountain Village, which is a cozy place to relax and indulge in a warm meal.
Lake Tahoe
A freshwater lake located between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe offers several winter sports besides just skiing. These include ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and sledding. Plus, apart from sports, the destination offers breathtakingly beautiful views during winter, which can be enjoyed by relaxing in one of the lake-side rental cabins. To further experience majestic landscapes and locations, one can also visit the iconic Emerald Bay State Park.
Park City
Home to some of the most popular ski resorts in the country, such as Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort, Park City (Utah) is worth considering for a chilly winter getaway. In fact, the Park City Mountain Resort is renowned for being one of the biggest ski resorts in North America. Along with a haven for skiers, Park City is also home to several art galleries, making it an equally attractive place for art lovers. The Main Street of Park City also houses Victorian streets, which further add to its aesthetic appeal. Park City is also quite close to Salt Lake City, which one can visit to enjoy winter sports such as snowmobiling.
Warm winter getaways
Key West
Florida is known for having the warmest climate on the mainland during winter months. So, those looking to spend their winter vacation all warmed up can consider Key West. The small, 7-square-mile island is home to many beautiful beaches with white sand and clear water. Two popular beaches on the island include Smathers Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. Along with the coast, one can also enjoy events and festivals when in Key West. The Lighted Boat Parade, Monthly Artisan Market, Holiday Concert & Bazaar, and the Key West Holiday Parade are a few popular events to check out. Plus, literature and history buffs have an especially amazing treat when visiting Key West since it houses the Hemingway Home and Museum.
Phoenix
While Arizona, and Phoenix in particular, gets extremely hot during the summer months, its warmth feels comforting during winter. In the cold season, the temperatures here usually lie in the range of 45 to 65 °F. When in Phoenix, make sure to visit the Desert Botanical Garden to marvel at the cacti that grow there. Along with that, Phoenix is also home to Papago Park, which is quite popular for its sandstone formations. Those who love biking will also love visiting South Mountain Park to bike along its trails.
Santa Barbara
Those who wish to stick to the coastal regions for their winter travel can also consider Santa Barbara in California. Arroyo Burro Beach, Butterfly Beach, East Beach, and West Beach are among the most popular shores to visit in town. West Beach is also quite popular for offering water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Besides the beaches, those who love the coast will also love taking a stroll across the historical Stearns Wharf pier.
Palm Springs
Home to the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs in California is also a warm and cozy winter destination. The region is an oasis located in the desert and houses several desert hot springs. When at Palm Springs, one can also unleash their adventurous spirit and take a Jeep tour through the desert.