15 Winter Vacation Ideas in the US & Europe for Non-Skiers
Your ultimate list of winter vacation ideas that don’t require skis—just good taste, warm layers, and a love of the season.
If, like me, you don’t ski but are still very much committed to making the most of the winter travel season, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent the last few years quietly opting out of the slope culture (après-ski, yes; actual skiing, no) and instead tracking down the destinations that shine without requiring special gear, lessons, or a willingness to tumble down a mountain for fun.
Winter is actually one of the best seasons for a cozy getaway. There are snowy countryside retreats, fireplaces that are genuinely justified, and boutique hotels that are suddenly more affordable once the holiday rush passes.
And if you’re traveling in December, the Christmas markets—both in Europe and a few surprisingly good ones in the U.S.—bring that festive, mulled-wine glow that makes even the cold feel intentional.
So think of this as a curated shortcut, the places I’ve gone and loved, and spots on my eternal bucket list during the colder months. These destinations lean into winter in all the best ways—fireplace bars, thermal baths, off-season city calm, seafood feasts, moody coastlines, and boutique hotels that suddenly have availability.
For this list, I’m sticking to the authentically chilly side of winter in both Europe and the U.S.—the kind of cold that feels intentional, atmospheric, and worth traveling for. This is your list of my favorite winter vacation ideas.
*This ‘best places to visit in winter’ guide may contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.
15 Winter Vacation Ideas in the US & Europe for Non-Skiers
1. The Dolomites
The Dolomites are winter at its most cinematic—jagged limestone peaks brushed with snow, alpine villages that feel purposefully timeless, and hotels that excel at quiet luxury.
Even without skis, this is the perfect place to visit in winter where simply being in the landscape feels like the point.
Forestis Dolomites delivers a minimalist, above-the-clouds spa experience that’s all about stillness and clean lines, while the newly refreshed Aman Rosa Alpina offers polished alpine warmth with that unmistakable Aman-level attention to detail. Mornings in a robe, long spa circuits, and mountain-view lounging are all entirely valid activities here.
The resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the region’s elegant winter hubs, with boutique shopping, great restaurants, and an easygoing aperitivo culture. It’s also getting ready for its moment as a host of the 2026 Winter Olympics, which means a wave of renewed energy and upgrades across the board.
Nearby San Cassiano offers a quieter, design-forward take on alpine life—well-suited to travelers who prefer soft luxury over scene.
Logistically, it’s straightforward: fly into Venice, Verona, or Milan, connect through Bolzano, then head upward into mountain territory.
And while the Dolomites are known for their ski terrain, the real joy for non-skiers is everything beyond the slopes—snow-dusted forest walks, leisurely lunches featuring polenta and mountain cheeses, hours in spa lounges, and the deeply satisfying rhythm of crisp outdoor air followed by fire-warmed interiors.
It’s winter done beautifully, without the need to ever clip into skis.
2. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth delivers winter atmosphere in full force: snow-covered peaks, chalet-style streets, and a festive mood that doesn’t end when the holidays do. This small town in the Cascade Mountains leans into its Bavarian identity in a way that feels intentional rather than gimmicky, especially under a blanket of snow.
Boutique hotels, lodges, and cabins range from lodge-style rustic with fireplaces to sleek, Scandinavian-inspired stays—so there’s room to match your preferred winter aesthetic.
This is a destination built for slow winter days. Brewery tastings, superb restaurants filled with fondue and schnitzel dinners that feel perfectly seasonal, quiet forest trails for snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and long, lingering afternoons by the fire are the real highlights here.
The Christmas Lighting Festival in December is famously festive, but January and February have their own appeal with fewer crowds and steady snow.
Leavenworth also pairs beautifully with a couple of days in Seattle, the natural gateway to the area—use the city as your bookend for great restaurants, art, and waterfront views.
If you’re already in road-trip mode, add a winter drive to Olympic National Park for misty rainforest trails, wild coastline, and hot springs tucked in the mountains. It makes for a winter escape that feels varied but still deeply relaxed.
3. Vermont
Vermont might be the blueprint for a classic New England fall, but the winter season is pretty dazzling here, too. Expect snowy village greens, covered bridges, general stores that sell real maple syrup, and inns with fireplaces that seem to crackle exactly on cue.
Stowe is the standout here, not just for skiing (though the slopes are there if someone insists), but for its walkable town, excellent restaurants, craft breweries, and access to miles of winter trails.
Stowe’s boutique hotel scene has also leveled up in recent years, with everything from heritage inns to contemporary lodge-style stays that lean into wood, stone, and low lighting in all the right ways.
Other towns like Woodstock and Manchester bring their own flavor—Woodstock for its postcard-perfect center and cozy historic inns, Manchester for outlet shopping, country roads, and upscale farmhouse dining.
This is slow travel country where the days revolve around coffee in town, bundled-up walks through the forest, maple whiskey cocktails at golden hour, and dinners that feel hearty in a good way.
For non-skiers, the magic is in the rhythm of it all: snowshoeing through quiet woods, soaking in an outdoor hot tub while the snow falls, visiting sugar shacks, lingering in bookshops, and adopting a slower, more analog pace. Vermont rewards that kind of winter.
4. New York
New York works in every season, but winter brings a particular charm—fewer crowds, a moodier cityscape, and that bundled-up, cinematic feeling that only New York can pull off.
December is full-on holiday spectacle (ice rinks, window displays, Rockefeller Center at peak sparkle), but the real secret is January through early March.
Once the decorations come down, hotel rates drop—often dramatically—making some of the city’s best boutique and luxury properties far more accessible than they are the rest of the year.
This is the moment to snag a room you’ve bookmarked but never justified, spend long afternoons in museums without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, see Broadway with better seat availability, take advantage of restaurant reservation openings, and linger in wine bars while the city moves briskly outside the window.
The cold is part of the experience—but it’s the kind that invites warm coats, good boots, and the promise of a great meal waiting around the corner. If that’s not enough, why not retreat to the Catskills for some post-New Year’s wellness?
Read more: New York City in the Fall: Best Things to Do and First-Timer’s 4 Days in New York Itinerary: A Complete Guide
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague in winter feels like a fairytale—but without the crowds that take over in summer. The city’s Gothic spires, cobblestone lanes, and riverside views look especially atmospheric under overcast skies or a light snowfall.
Christmas market season adds a festive glow, but January and February are when Prague becomes one of the best winter vacation ideas—quiet, atmospheric, and far more affordable.
Spend your days wandering the Old Town, warming up in grand cafés, and lingering in wine bars pouring Czech reds that feel tailor-made for cold weather. It’s a compact, walkable city that rewards slow exploring—and winter is when it really feels like yours.
6. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of those cities that truly shines in winter. The thermal baths alone justify the trip—Széchenyi, Gellért, Rudas—all steaming away while the air is cold enough to see your breath. There’s something undeniably satisfying about easing into hot mineral water while the city moves quietly around you.
Between bath sessions, you’ve got grand cafés, ruin bars that stay buzzing year-round, and plenty of museums that are blissfully crowd-free outside of summer.
Hotel rates dip after New Year’s, the Danube views get moodier in the best way, and the whole city slows into a comfortable winter pace. It’s a place that’s genuinely enjoyable without ever needing skis, gear, or even a city itinerary with much structure at all.
Read more: 20 Enchanting Things to Do in Budapest in Winter
7. Aspen, Colorado
While Aspen is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the U.S., there’s plenty here for travelers who have zero intention of stepping into bindings.
The town itself is polished and walkable, with art galleries, upscale boutiques, and a surprisingly strong dining scene that goes well beyond the usual mountain-town standards.
Hotel lounges and fireplaces do a lot of heavy lifting in winter—Hotel Jerome and The Little Nell are practically designed for long afternoons with a drink in hand.
Outdoors, there’s snowshoeing, scenic gondola rides for those who want the views without the effort, and winter hikes that trade adrenaline for quiet mountain air. Then there’s the spa circuit—Aspen does high-end wellness extremely well, and you’ll find everything from hydrotherapy to CBD massages on offer.
It’s also a great winter vacation idea for people-watching and leaning fully into the ‘mountain lifestyle, not the mountain sports’ vibe.
8. Switzerland
If you’re looking for family vacation ideas in winter, Switzerland might be one of the top contenders. It’s the alpine fantasy made real—snowy villages, efficient trains, mountain air that feels medicinal, and resorts that actually understand how to host families without sacrificing style.
Places like Zermatt, Grindelwald, and St. Moritz are remarkably easy to reach from Zurich or Geneva by train, so the airport-to-hotel transition is smooth and scenic rather than stressful.
December through March is the sweet spot here. Skiing is the headline, sure, but there’s far more on the menu: sledding hills that are genuinely fun, ice skating rinks in the center of postcard towns, winter hiking trails with panoramic views, and spa hotels that take “relaxation mode” seriously.
Parents can retreat to thermal pools and saunas while kids are off learning to ski or taking part in winter activities that don’t involve screens.
And for families or travelers who would rather skip the slopes entirely, Switzerland still delivers. The Glacier Express and other panoramic trains are a destination in themselves—glass-domed cars, multi-course dining, and slow-moving mountain views that feel like a film reel.
It’s winter at a gentler pace, with enough structure to keep everyone happy and enough beauty to keep the adults from checking their email.
9. North Pole, Alaska
North Pole, Alaska leans fully into the winter fantasy—yes, it’s an actual town, and yes, it takes the theme seriously. Candy-cane streetlamps, year-round Christmas decor, and the official Santa Claus House make it a playful stop for families or anyone who appreciates holiday charm without irony.
Beyond the festive appeal, this region delivers real winter atmosphere: clear, dark skies ideal for Northern Lights viewing, wide-open snowy landscapes, and that crisp, quiet cold you really only get this far north. It’s one of those winter vacation ideas where the season is the experience.
Use it as a base for nearby Fairbanks, where cozy cabins, hot springs (including Chena Hot Springs), and dogsledding tours feel authentic rather than staged. Early sunsets, star-filled nights, and the very real chance of seeing the aurora—this is winter at its most elemental.
10. Lapland, Finland
Lapland is where winter goes all-in—in the best possible way. This is the land of reindeer farms, glass igloos, husky sledding, and actual Santa sightings (the official Santa Village is in Rovaniemi, and yes, it’s worth it).
The landscape is Arctic-wide and wonderfully quiet, with forests, frozen lakes, and sky conditions that make the Northern Lights a frequent guest.
If you don’t ski, Lapland might be one of the most engaging winter destinations out there. Days can look like snowshoeing through silent pine forests, riding snowmobiles across open tundra, ice fishing with a local guide, or simply soaking in a private sauna while fresh snow falls outside.
Nights are for glass-roof cabins and lodge restaurants serving local fish, game, and wild berries.
Base yourself in Rovaniemi for easy access to activities and family-friendly experiences, or head farther north to Saariselkä or Levi for a more remote, design-forward, snowy escape. Either way, expect early sunsets, clear night skies, and a version of winter that feels both surreal and incredibly grounding.
11. Transylvania, Romania
This trip has been on my bucket list for years, and I really do think it’s at its most magical in winter. Snow-covered fortresses, misty forests, and medieval towns that look like they haven’t changed for centuries—Transylvania leans into the winter atmosphere without trying.
Brașov, Sighișoara, and Sibiu are the core stops: colorful old towns, Gothic spires, cobblestone streets, and enough history to keep the narrative side of your brain satisfied.
In winter, the tourist crowds disappear and the whole region takes on a quieter, slightly mysterious energy that feels perfect for slow travel.
The countryside is where the real magic happens, though—remote villages, family-run guesthouses, and landscapes that feel cinematic under fresh snow. Expect hearty meals (think stews, soups, and fresh bread), wood-burning fireplaces, and a pace that encourages lounging and long conversations.
Where you stay adds a lot to the experience. For traditional Transylvanian charm, Viscri 32 or Viscri 125 are standouts—an updated Saxon farmhouse that keeps the historic character intact while still feeling thoughtful and comfortable.
On the more polished end of the spectrum, Bethlen Estates Transylvania brings in modern design, stone walls, warm woodwork, and luxurious details—ideal if you want something elevated that still feels grounded in place.
Add in day trips to castles like Bran or Corvin, and you’ve got a winter journey that feels both grounded and otherworldly. It’s Europe’s fairytale side, but with fewer tour buses and a lot more character.
12. Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish has all the winter charm of a ski town, but you don’t need to ski to enjoy it. The town itself is small, warm, and friendly, with locally-owned shops, breweries, and cafés that make it easy to settle in.
The surrounding landscape is the real draw—snow-draped forests, frozen lakes, and crisp mountain air that feels restorative rather than harsh.
For non-skiers, there’s plenty to do: snowshoe trails through Glacier National Park, sleigh rides, fat-tire biking on packed snow, ice skating, and long afternoons tucked into lodge lounges.
Whitefish Lake Lodge delivers that classic timber-and-stone Montana atmosphere, while a growing number of cabins and small boutique stays offer quiet, cabin-in-the-woods immersion.
This is a winter itinerary that’s unhurried and outdoorsy without being extreme. Days end nicely in dimly lit restaurants with excellent bison burgers and local beer, and mornings start slowly with coffee and mountain views.
13. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona isn’t a snowy winter escape, but that’s exactly the point. January and February bring cooler, comfortable days and crisp desert nights—ideal conditions for actually enjoying the red rock landscape without the intense summer heat.
The trails are open, the skies are clear, and the crowds thin out enough that you can hike the big-name routes—Cathedral Rock, Devils Bridge, Bell Rock—without feeling like you’re in a procession.
This is also the season when Sedona’s wellness side really shines. Sunrise yoga with red rock views, crystal shops (because Sedona loves its crystals), energy vortex tours, and spa days at hotels like L’Auberge de Sedona or Enchantment Resort feel more grounding when the desert is quiet.
Evenings are for stargazing—Sedona is a Dark Sky Community—and lingering dinners with outdoor seating that’s still comfortable thanks to heaters and clear desert air.
If your version of winter travel is more about swapping snow boots for trail shoes and spas, Sedona is the reset button. It’s warm enough to move but cool enough to enjoy moving—a very welcome change of pace.
14. London, England
London in December feels like it has a built-in holiday filter—warm lights strung across historic streets, decorated storefronts, Christmas trees in every hotel lobby, and that cozy, slightly theatrical winter mood the city does so well.
Neighborhoods like Covent Garden, Soho, Marylebone, and Chelsea are at their most charming, with wreath-covered doors, glowing pubs, and window displays that clearly took someone weeks to perfect.
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, ice skating at Somerset House, and the Christmas market along the South Bank add just the right amount of things to do and festive atmosphere.
This is also a fantastic time to make the most of London’s indoor culture—gallery-hopping without summer crowds, long museum evenings, West End shows, and drawn-out dinners in dining rooms that feel even better when it’s cold outside.
Hotel rates do spike for the holiday week itself, but early December and post-New Year often come with better availability and far more attainable pricing. London is always a good idea—but in the run-up to Christmas, it’s especially irresistible.
15. Iceland
Iceland is pure winter drama—black sand beaches, icy waterfalls, geothermal pools steaming in the cold, and a landscape that looks closer to another planet than a country.
Winter here is about contrast: hot springs against freezing air, dark mornings that give way to glowing sunsets, and night skies that may deliver the Northern Lights if conditions line up. It’s one of the most striking winter vacation ideas if you’re looking for atmosphere over activities.
The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon both feel especially rewarding this time of year, when stepping into hot mineral water is less novelty and more full-body sigh.
You don’t need to ski to enjoy Iceland—most of the standout experiences are low-effort and high-impact: soaking, walking black sand shorelines, exploring lava fields, and visiting waterfalls that freeze into sculptural icy forms.
Base yourself in Reykjavík for design-forward hotels, cozy cafés, and smart Nordic dining, then use day trips to reach the Golden Circle, South Coast, and glacier viewpoints. Stark, beautiful, and grounding—it’s the kind of winter that stays with you.
Which of these winter vacation ideas stands out to you? Share your questions and comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
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