Winter gets a bad rap as the season to stay home — and that is exactly why it is one of the best times to travel. Pick the right place and winter means fresh powder in the mountains, frozen lakes you can skate across, ski towns glowing with holiday lights, and, if snow is not your thing, warm beaches where January feels like summer.
This guide rounds up the 10 best places to go in the winter in 2026 — eight snowy mountain destinations for skiers, snowboarders, and winter hikers, plus two warm escapes for anyone who would rather trade snow boots for sandals. For each place, you will find why it is worth the trip in winter, the top things to do, where to stay, and a practical tip to help you plan.
Most of these ski resorts open in late November 2026 and run into April 2027, so now is the time to book the best hotels and the cheapest flights. Before you book anything, read our guides on How to Find Cheap Flights in 2026 and How to Find the Best Hotel Deals in 2026 — and note that every opening date below is a resort target that can shift with the weather, so double-check the resort’s own page before you travel.
1. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Why go in winter
Aspen is the classic American ski town, and this season it celebrates its 80th winter. Four separate mountains — Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass — sit within a few miles of each other, so one trip gives you four resorts’ worth of terrain and about 230 inches of snow a year. Aspen Mountain and Snowmass open November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day), with Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk following on December 12, and the season runs into April 2027.
Top things to do
Ski or snowboard across all four mountains on a single Ikon Pass, then stroll Aspen’s downtown for upscale shops, galleries, and restaurants. Around Snowmass, snowshoeing and winter hiking trails offer a quieter way to enjoy the same scenery at a slower pace.
Where to stay
Stay in Aspen town for ski-in/ski-out access and the best nightlife, or base yourself in Snowmass Village for a quieter, family-friendly stay with the biggest terrain right outside your door.
Practical tip
Heads up for spring trips: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) closes from April 4 to November 19, 2027 for a runway rebuild, so late-season visitors should fly into another airport, such as Denver, and drive in.
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2. Park City, Utah
Why go in winter
Park City Mountain is the largest ski resort in the United States — more than 7,300 acres, 330+ trails, and two base villages — and it is also the easiest big ski trip in the country, just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City’s airport. The resort targets November 20, 2026 for opening day, with skiing running into April 2027.
Top things to do
Spend your days exploring the huge terrain on an Epic Pass, then wander historic Main Street for dining and shopping in the evening. The Snow League halfpipe competition comes to Park City January 21–23, 2027, and nearby Deer Valley — which opens December 5, 2026 — offers a quieter, skiers-only day on the slopes.
Where to stay
Choose Park City Mountain Village for walk-to-the-lifts convenience, or Canyons Village for resort-style hotels and the new Skyway gondola.
Practical tip
Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport and you can be on the snow about 35 minutes after you land. Book lift tickets early: peak dates like December 26–31, January 16, and February 13–14 sell out and cost more.
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3. Lake Tahoe, California / Nevada
Why go in winter
Nowhere else packs this much skiing around one lake: around fifteen ski areas ring Lake Tahoe’s famous blue water, so you can pick a shore and pick a resort to match your style. Heavenly and Northstar plan to open November 20, 2026, Palisades Tahoe follows November 25, Diamond Peak opens December 3, and Kirkwood December 4, with the season running into April — and Palisades often stays open into late May.
Top things to do
Ski Heavenly on the South Shore for runs with lake views, or head to Palisades Tahoe, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics when it was known as Squaw Valley. Northstar is the family favorite, with a friendly village atmosphere. Non-skiers are covered too, with snowshoeing, sledding, sleigh rides, and lakefront dining — and SnowFest brings winter carnival fun February 25–March 7, 2027.
Where to stay
Stay in South Lake Tahoe for Heavenly and the liveliest nightlife, or in Truckee and the North Shore for Palisades, Northstar, and a quieter village feel.
Practical tip
Pick your pass before you pick your resort: the Epic Pass covers Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood, while the Ikon Pass covers Palisades Tahoe.
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4. Banff and Lake Louise, Canada
Why go in winter
This is the most beautiful winter on the list. Inside Banff National Park, three ski resorts — Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay — share one SkiBig3 lift ticket, with free shuttles from town. Winter runs November through March, and Lake Louise got the season started early, opening November 1, 2026, five days ahead of its planned start, with skiing running into spring.
Top things to do
Ice skate on frozen Lake Louise beneath Victoria Glacier — the rink is usually cleared from mid-December to mid-April — then ski all three mountains, walk the Johnston Canyon icewalk past frozen waterfalls, and finish the day soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Winter festivals add to the fun: SnowDays runs January 21–February 7, 2027, with the Ice Magic ice sculpture event at Lake Louise February 3–7, 2027.
Where to stay
Base yourself in Banff town for restaurants, the gondola, and the hot springs, or splurge on the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the classic frozen-lake view from your window.
Practical tip
Pack for real cold — December through February averages well below freezing. You do not need a car, since shuttles run to the ski hills and Lake Louise. Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC), the closest international airport, about a 90-minute drive away.
5. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada
Why go in winter
Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort — 8,171 acres and more than 200 runs spread across two mountains, with a lively pedestrian village at the bottom. The resort targets November 20, 2026 for opening day, and the season typically runs from late November into May, one of the longest in North America.
Top things to do
Ski or snowboard both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, linked by the famous PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola — worth riding just for the views, even if you never click into skis. Back at the base, the car-free village is packed with dining, shopping, and après-ski patios.
Where to stay
Stay in Whistler Village for walk-to-everything access, or at the Blackcomb base for ski-in/ski-out stays — the Fairmont Chateau Whistler sits right at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain.
Practical tip
Whistler hosted the alpine events of the 2010 Winter Olympics, and it is still one of the most in-demand resorts in the world. Lift tickets for 2026/27 are capped and sold online, and popular days sell out — book ahead.
6. Zermatt, Switzerland
Why go in winter
Ski beneath the Matterhorn — the most famous mountain silhouette in the world — in a village with no cars at all. Zermatt’s glacier opens November 1, 2026, the full ski area opens November 28, and the season runs to May 3, 2027. Linked with Cervinia in Italy, the area offers 360 km of pistes, and the high altitude means some of the most reliable snow in the Alps.
Top things to do
Ski under the Matterhorn all morning, ride the Gornergrat railway for the classic postcard view of the peak, and ski across the border into Italy for lunch. In the evening, explore the car-free village on foot, from cozy fondue restaurants to the old town’s wooden chalets.
Where to stay
Stay in central Zermatt near Bahnhofplatz for easy access to the Gornergrat railway, the lifts, and the village’s best restaurants.
Practical tip
Zermatt is car-free: park in Täsch and take the shuttle train in (about 12 minutes). Note that the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing to Cervinia closes for maintenance January 7–February 26, 2027 — and children under 9 ski free, a nice saving for families. Fly into Zurich or Geneva, then ride the train (about 3.5–4 hours).
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7. Stowe, Vermont
Why go in winter
Stowe is the ‘Ski Capital of the East’ — classic New England skiing on Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The resort is celebrating 90 years of skiing this season and targets Saturday, November 21, 2026 to open the 2026/27 season, which runs into late April. Expect 116 runs and around 315 inches of snow a year.
Top things to do
Ski Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, including the famous expert Front Four trails — Goat, Starr, National, and Liftline — and ride the gondola for the views even if you are not skiing. Off the slopes, there are cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, plus the village’s shops and restaurants for a cozy evening.
Where to stay
Choose Spruce Peak village for ski-in/ski-out convenience, or stay in Stowe village for a classic New England town experience with its white church steeple and local stores.
Practical tip
Stowe is an easy drive — about 3.5 hours from Boston and about 2 hours from Montreal — which makes it a great pick for a long weekend without flying.
8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Why go in winter
Steep, deep, and wild: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opens November 27, 2026, with the season running into April 2027, around 400+ inches of snow, and a 4,139-foot vertical drop under the jagged Tetons. Nearby Grand Targhee opens November 20, and Snow King Mountain — right in town — opens December 4, so one trip can cover three ski areas.
Top things to do
Ski Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, famous for Corbet’s Couloir and the Aerial Tram to the summit, then trade skis for a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. A winter wildlife safari in Grand Teton National Park can turn up moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and maybe even wolves, and you can add dog sledding, snowmobiling, and snow tubing at Snow King. For more ideas, see our guide to 10 Amazing Wyoming Tours.
Where to stay
Stay in Teton Village for ski-in/ski-out access at the resort, or in the town of Jackson for restaurants, the Town Square ice rink, and a livelier base.
Practical tip
Lift tickets are limited each day and can sell out, so buy online ahead of time. Jackson Hole is an expert’s mountain — beginners will have a better time booking lessons or skiing Grand Targhee and Snow King instead. Jackson Hole Airport sits right in the valley, making fly-in trips easy.
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9. Miami, Florida — the Warm Escape
Why go in winter
Ready to trade snow for sunshine? Winter is Miami’s best season. December through February is the dry season, with daytime highs around 75–78°F, low humidity, and ocean water around 75°F — still warm enough to swim. It is simply the best weather of the year in Miami.
Top things to do
Split your days between the sand at Miami Beach and the city’s neighborhoods: Cuban cafés and cigar shops in Little Havana, street art in Wynwood, boat tours on the bay, and waterfront dining. December adds holiday lights and events all over the city. Plan your sightseeing with our guides to the 15 Best Beaches in Miami and the Best Places to Visit in Miami in 2026.
Where to stay
Stay in Miami Beach for the beach and the classic hotels — see our Best Hotels in Miami guide — or in Downtown and Brickell for the city, dining, and nightlife. Our Best Time to Visit Miami guide can help you pick your exact dates.
Practical tip
Winter is peak season, so hotels cost more and book up fast — reserve early. Pack a light jacket for cool evenings, especially after a cold front passes through.
10. A Caribbean Cruise — the Warm Escape, Part Two
Why go in winter
Let the ship do the traveling: one booking, and warm weather follows you from island to island. December through April is peak Caribbean cruise season, with daytime highs of 78–88°F, the driest months of the year, and essentially no hurricane risk. January is the sweet spot — post-holiday prices dip while the weather stays perfect — and February is the driest month of all.
Top things to do
Spend port days snorkeling and swimming at stops like Nassau, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman, and sea days enjoying the ship’s dining, shows, and pools. If it is your first sailing, start with our guide to the Best Caribbean Cruise Destinations for First-Time Travelers in 2026, and families should see our picks for the Best Cruise Lines for Families in 2026.
Where to stay
On a cruise, ‘where to stay’ means picking your ship and cabin: inside cabins are the best value, while balcony cabins are worth it for the views. Most winter sailings leave from Florida ports — Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando/Port Canaveral.
Practical tip
Christmas and New Year sailings are the most expensive of the year and sell out months ahead. Early December or January gives you the same weather for less money.
Wrapping Up: Pick Your Winter
So, which winter is yours — powder in the mountains or sunshine on the beach? Whichever you choose, book early: the best hotels and the cheapest flights go first, especially around Christmas and New Year. Use our flight search, hotel search, and cruise search to compare prices, and revisit our guides on How to Find Cheap Flights in 2026 and How to Find the Best Hotel Deals in 2026 before you pay. Packing light makes any of these trips easier, too — see our picks for the Best Carry-On Luggage for Stress-Free Travel in 2026.
One last note: ski resort opening and closing dates are targets that depend on snow and weather, so check the resort’s own page the week you travel. Happy winter travels!
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