Looking for the best USA Winter vacations with snow? This is the guide for you!
Picture yourself enjoying the serene beauty of Yosemite’s winter wonderland or experiencing a festive atmosphere in Chicago’s renowned holiday markets.
From the towering peaks of Yosemite to the bustling streets of New York City, every option promises unforgettable memories. Imagine exploring snow-covered trails or ice skating beneath city lights.
This round-up guide provides personal, first-hand experiences from travel bloggers in each of the recommended locations.
Are you tired of the same old winter routine? Discover the magic of America’s most enchanting snowy destinations!
Best USA Winter Vacations with Snow
1. Yosemite National Park
Best for: Skiiers
Yosemite National Park in winter is a serene wonderland where the hustle of daily life fades under a blanket of snow. Visiting during this time offers a peaceful, magical experience far removed from the summer crowds.
The iconic landmarks, like Half Dome and El Capitan, are transformed into majestic, snow-capped giants, while Yosemite Falls often appears partially frozen, adding to the park’s tranquil charm.
Winter is also a more budget-friendly time to visit, with fewer visitors and better deals on flights and lodging. The compact valley floor makes it easy to explore, whether hiking snowy trails or simply soaking in the breathtaking views.
One of the season’s highlights is skiing at Badger Pass Ski Area, a family-friendly resort perfect for all skill levels.
The area offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country trails, all set against the stunning backdrop of Yosemite’s snowy peaks.
Getting to Yosemite is simple, with flights to Fresno and a scenic drive into the park. Once there, shuttle services make navigating the snow-covered roads easy.
Winter in Yosemite is a time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and find peace in the quiet beauty of the wilderness, leaving you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Stay: The Ahwahnee
Book at Booking.comContributed by Rose of Rose Campau
2. Winter Park, Colorado
Best for: Family Ski Vacations
Winter Park’s snowfall, diverse terrain, family-friendly atmosphere, and various activities make it one of the best winter destinations for families and ski enthusiasts.
Hitting the ski slopes is a must during your vacation. Beyond downhill skiing, one of our favorite activities is snowshoeing or XC skiing on the Fraser River Trail or at Snow Mountain Ranch.
No Winter Park Ski Vacation Week is complete without an evening of tubing at the Fraser Tubing Hill, followed by dinner at Volario’s.
Winter Park caters to a range of budgets. Book ski lift tickets in advance and check season ski pass prices for 5+ day stays. Nordic ski tickets are a fraction of the price.
Winter Park is a 90-minute drive or 2-hour ski train ride from Denver. Once there, use the free town shuttle service to get around.
It’s best to book a trip to Winter Park a few months in advance, especially if visiting during peak ski season and holidays.
Gravity Haus is convenient for restaurants, shuttles, and sledding. King Rooms with bunk beds are great for families on a budget.
Stay: Gravity Haus
Contributed by Sonia of Carey On Travels
3. Niagara Falls
Best For: Weekend Trip
Niagara Falls makes a great impromptu winter weekend trip. There were enough activities to stay busy for the weekend and many areas are pet-friendly – a must since we brought our four-month-old puppy along!
Niagara Falls is one of the seven wonders of the world so naturally, it’s crowded. The crowds are drastically smaller when visiting in winter. Flights and hotels are also cheaper.
Niagara Falls can be a budget destination with the right lodgings and dining options. Many attractions are reasonably priced or free, though you should expect to pay for parking!
Our family planned this as an impromptu weekend trip – it was only a 4-hour drive for us! Guests can also fly into Niagara Falls via Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
It’s about 25 minutes to most lodgings and many of the hotels in the area have free shuttles that make it easy to get around.
We fit plenty of attractions into the weekend including the Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Falls Aquarium, hiking trails on Goat Island, and Niagara Falls lit up at night!
We tried New York-style pizza from Buck’s Pizzeria one night and dined at the Top of the Falls Restaurant the other.
Stay: Sheraton Niagara Falls
Contributed by Samantha of LA Family Travel
4. Chicago
Chicago’s holiday festivities make it one of the best cities to visit in the USA with snow. The holiday festivities kick off during Thanksgiving Weekend in Chicago, but you likely will not experience snow until December or January.
Some of the best things to do in winter in Chicago include:
- Christkindl Market
- Ice Skating
- City Lights
- Click here for more of the best things do in winter in Chicago
If you want to extend your trip, there are also plenty of winter road trips from Chicago like Starved Rock.
Tip: Winter temperatures can be unpredictable, so plan accordingly. I recommend a solid Chicago winter packing list.
Stay: Felix Hotel
5. New York City
New York City is always a great choice for vacation, however, there is something particularly magical about exploring the Big Apple in the peak of winter.
As snow lines the city, the normally lush green of Central Park is turned into an icy wonderland with ice skating taking precedence as a favorite pastime. I also loved exploring the beautiful High Line walk covered in snow.
New York is never the cheapest of destinations, however after the craziness of Christmas and New Year, the following months are more reasonable for prices and have fewer crowds.
There’s also plenty to do indoors in New York to escape the cold, like cozying up exploring one of the city’s many amazing museums or galleries or stopping in at the Chelsea Market for a foodie treat.
The New York City subway runs year-round and still manages to work like clockwork in the winter months, so it is easy to get from place to place on the cheap.
I booked fairly late for my February trip and still managed to find great accommodation in the midtown area which provides easy access to every part of the city.
Stay: Murray Hill East Suites
Contributed by Emma of Emma Jane Explores
Conclusion
There are tons of amazing winter vacations with snow across the USA!
Niagara Falls charms visitors with its frozen beauty and iconic landmarks, while winter in Chicago offers a vibrant cityscape mixed with a range of cultural attractions.
New York City transforms into a snowy wonderland, with reduced crowds and more affordable options after the holiday rush.
These destinations provide travelers with unforgettable adventures and varied activities, all while embracing the seasonal chill.
With thoughtful planning, each location offers satisfying experiences for winter wanderers!
