10 Best USA Winter Vacations With Snow [2026]

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.

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!

10 USA Winter Vacations with Snow

1. Yosemite National Park

Best for: Skiiers

Yosemite in winter offers snow-dusted granite cliffs, frozen waterfalls, and far fewer crowds than in summer. 

The valley is easily accessible by car or shuttle, offering iconic views of Half Dome and El Capitan transformed by snow.

Badger Pass Ski Area offers downhill runs, snowboarding, and cross-country trails, making it an ideal choice for families.

Dress in layers—temperatures drop quickly once the sun sets!  

Some roads, including the Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road, close for the season, so plan to stick to the valley floor. 

Chains may be required on tires, and shuttle services are available once inside the park. 

Flying into Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the most direct option, with about a 2.5-hour drive to the park entrance.

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 a 2-hour ski train ride from Denver. Once there, use the free town shuttle service to get around. 

Gravity Haus is convenient for restaurants, shuttles, and sledding.

King Rooms with bunk beds are great for families on a budget.  

Contributed by Sonia of Carey On Travels

3. 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

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.  

4. Salt Lake City, Utah

Best For: City + Skiing

Salt Lake City is a top winter destination for snow lovers.

Surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, it offers easy access to world-class ski resorts like Snowbird and Alta.

The city itself has museums, cozy cafés, and a growing food scene, making it a perfect mix of urban and outdoor winter activities.

Roads to ski areas are well-maintained, but check for chain requirements during storms.

Salt Lake City International Airport is nearby, making travel to the slopes quick and convenient.

5. Niagara Falls

Best For: Weekend Trip

Winter at Niagara Falls means icy landscapes, frozen mist, and far fewer crowds than the busy summer months.

The waterfalls are especially striking as ice forms along the edges, creating a dramatic winter scene.

Visitors can explore viewpoints at Niagara Falls State Park, stroll along snow-dusted paths, and see the nightly illumination of the falls.

Bundle up—wind and mist make it feel colder than the forecast.

Some attractions, like boat tours, close for the season, but observation areas and the Cave of the Winds viewing platforms often stay open with limited access.

Parking is easier to find in winter, and hotels near the falls typically offer lower rates.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the closest major airport, just a 30-minute drive away.

6. Flagstaff, Arizona

Best For: Snow Sports

Flagstaff is one of the most underrated vacations with snow in the US!

Travelers often escape to Arizona for warm weather.

However, just a 2.5-hour drive north of Phoenix will bring you to Arizona’s own winter wonderland.

Flagstaff is a whole party during New Year’s!

I visited during its annual Acorn Drop, and the small town streets transform into a winter party.

Some of the best things to do in Flagstaff are visiting Snowbowl, watching the stars at the Lowell Observatory, and, of course, taking a road trip to the Grand Canyon.

Skiing and snowboarding at Snowbowl are an absolute blast.

You can purchase lessons in advance or join a same-day lesson. Two lessons typically run per day.

7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Best For: National Parks

Jackson Hole is a top winter destination for skiers and nature lovers!

The area boasts some of the best slopes in the country, plus easy access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. 

Grand Teton is one of my absolute favorite national parks!

Beyond skiing, visitors can enjoy wildlife tours, snowmobiling, and soaking in natural hot springs.

Many park roads close, but guided snowcoach and snowmobile tours offer safe access to Yellowstone’s geysers and wildlife. 

Jackson Hole Airport sits right outside Grand Teton National Park, making it one of the most convenient ski destinations to fly into.

You can alternatively fly into a major airport (typically for cheaper).

8. New York City

New York City is always a great choice for a vacation.

However, there is something particularly magical about exploring the Big Apple in the winter!

As snow lines the city, the normally lush green of Central Park is turned into an icy wonderland.

I also love exploring the beautiful High Line walk covered in snow. 

New York is never the cheapest destination. However, after the craziness of Christmas and New Year, the following months are more affordable with fewer crowds.

There’s also plenty to do indoors in New York to escape the cold.

Some of the best indoor winter activities include 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!

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. 

Contributed by Emma of Emma Jane Explores

9. White Mountains, New Hampshire

Best For: Small-Town Skiing

The White Mountains are a classic New England winter escape. 

Visitors can ski, snowboard, or snowshoe at family-friendly resorts, then explore small towns and seasonal attractions like the Ice Castles in North Woodstock. 

Scenic drives through snow-covered valleys add to the charm.

Road conditions and weather change quickly in the winter, so pack warm layers and prepare for icy roads. 

Top ski areas include Loon Mountain, Cannon Mountain, and Bretton Woods.

Driving is the easiest way to get around, with Boston Logan International Airport about two hours away.

10. Boston, Massachusetts

Best For: Historic USA

Boston is a historic city that shines in winter!

Snow-dusted streets and the Charles River make the cityscape picturesque, while attractions like the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and Fenway Park take on a seasonal charm. 

Winter festivals, holiday markets, and ice skating at Frog Pond add to the experience.

Dress in layers and waterproof shoes—sidewalks can get icy. 

Public transportation is convenient for getting around the city. 

Logan International Airport provides easy access for travelers coming from across the country.

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!