In winter, is there never too much snow for you? Discover the snowiest destinations around the world … and get ready to have them up to your neck!
Whistler, British Columbia
Known as a ski village, Whistler offers more in winter than just fun downhill runs. For the more adventurous, some tours include heli-skiing, bungee jumping, and dog sledding.
Cozy travelers will want to add blankets, hot chocolate to their sleigh ride, not to mention the Spa Scandinave which offers a full thermal treatment with heated outdoor pools, eucalyptus hammam, wood sauna and Nordic waterfalls to cool off.
Siberia, Russia
Even to Canadians, Russia conjures up images of endless winter and everlasting snow. Visit the Russia House tourist center near Novosibirsk, Siberia, to experience a classic Russian winter.
Stay in wooden houses, take troika (horse-drawn carriage) rides, taste traditional Russian cuisine and learn about the banya, the Russian sauna, followed by a short swim in an ice-hole to refresh your senses.
Quebec City, Quebec
With an average of 316 cm (124 inches) of snow each year and average temperatures so low they set in, residents of Quebec are used to giant snowbanks, snowplows, and shovels.
Dress warmly and go for a ride during the Quebec Winter Carnival, from February 1 to 17, 2013, to do winter activities including sledding and snow rafting; snow sculpture workshops, a toboggan 400-foot ice cream and maple taffy on snow, while watching 75 brave volunteers (others would call them crazy), wearing only swimsuits, rolling around in the snow.
Tallinn, Estonia
Travel back in time to the days of fairytale Europe, when snow fell on the medieval old town, capital of Estonia, where the continent’s first public Christmas tree was erected in 1441.
Skate on an open-air ice rink, then grab a cup of hot chocolate at the little cafe next door. Enjoy winter sports during the city festival or rent cross-country skis and try the night route on the well-lit trails in the districts of Pirita and Nõmme.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Snow might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Arizona, but Flagstaff, located over 2,000 meters above sea level in the upstate, enjoys ‘an average of 255 cm each year.
Just a few miles north of town, the Wing Mountain Snow Play Area offers facilities and equipment for snowshoeing; cross-country skiing, sledding or just playing in the snow, in addition to hot drink establishments. and other snacks. Head back down to enjoy cultural events, nightlife, and over 200 restaurants.
Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo says she is “blessed by the snow”. No wonder, with an annual average buildup of 630 cm (248 inches), you have to find a way to love it.
Come as part of the Snow Festival in February to see snow and ice sculptures and to play snow games. The white city lighting, which illuminates dark winter nights; is enhanced by bright art exhibits around themes such as Christmas or the starry sky.
Greenland
Do you know the legend that Viking explorers named Iceland (ice island) and Greenland (green island) so as to dissuade anyone from approaching the former so they could keep a relatively temperate land to themselves? Whether the legend is true or not, the climate difference exists.
Although Iceland offers plenty of winter activities, Greenland is the place for real ice and snow adventures; such as the three-day, 160 km Arctic Circle Race for skiers; dog sled hunting; ice fishing in a fjord; or a camping trip to the Greenland Ice Cap: the second largest mass of ice in the world.
Anchorage, Alaska
Guides who promote America’s snowiest spots often overlook Alaska, as if otherwise it would top the list. Anchorage is far from the snowiest region in the state, averaging just 179 cm (70.6 inches) of snow per year, but as the largest city in Alaska, it offers more. activities for visitors.
Try some winter itineraries like Cozy Winter Day which combines a morning sleigh ride with a visit to the galleries and a game of local sport. Winter Octane, a day of off-piste skiing, plus an evening at a local pub; or Snow Fun for Kids, which offers outdoor family activities like building snowmen; making snow angels, playing at Children’s Ice Park, and sledding down the hills on beginner to advanced trails.
Oslo, Norway
As you have already noticed during the Winter Olympics, Norway has its fair share of athletes in snow sports: the country has won a total of 23 medals in Vancouver, to reach fourth place, and the facilities for recreational skiing, skating, and sledding are as excellent as you would expect.
However, to really get to know the city, sign up for a themed winter walking tour: artist Edvard Munch, playwright Henrik Ibsen, Oslo Cathedral, or, for history buffs, the 1000 years of ‘Oslo.
Come before Christmas to experience classic European markets; such as the famous open-air Folk Museum market, which takes place on the first two weekends of December.
Minneapolis and St-Paul, Minnesota
Listed as one of the 10 best winter cities by readers of National Geographic Traveler magazine, the Twin Cities receive an average of 115 cm (45.3 inches) of snow each year and spend, year in and year out, 100 days a year with at least minus an inch of snow on the ground.
You will of course find skiing, skating, and snowshoeing, as well as ice fishing, running on the winter trails, but also more original activities such as harnessed skiing: skiing pulled by a dog on harness (learning in a club is recommended).
Sliding buffs will want to try Suicide Hill at Kenwood Park; which local newspapers describe as “a sheer and perilous course dotted with huge trees; man-made bumps and the breathless bodies of other sliders,” a particularly successful crash. “
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