Current North American Snow Cover
Introduction
North America is a winter wonderland during the snow season. With a myriad of destinations to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do. This snow cover travel guide will help you plan a memorable trip by highlighting the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb is a world-renowned ski resort located in British Columbia, Canada. It boasts over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, making it the largest ski resort in North America. The resort offers a variety of winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. It’s also home to a vibrant village with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a luxury ski resort town located in Colorado, United States. It’s known for its high-end shops, restaurants, and accommodations. The town has four ski areas, with over 5,500 acres of skiable terrain. Aspen also hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the winter season.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
Mont-Tremblant is a picturesque ski resort located in Quebec, Canada. It’s known for its charming pedestrian village, with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. The resort has over 600 acres of skiable terrain, with runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Mont-Tremblant also offers a variety of winter activities, such as ice skating, snowmobiling, and tubing.
Hidden Gems
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is a hidden gem during the winter season. The park is covered in snow, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can go on snowshoeing or cross-country skiing tours to explore the park’s natural wonders, such as the Old Faithful geyser and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park is a winter wonderland located in Alberta, Canada. The park offers a variety of winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing. Visitors can also relax in the hot springs, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and pine trees.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish is a charming mountain town located in Montana, United States. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. The town has a ski resort, with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. Visitors can also go on snowshoeing or cross-country skiing tours in the surrounding forests.
Food Scene
Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City has a thriving food scene, with a focus on French cuisine. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes, such as poutine and tourtiรจre, in cozy bistros and restaurants. The city also hosts a winter carnival, with food trucks and outdoor markets serving local delicacies.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is known for its diverse and innovative food scene. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, craft beer, and artisanal coffee in the city’s many restaurants, cafes, and breweries. The city also has a popular food market, with over 30 vendors serving a variety of international cuisines.
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is a foodie’s paradise, with a mix of French, Italian, and Jewish cuisine. Visitors can enjoy bagels, smoked meat, and poutine in the city’s many delis and restaurants. Montreal also hosts a winter food festival, with over 100 vendors serving local specialties.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Stay in Hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for accommodation during the winter season. They offer shared rooms and facilities, such as kitchens and lounges, at a lower cost than hotels. Hostels are also a great way to meet fellow travelers and share experiences.
Cook Your Own Meals
Cooking your own meals is a great way to save money during a winter trip. Many accommodations, such as hostels and vacation rentals, have kitchens that guests can use. Visitors can also shop at local markets and supermarkets, and prepare meals with local ingredients.
Take Public Transportation
Public transportation is a budget-friendly option for getting around during a winter trip. Many cities have buses and trains that connect the main attractions and ski resorts. Visitors can also use rideshare apps, such as Uber and Lyft, to save money on transportation.
Outdoor Adventures
Dog Sledding, Yukon
Yukon is a winter wonderland, with snow-covered mountains and forests. Visitors can go on dog sledding tours, led by experienced mushers and their dog teams. The tours offer a unique way to explore the wilderness and learn about the history of dog sledding.
Snowmobiling, Maine
Maine is a popular destination for snowmobiling, with over 14,000 miles of trails. Visitors can rent snowmobiles and go on guided tours, exploring the state’s forests, lakes, and mountains. The tours offer a thrilling way to experience the winter scenery.
Ice Climbing, Colorado
Colorado is a mecca for ice climbing, with frozen waterfalls and gullies. Visitors can go on guided tours, learning the basics of ice climbing and safety techniques. The tours offer a challenging and rewarding winter adventure.
Family-Friendly Activities
Ice Skating, New York City
New York City has several ice skating rinks during the winter season, such as the famous rink at Rockefeller Center. Visitors can rent skates and enjoy the festive atmosphere, surrounded by holiday decorations and lights.
Tubing, Quebec
Quebec has several tubing parks during the winter season, offering a fun and safe activity for families. Visitors can slide down the hills on inflatable tubes, enjoying the winter scenery and fresh air.
Winter Festivals, Minnesota
Minnesota has several winter festivals during the season, such as the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and the Minneapolis Holidazzle. Visitors can enjoy parades, ice sculptures, and holiday markets, in a festive and family-friendly atmosphere.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Ice Fishing, Manitoba
Manitoba is known for its ice fishing, with frozen lakes and rivers. Visitors can go on guided tours, learning the techniques and equipment for ice fishing. The tours offer a peaceful and unique winter experience.
Snowshoeing, Vermont
Vermont has several snowshoeing trails during the winter season, offering a quiet and secluded way to explore the forests and mountains. Visitors can rent snowshoes and go on self-guided tours, enjoying the winter scenery and wildlife.
Hot Air Balloon Rides, New Mexico
New Mexico has hot air balloon rides during the winter season, offering a breathtaking way to see the winter landscapes. Visitors can float over snow-covered mountains and forests, enjoying the peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Natural Wonders
Ice Caves, Alaska
Alaska has several ice caves during the winter season, created by frozen waterfalls and glaciers. Visitors can go on guided tours, exploring the natural wonders and learning about the geography and history of the area.
Northern Lights, Yukon
Yukon is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights during the winter season. Visitors can go on guided tours, watching the mesmerizing light show in the sky and learning about the science and legends behind it.
Icebergs, Newfoundland
Newfoundland has several icebergs during the winter season, created by the movement of glaciers. Visitors can go on boat tours, seeing the majestic and surreal ice formations up close.
Vibrant Nightlife
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal has a vibrant nightlife during the winter season, with a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Visitors can enjoy a variety of music genres, from jazz to electronic, in a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is known for its 24/7 nightlife, with a plethora of bars, clubs, and casinos. Visitors can enjoy live music shows, stand-up comedy, and celebrity performances, in a glamorous and flashy atmosphere.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans has