Adventures in the Snow: Ideas for Your Winter Vacation

Are you enticed by views of sparkling snow landscapes and a multitude of activities only possible during the cold season? From powdery ski slopes to trips to beautifully illuminated cities, from adrenaline-fueled sports to cozy experiences après-ski-this is a paradise for winter enthusiasts.

Pack your warm clothes and a large dose of adventure as we embark on a journey to the most beautiful winter travel destinations and reveal the most exciting activities for your winter vacation in the snow.

Idyllic ski vacation in Norway: Myrkdalen and Trysil

Want to enjoy peace and quiet while skiing on nearly empty slopes? Just two hours by car from Bergen in Norway, you can do just that at the Myrkdalen Ski Resort. Here, you'll have 21 designated slopes almost all to yourself on weekdays.

At the Trysil Ski Resort, you too can experience nearly empty descents, even though it is the largest ski resort in Norway, with 31 lifts and around 70 runs. It takes about two and a half hours to reach it from Oslo-perfect for combining sports enjoyment with a visit to Norway's trendy capital!

Skiing bliss in the USA: Vail and Breckenridge

Did you think skiing in the USA was a myth? Then pay attention: In the state of Colorado, not too far from Denver, you'll find loads of snow, lifts, and perfectly groomed slopes.

Vail Mountain, the largest ski resort in Colorado with 32 lifts and an incredible 278 runs, is particularly known for its seven back bowls: glaciers with steep powder slopes.

The area around Breckenridge, a former gold rush town at 9,500 feet elevation, is also a paradise for powder fans with 35 lift facilities and 187 trails.

24/7 powder snow in Finnish Lapland: Ski resorts Levi and Ylläs

When you think of winter in Lapland, Finnish saunas, Santa Claus, his reindeer, and white snowfields come to mind. But even in Finnish Lapland, people love outdoor sports!

Especially the ski slopes in the north are a real highlight. The ski resorts Levi and Ylläs offer powder snow and a tranquility that makes skiing truly special.

Insider tip for skiing: Montenegro

Montenegro may be smaller than Schleswig-Holstein with just about 14,000 square kilometers, but as a travel destination, this Balkan country offers wonderful activities year-round: from beach fun on the Adriatic coast to skiing in the high mountains.

Although winter here is relatively mild compared to other European countries, the mountainous terrain provides plenty of snow. Skiing in Montenegro is a great idea since the resorts are not as crowded or expensive as those in Switzerland or Italy. The largest ski resorts in Montenegro include Kolašin or Savin Kuk in Durmitor National Park.

Following the Sami: Reindeer sledding in Tromsø

In the far north of Norway, the indigenous Sami people have lived and worked with reindeer for centuries. At the reindeer camp Tromsø Arctic Reindeer, you'll get to meet these fluffy companions up close on a sled ride or snowshoe hike. You'll also learn interesting facts about Sami culture and, on an evening tour, you might even see the Northern Lights dancing with a bit of luck.

Thrilling dog sledding in Finnish Lapland

Not just reindeer populate the northern regions-huskies are also ready to share their exuberant energy with those who are willing to embrace it. Around Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, the home of Santa Claus, guests can jump on a sled with huskies and be pulled through the wonderfully snowy landscape.

Sledding on the longest illuminated toboggan run in the world

The longest illuminated toboggan experience in the world awaits you in Austria. In the Kitzbühel Alps lies the compact and family-friendly Wildkogel Ski Resort. The highlight is undoubtedly the longest illuminated toboggan run in the world. With a length of 14 km and a height difference of 1,300 meters, it offers an extraordinary tobogganing experience.

Snowshoeing in the Alps

On a snowshoe hike in East Tyrol, you wander through the winter landscape accompanied by a national park ranger. If you pay close attention, you might catch a glimpse of the fascinating "Big Five of the Alps": ibex, golden eagle, ptarmigan, chamois, and bearded vulture.

Even in the Julian Alps in Slovenia, the Soča Valley presents the perfect conditions for snowshoe hiking: enchanting valleys, snowy plains, and white meadows as far as the eye can see.

Adventure ice climbing in Aosta Valley and Rjukan

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Then ice climbing might be for you! Ice climbing can be done on natural formations such as frozen waterfalls or on artificial ice walls.

In the Italian Aosta Valley, you can expect 142 mapped ice climbing routes of varying difficulties.

Alternatively, you can travel to Rjukan in southern Norway, where more than 192 frozen waterfalls provide ideal conditions for climbing enthusiasts.

Glacier hiking in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Haven't seen enough ice? How about a glacier hike in Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland? With 8,100 square kilometers, it is the largest glacier in Iceland.

On a road trip through Iceland, this glacier hike is a must. It's best to book a guided tour, especially if you are a beginner.

Ice skating in the Grand Palais in Paris & New York City

Ice skating where spectacular fashion shows by Chanel take place? During Christmas, the Grand Palais in Paris transforms into the largest ice skating rink in the world.

Equally unforgettable is the Christmas season in New York City. Don't miss ice skating at Rockefeller Center with its world-famous Christmas tree and large ice rink in Central Park.

Curling in Munich and Switzerland

Curling-like bocce, but on ice. In Munich, the tradition of curling has firmly established itself in winter. The Paulaner Nockherberg is a beautiful, traditional venue for this.

For something more alternative, you can head to the Container Collective of Werksviertel-Mitte. Here you can also play on several lanes and warm up with a hot organic mulled wine.

In Switzerland, this sport is also an essential part of the Christmas program and is almost a must-do during winter visits to the cities. So how about a detour to Uetliberg near Zurich for some curling?

Sauna, Strolling, and Cross-Country Skiing in Myrkdalen, Norway

How about, instead of après-ski in crowded lodges, enjoying a sauna, taking a stroll through the village, or a relaxing round of cross-country skiing in the forest? The Myrkdalen ski resort in Norway is the perfect place to unwind after an exhausting day on the slopes.

Total relaxation in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland

An ideal destination to combine outdoor activities in a wonderfully snowy winter landscape with wellness is Rovaniemi. Around the Finnish small town located at the Arctic Circle, you have a huge selection of relaxing activities-from yoga to sauna sessions to ice bathing. Dreamy!

Warming up in hot springs in Iceland

After a day on the slopes, an extraordinary wellness experience awaits you in Iceland: bathing in hot springs. Due to volcanic activity, the water is heated underground and emerges as a hot spring.

In addition to the famous Blue Lagoon, the Mývatn Nature Baths in the northeast of the island invite you with their almost 104 degrees Fahrenheit warm water and a blue-green shimmer.

Strolling through Vilnius, Lithuania

The old town of Vilnius, which shines in a sea of lights at night, is particularly worth a visit in winter. In the glassblowing district, jewelers and shops of local artists invite you to browse. In between, cafés offer the perfect opportunity to warm up with a hot chocolate.

Oslo and its surroundings during Christmas time, Norway

Lights twinkle, the scent of cinnamon and sugar fills the air. The trees are white, the air is clear. We're in a true winter wonderland. In and around Norway's capital Oslo, Christmas markets, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and sauna sessions directly by the fjord provide plenty to do even in the cold season. It's best to combine the winter highlights in the region on a round trip.

Delicacies meet winter magic in Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a fantastic travel destination year-round, but in winter, the city is really a sight to behold. At the Christmas markets in Wenceslas Square and Prague Castle, you can indulge in delicious treats and discover new scents and flavors.

For music lovers, the Prague Bohuslav Martinů Festival in November and December offers classical instrumental music with a modern touch.

Northern lights hunting in Tromsø, Norway

You have an easy time hunting the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway. The Lyngenfjord lies between Tromsø and Alta and is safely sheltered behind the Lyngen Alps. Here, clear nights and great chances to experience the Northern Lights prevail.

Following the Northern Lights in Scotland

Scotland is known for its rugged landscape and historical castles. What many don't know: You can also see the Northern Lights in Scotland during the winter months! In addition to the Isle of Skye, the remote areas of Shetland, Orkney, and Caithness in the far north are perfect for seeing the lights in all their glory in the night sky.

Brilliant skies in Iceland

In the clear and dark winter nights of Iceland, the colorful display brightens the sky. The glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón at Vatnajökull Glacier is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. Alternatively, you can sit on one of the black sand beaches in Southern Iceland and wait for the dancing Northern Lights.

Sleeping in Ice Palaces

At the Icehotel Sweden or in one of the Iglu villages in the Alps, winter enthusiasts can sleep each year in accommodations made of ice and snow. It's truly a 'once in a winter time' experience. If you like sleeping in extraordinary accommodations, check this out.

Staying in cozy cabins

In the Santa Claus Village in Finnish Rovaniemi, you'll find yourself in the heart of Santa Claus's home. After a day in the fresh air, you'll retreat to snug, warm cabins with views of the snow and the Northern Lights at the Arctic Circle.

Another unforgettable night awaits you in the Kongley cabins of Villa Heidi in Espa. This cabin resembles a real igloo, and in the private sauna you can unwind in nature-just an hour from Oslo.

Or how about a cabin right on the ski slope? The HEART Apartments are located right on the slope in Sölden, allowing you direct access to the descent.