Top 10 winter activity vacations
Winter is a fantastic time to explore the outdoors, breathe in some crisp air and burn off some calories – and that doesn’t just mean pelting downhill on a pair of skis. The world’s magical, snowy landscapes are the setting for a blizzard of alternative winter activity vacations, from husky safaris to mountain trekking. So, pull on your thermals and get out there!
1. Husky sledding adventures
Learn how to handle a team of huskies, before exploring deep into wild, snowy landscapes by dog sled. Stay overnight in a wilderness log cabin or tent, with the chance to spot the aurora borealis flitting across the sky as you settle the dogs each night.
When to go: December to early April
Our top selling trip: Husky safari in Finland
See all our trips: Husky sledding vacations
Read more: Husky sledding travel guide
When to go: December to early April
Our top selling trip: Husky safari in Finland
See all our trips: Husky sledding vacations
Read more: Husky sledding travel guide
2. Northern Lights activity vacations
Seeing the Northern Lights rippling across the frozen sky is a bucket-list regular, but multi activity breaks team this night-time spectacle with wintery fun by day, too. Go snowshoeing, cross country skiing, try a snowmobile safari or winter fishing, meet reindeer herders or flop in the sauna. Then, come evening, raise your eyes to the skies…When to go: November to March
Our top selling trip: Northern lights wilderness vacation in Finland
See all our trips: Northern Lights vacations and multi activity vacations
Read more: Northern Lights travel guide
3. Cross country skiing
Glide along backcountry paths, through snow-covered forests and past frozen lakes, then push up into open wilderness above the tree line – a cross country skiing break reaches the parts downhill skiing can’t. Instruction is generally included, so even novices can enjoy this unique form of wintery exploration.When to go: December to March
Our top selling trip: Cross country skiing in Norway
See all our trips: Cross country skiing vacations
Read more: Cross country skiing vacation guide
4. Snowshoeing
Hiking across winter snow is possible, in the right footwear! Snowshoes combined with a set of poles stop you sinking so you can stride out into the frozen landscape, feeling the snow crunch under your feet, to explore silent forests and snowy hillsides that sparkle in the winter sun.
When to go: January to March
Our top selling trip: Snowshoeing vacation in Finland
See all our trips: Snowshoeing vacations
Read more: Snowshoeing vacations travel guide
When to go: January to March
Our top selling trip: Snowshoeing vacation in Finland
See all our trips: Snowshoeing vacations
Read more: Snowshoeing vacations travel guide
5. Multi activity snow vacations
Enjoy winter outdoors without strapping on skis on a vacation serving up a cocktail of activities. Snowshoe through the wintery landscape, drive a team of huskies, climb a frozen waterfall with an ice axe and crampons, sleep in an igloo… This is a fun, fit, flexible break.When to go: December to mid April
Our top selling trip: Winter activity vacation in the French Alps
See all our trips: Multi activity vacations
Read more: Winter activity travel guide
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Winter or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
1-866-821-6866
Call toll free
Calling from outside the USA
6. Family winter breaks
It’s easy to keep an entire family amused on a winter activity break. Older kids relish snowshoeing, dog sledding and cross country skiing, while little ones enjoy a wallow in an outdoor thermal pool, a spot of sledging or learning how to build an igloo. And who doesn’t love hot chocolate and an open fire?
When to go: December to February
Where to go: Family winter activity vacation in Finland
See all our trips: Family winter vacations
Read more: Family vacations travel guide
When to go: December to February
Where to go: Family winter activity vacation in Finland
See all our trips: Family winter vacations
Read more: Family vacations travel guide
7. Luxury trekking in the Atlas Mountains
The mountains aren’t just for adrenaline junkies. Stay in one of Morocco’s most beautiful kasbahs, and trek the magnificent High Atlas mountains with the help of a Berber guide drawn from the local community. Just 90 minutes from Morocco, the trails here have been walked for centuries by farmers and shepherds.When to go: November to April
Our top selling trip: Luxury trekking vacation in the Atlas Mountains
See all our trips: Winter vacations
Read more: Atlas Mountains travel guide
8. Winter photography
The Lofoten Islands off Norway’s northwest coast are a hugely popular destination for photography vacations in summer. In the winter, the landscapes are perhaps even more majestic. In the company of a small group led by a professional photographer guide, workshop ideas and capture stunning images of Northern Lights, icy fjords, fishing villages and deserted beaches.When to go: February
Our top selling trip: Lofoten Islands winter photography vacation
See all our trips: Photography vacations
Read more: Photography vacations travel guide and Lofoten Islands travel guide
9. Winter wildlife watching
You don’t need to hurtle downhill for your adrenaline fix. Instead experience the hair-raising, goose bump-inducing thrill of tracking snow leopards in Ladakh, wild wolves in the Alps or Yellowstone – or coming up close to a polar bear in the depths of the Canadian Arctic. Winter wildlife can be elusive, but following tracks with expert guides is all part of the adventure.
When to go: October to March
Our top selling trip: Alpine wolf tracking vacation in France
See all our trips: Winter wildlife watching
Read more: Europe wildlife watching travel guide
When to go: October to March
Our top selling trip: Alpine wolf tracking vacation in France
See all our trips: Winter wildlife watching
Read more: Europe wildlife watching travel guide
10. Relaxed winter breaks in the Carpathians
Romania’s Carpathian Mountains ooze atmosphere in winter. Thick snow, medieval villages, imposing castles… Escape to a cosy cottage and, if you can drag yourself from the fireside, enjoy snowshoe hikes, wildlife tracking and ice gorges and caves.When to go: Late October to early April
Our top selling trip: Transylvania winter vacation accommodation in Romania
See all our trips: Relaxed winter break vacations
Read more: Carpathian Mountains travel guide
More about Winter
You don't have to go far to find true winter wilderness, where reality matches the fantasy.
When to go on a winter snow vacation depends on where you're going and what you're doing.
Our winter vacation destinations take you to Scandinavia and the Alps, and beyond.
Winter vacations in Austria escape busy ski resorts and lift queues in favour of snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Winter vacations in Finland take advantage of a long season and a smorgasbord of classic activities.
There’s much more to winter vacations in France than strapping into your bindings before plunging down the piste.
Always look north for winter vacations in Italy, especially toward the Dolomites.
The best Lapland winter vacations give Santa a swerve and head into the wilderness.
There's so much more to winter activity vacations than just downhill skiing.
The best thing about winter vacations for families is that they can suit kids of any age.
Exploring issues around artificial snow production, and the future for downhill skiing.
Look beyond skiing if you want to climate proof your next winter trip.
Responsible winter vacations benefit local communities, wildlife and the environment.
Find all our Winter guides in one place from Lapland to Austria and everything in between.
