7 Beautiful U.S. Cities to Visit During Winter
Winter can be seen as a dreary time of year with the lack of sunlight and cold temperatures, but some places really begin to blossom in these colder months. Whether you’re someone who enjoys partaking in winter sports or bundling up by the fireplace, there are breathtaking U.S. towns that have so much to offer. Plan your getaway with this list of U.S. cities that will show you the true meaning of a winter wonderland.
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1.
Aspen, Colorado
This iconic mountain town is a bucket list destination for many — and for good reason. Surrounded by the peaks of the Elk Mountains and home to the Roaring Fork River, Aspen has astounding views that reach their peak in the wintertime. When planning your stay, there are four world-class resorts to choose from — Aspen Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk — and there’s something for everyone from expert-level skiers to first-timers. Aspen’s charming downtown area gives that classic snow town feel and offers tons of incredible dining experiences.
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2.
Leavenworth, Washington
This enchanting Bavarian village transforms into a winter wonderland once the snow begins to fall. Leavenworth is known for their village of lights, a collection of over half a million lights that cover the town from Thanksgiving till Valentine’s Day each year. With tons of chic shops to peruse for gifts and free access to see the lights, this is the perfect destination for a holiday getaway. However, if you’re looking to skip the crowds and enjoy the beauty of Leavenworth, visiting in January or February when there’s more snow and less people may be right for you.
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3.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Just outside Grand Teton National Park and surrounded by the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, this western valley has stunning views all around. These incredible mountains make Jackson Hole one of the world’s most challenging ski areas, and a dream location for many expert-level skiers. The downtown area has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants with an old west charm that adds to the town’s allure.
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4.
Fairbanks, Alaska
It would be wrong to discuss the most beautiful U.S. cities in winter without touching on the northern lights. Fairbanks is one of the world’s best locations to view the aurora borealis, which is why many people make the trip despite the dark days and freezing temperatures of Alaska. It’s best to chase the northern lights where it’s coldest and when the sky is at its darkest and clearest, that being at night. But Fairbanks still has much to offer during the days of your stay — enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing or visit one of their many museums to escape the cold for a while.
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5.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes or the spas, Lake Tahoe could be the place for you. Between the glistening lake views and snow-covered mountain tops, this one-of-a-kind location is surely breathtaking. During your visit you can take in these views from the top of the slopes, the warmth of the hot springs, the comfort of your resort or all of the above.
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6.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
This western mountain town is known for its rich history along with its many gorgeous peaks, valleys and lakes. Many skiers come to Steamboat Springs to take part in fun night skiing activities and soak in the iconic hot springs — but what keeps them coming back is the towns overwhelming hospitality. If you’re looking for a gorgeous winter destination where you’ll feel right at home, this is the place for you.
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7.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish averages 73 inches of snow per year, making it a great spot for winter activities and snowy mountain views. After a day spent skiing, enjoy the quaint downtown area with places to explore from art galleries to delicious farm-to-table restaurants. You can peruse the shops on Central Ave. with a clear view of the snow-topped mountains straight ahead. Plus, with Glacier National Park nearby, there’s even more beauty and opportunity for adventure.
