The Most Serene Snow Destinations In The US

There’s something unusually calming about stark winter landscapes and snow-covered hills. Maybe it’s the absence of modern sounds – except for snow-crushing footsteps – or the mesmerizing beauty of prism branches reflecting in the sun. If you’re looking for a place to catch some R&R in the US while sipping a cup of hot chocolate, read on.

1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Park

Yellowstone National Park is a nature lover’s retreat. Packed with abundant wildlife, geysers and acres upon acres of stunning beauty, it comes as no surprise that this gem is just as captivating when winter arrives. Snow-capped mountains, ice-glazed trees, frozen lakes and rolling white-blanketed hills make for one of the most relaxing destinations in the nation. Plus, have you ever seen a geyser in the winter? Experience this magical site by snowmobile or snow coach.

2. Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma

Natural Feature

The Quanah Parker Lake in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge surrounded by a landscape of mountains, trees, bushes and wildflowers

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma is a spectacular range of 540m-year-old granite headlands, rolling grasslands and roaming bison. A popular spot for hunting and fishing, the rugged landscape of the Wichita Mountains also makes it a prime hiking and rock-climbing destination. But with rocky terrain comes visually stunning winter landscapes. White hills blend with white skies, marked by rows and rows of frozen trees.

3. Stowe, Vermont

Ski Resort

A church surrounded by colorful fall foliage in Stowe, Vermont

While Stowe, set ablaze by red and orange foliage, is a stunning sight to see in the fall, it’s that much more alluring come winter. This quaint 225-year-old village is canvased in white, surrounded by the mountains of northern Vermont. Stowe has been a world-class skiing destination for decades, and it offers numerous activities. However, for those looking for a winter sanctuary, this enchanting snowy wonderland is it.

5. Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

Forest, Park

The snow-covered South Sister mountain in front of Sparks Lake, with a reflection of the mountain and surrounding landscape, in the Deschutes National Forest

Along the east side of the Cascade Mountains, Deschutes National Forest is desolated beauty at its finest. More than 1.6m acres (647,000ha) of hills are hidden by snow, alpine and evergreen forests, and frozen lakes. It’s a popular hiking destination for viewing the volcanic mountains that form the crest of the Cascades, and the national forest’s winter scenery is just as memorable. Experience the serene lands via snowmobile or snowshoe, or embark on ski trails that wind through the park.

6. Glacier National Park, Montana

Park, Natural Feature

A view of Grinnell Lake, the snow-speckled mountains and forest in Glacier National Park, Montana

When it comes to extraordinary snow destinations, it’s not easy to look past a park named for a massive body of ice. At Glacier National Park, explore the glacier-ridden mountains via the 700mi (1,127km) of trails that traverse through the terrain, but for unparalleled views of the park, head here during winter when rows of trees are painted white. Expect roaming mountain goats, glacier-carved peaks and snow-filled valleys among 1,584sqmi (4,103sqkm) of absolute peace.

7. Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Park

If there’s anywhere in the US that does winter well, it’s Alaska. Denali National Park is home to the tallest peak in the nation and has more than 9,375sqmi (24,281sqkm) of preserved natural beauty. The snow-capped mountains endure year-round, but winter is the most awe-inspiring and longest season in Denali. Take part in the winter festival, go mountaineering or dog sledding, ski, snowshoe and even camp under aurora-filled skies – that’s if you don’t mind the cold.

8. Ouray, Colorado

Park

Motorcycles and cars line the main street flanked by historic buildings in Ouray, Colorado, with the San Juan Mountains in the background

What better way to experience winter’s solitude than surrounded by mountain peaks? Ouray is just that. The San Juan Mountains envelope the town, so the noise of the modern world is kept at a low and serenity at a high. First-timers should climb the Uncompahgre Gorge at the Ouray Ice Park or backcountry ski through the trails surrounding the town. And don’t miss the views of Ouray at night.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.