Three winters have gone by without one snowfall, and no I’m not talking global-warming, I just live in Florida. I left the North but not to escape the cold and swim year-round (although a perk), I actually love the crisp wonderland season. However, I know those who live in the north tend to head south for vacation and those in the south well, stay put. So, if you reside in the north, let’s switch your winter mindset from a “snow shoveling nightmare” to a bucket-list crushing adventure abroad. And if you live in the south, let’s shake up that year-round summer and book the perfect winter wanderlust escape.
Ski the Slopes of Japan
Skiing and snowboarding in the States is nothing new but when it comes to planning a “snow-cation” abroad, the first destination I dream of returning to are the stunning Swiss Alps. Riding the slopes at one of Japan’s 600 ski resorts on the other hand, would definitely be something new and exciting for the travel books.
When it comes to popularity, the Hokkaido area takes the gold with its high-quality powder and terrain. The winter season in Japan is shared with the States from December to March, with January and February being the peak months. The top two resorts are Niseko and Rusutsu, the latter being for ski purists looking for less crowds, slopes for all levels, and with an annual snowfall of 500 inches, some of the deepest powder known to man. Niseko is a great choice to ease into an international winter vacation due to all the nearby bars and restaurants, English speakers, ample transportation and accommodations for any budget. When it comes to travel, it’s always ideal to knock out a few destinations to get the most out of your trip. Conveniently, a ski venture to Hokkaido can be accomplished in a day’s time, with flights from Tokyo only being 60 to 90 minutes in length.
Kayak Through the Patagonia Glaciers
It’s best not to confuse the name South America to mean pool weather warmth because once you head south of south you’ll eventually run into Antarctica. In the deep regions of Argentina and Chile lies Patagonia, home to mega glaciers, vast lakes, mountain peaks, two cultures, and endless adventure. One of the most amazing bucket-list experiences is kayaking alongside icebergs and crystal blue glaciers, all close enough to touch.
The closest city before venturing off the beaten path is Puerto Natales in Chile. From there, you can arrange transportation to Big Foot base camp and Grey Lake, which is said to be best for beginner/intermediate level paddlers. The 2 ½ hour tour is $104 (USD) per person and covers just under four miles.
Sleep in Sweden’s Ice Hotel
Place your freezing fears aside, I promise you will not become an ice block in your sleep you have my word (fingers crossed). The classic IceHotel in Sweden as well as other ice hotels worldwide, melt and need to be re-designed each year. However, that all changed in 2016 when Sweden designed a permanent solar cooled structure called IceHotel 365.
Let’s address the elephant sculpture in the room, how the hell do you sleep in 20°F temperatures!? Well, with thermals, hotel provided expedition sleeping bags and lots of prayer, that’s how. I do believe there’s a saying, “if you can’t stand the cold, stay out of the freezer,” or something like that… anyway good news for the anti-ice queens, the hotel also offers “warm rooms” which happen to be better priced at around $150/night compared to the ice rooms starting at $300/night. The hotel does recommend only spending the first or last night of your stay in the cold, and the remaining nights in the warm (good looking out Swed fam).
Attend the Niagara Icewine Festival
Okay who am I kidding, I cannot get into the whole wine thing (#tequilaonly) BUT I do know 99.9% of the world is OBSESSED with vino so I added this one for the team.
Now because of the country’s long winters, Ontario is pretty known for their ice wine which is made with frozen grapes that create sweet dessert wines. The annual Niagara Icewine Festival is over a period of three weeks in January, so you can probably catch a good deal on post-holiday flights and use that precious new year vacation time. To note however, you will be joined by thousands of other wine-o’s, so I suggest booking early for special sales and availability. Another way to get the most bang for your buck, is to purchase a discovery pass ($45 US) which grants you access to eight wineries (cheers to getting Canadian wasted) from a total of 40 to choose from. In addition to the wonderful food and wine pairings, visitors can also enjoy outdoor street festivals and a Gala held in the Fallsview Casino.
Spend Christmas in Germany
Word on the holiday streets is Germany hands down takes the Christmas crown. The joyous season brightens each picturesque town with traditional treats, festive decor, fairy tale-like scenery and best of all, Christkindlesmarkts (Christmas markets). One of the most popular in the world is the Haupmarkt, set in Nuremberg’s old town and known to see more than two million visitors per year.
View the Northern Lights from an Igloo
If witnessing the spectacular Northern Lights is on your bucket list, imagine gazing from within a luxuriously designed glass igloo. A stay at Levin Iglut Retreat is like experiencing life inside a snow globe but with nature’s best show right outside your window. Additionally, the suites are located cliff side so you can also see a beautiful wide stretch of the Finnish Lapland. When you’re ready to conquer the snowy wilderness, there is plenty to do like cross country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding or even a reindeer safari (“when in Finland”).
Share your favorite bucket list idea or an epic destination of your own!