This 2020 has been, to put it simply, a whirlwind year for everyone around the world. By now, many of us would be counting down to the year-end holidays, and with it the New Year’s celebration which hopefully chimes in a better, safer and healthier year ahead.
Holidays at this time of the year usually mean visiting – or simply dreaming of going to – destinations with snowy terrains and cold weather. We track down some spectacular winter wonderlands that never fail to bring in the festive cheer.
From beautiful snow-capped mountains to cool ski resorts and ancient castles to magnificent fjords, the venues on this list will cater to the winter wishes of all in the family.
There are places that cater to the nature enthusiasts, and there are also locations which will thrill snow sports lovers.
Some of these destinations are close to home, while others might take a couple of layovers. But what is for sure is that you can expect plenty of magical wintry landscape.
Banff in Canada for one, greets visitors with many natural splendour. Meanwhile, over in Prague, Czech Republic brace yourself for a spectacular sight of Gothic buildings covered in snow!
While we can’t travel yet due to the Covid-19 pandemic, that should not stop anyone from putting these places on the list for when it’s safe to head out to the world again.
Nagano, Japan
One of the best ski destinations in Japan can be found just outside the city of Hakuba. The northern alpine here, with its powder-white mountains, is perfect for snow sports. The surrounding also beckons with many beautiful sceneries. But this being Japan, perhaps a better relaxation option would be a trip to the many onsen or bath houses to calm those muscles after an exhausting ski activity.
After some fun in the snow, recharge with a bowl of hot soba or buckwheat noodles, which is a must when you’re in Nagano.Harbin, China
Also known as the “Ice City”, Harbin mesmerises with icy attractions come wintertime. The Chinese city is the host venue for the Harbin International Ice and Snow festival, one of the largest winter festivals in the world. The annual event takes place in January and February, and usually features over a thousand ice sculptures that are all lit up at night.
Other attractions in Harbin include the Zhaolin Park and Snow Amusement World.
Yongpyong, South Korea
Want a K-drama kind of winter holiday? Then the ski resort in Yongpyong is the place to be. Winter Sonata, Goblin and My ID Is Gangnam Beauty are just some of the popular dramas that were filmed in this very location. Its fan tourism reputation aside, Yongpyong also has a wide selection of snowboarding and skiing options. Check in to a hip resort at Mount Balwang for a trendy stay.
There are also cross-country hiking trails for the more adventurous travellers.
Mount Buller, Australia
A three-hour short scenic drive from the city of Melbourne, Victoria will bring you up to the Mount Buller alpine resort.
Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to winter activities here. On the snow, opt for skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and snowshoeing. A snowshoe tour is a unique way to travel across snowy terrain while taking in sights around the village.
Or you can always cuddle with cute huskies or go on a wonderful sleigh ride tour around the area.
Greenland
Beautiful and mysterious, Greenland is one of the most breathtaking places that you could visit. Located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, it’s also the largest non-continental island in the world. But if you have always thought that Greenland is all glaciers and nothing much else, well you would be wrong. From vibrant villages and scenic fjords, there are many spectacular sights to see. Apart from the natural sights, sign up to do some local activities such as hunting, fishing and coastal sailings.
Dolomites, Italy
Fill your holiday here with trips to the Christmas markets and museums.
Banff, Canada
Canada has always held the reputation of being a top winter destination, and this is especially true at Banff. The resort town and the nearby Lake Louise offer easy access to untouched wilderness, snow adventures, jaw-dropping sights, and vibrant history and culture. Take the gondolas to enjoy panoramic views of nature. The mountainous region is also perfect for some skiing and snowboarding. Brace for an unforgettable experience skiing through silky snow and glaciers.
Bergen, Norway
If you’re up for some charming Nordic holiday, then Bergen will tick many boxes. The second largest city in Norway beckons with beautiful views of the surrounding fjords, vibrant wooden buildings on the old wharf and scenic harbours. Come in the winter and you might even be greeted by the Northern Lights as this would be peak season. And being dubbed the “city of seven mountains”, you should definitely take a trip to the top on a funicular train.
Zermatt, Switzerland
This spectacular alpine village lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, the most famous mountain in Switzerland. Surrounded by the tallest peaks of the Alps, Zermatt is renowned for its huge ski areas. Seasoned skiers might be excited by the fact that they can ski at an altitude of over 3,000m.
Winter sports aside, the natural scenery alone are worth the price of airfare. Take some time to explore the quaint car-free lanes in the village too.
Prague, Czech Republic
The winter month of December transforms the capital of Czech Republic into a beautiful snowy metropolis. This is the time when the city’s historic Gothic architecture is capped with snow, providing plenty of captivating shots for urban photography enthusiasts. There are also plenty of festive cheer in the air with the many Christmas markets you can visit. The ones at Old Town and Wenceslas squares are just walking distance from one another.
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