What’s your attitude toward winter? The season can become a magical Adventureland when you embrace your inner Elsa and declare, “The cold never bothered me, anyway.” It’s the perfect time of year for a romantic getaway that promises snuggle-time galore. 

Where should you go to experience the best in outdoor winter sports and memorable experiences you’ll long to journal about? Here are five fabulous places to embrace the cold weather this year when booking a romantic winter getaway. 

1. Williams, Ariz. 

You might not think of Arizona as a winter getaway land, but you can ride the real Polar Express in wonderful Williams — and yes, adults and kids alike are encouraged to wear their PJs. There are few better ways to inspire your belief in the magic of this season than riding to the “North Pole” to enjoy hot cocoa with Santa. 

That’s not the only reason to make Williams your romantic winter getaway destination. This location oozes Old-West charm and is home to America’s biggest rodeo. It also features Bearizona, where you can meet marvelous bruins. Finish with a scary ride down the alpine sled. 

If you need to get warm, relief is only an hour and a half to the south. Indulge in a hot yoga class in spiritual Sedona. If you’re lucky, you might catch a rare glimpse of white snow against red rocks — it never lasts long, so be sure to bring your camera if so. Williams is also the gateway to the Grand Canyon, which looks magnificent even without a dusting of the white stuff. 

2. Aspen, Colo.

Aspen, Colorado, has a longstanding reputation as a skier’s mecca, and you’ll find many of the best slopes, from bunny to double-black diamond, here. It’s also a romantic, cozy mountain town that will inspire snuggling over hot cocoa in the lodge apres-ski. 

The high Colorado mountains get mighty cold, especially at night, so master dressing in layers to keep cozy. Look for a wicking base layer, avoiding cotton, which holds in moisture, making you colder. Then, pile on the fleece and flannel and top it with water and a windbreaker outer layer to stay snug while skiing. 

After a day on the slopes, check out downtown Aspen. You’ll find no shortage of quaint shops and delicious gourmet restaurants to rebuild your strength after burning calories while cross-country skiing. 

3. Killington, Vt.

You don’t have to stay inside all winter if you reside on the East Coast and lack the budget to travel far. After all, getting outside boosts your immune system and lowers your risk of seasonal illnesses, and there are ample romantic winter getaways closer to home. For example, Killington, Vermont, is known as the “beast of the east” for a good reason. This outdoor winter paradise spans 1,509 acres, with 600 acres of snow for your skiing pleasure. 

However, hitting the slopes isn’t all you can do. The Wrecktangle allows you to test your ninja warrior skills in real life. You’ll also find the Killington Grand Spa, where you can get a couples massage before heading out for a romantic dinner at Preston’s, named after the founder of the Grand Hotel. 

4. The Poconos, Pa. 

Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains let you embrace the cold weather with your sweetie if you’re a bit further south. You don’t get a much more romantic couples getaway than spending your vacation in a heart or champagne glass-shaped hot tub. The spot is popular for honeymoons, meaning resorts offer in-suite pools, saunas, spa amenities like a couples massage, and sweetheart-themed rooms to reignite your passion. 

You won’t find any shortage of outdoor fun when you finally step out of your sweet suite. The region is home to several ski resorts. Additionally, you can go snow tubing if you find racing down the slopes upright a bit too scary. The area’s mountains offer plenty of hiking — if you’re lucky, you might spot a spectacular frozen waterfall. 

5. Kodiak, Alaska

Nothing is more romantic in the winter than seeing the northern lights with your loved one. Catch Mother Nature’s ultimate light show from Kodiak, Alaska, where you’ll have plenty of darkness to enjoy the spectacle. 

While Alaska invites you to embrace the cold weather, you can still get warm at this romantic winter getaway. The Chena Hot Springs Resort features a natural hot spring that maintains a steady 106 degrees Fahrenheit and allows visitors from other locations to visit for a daily fee. 

You’ll find skiing, snowboarding and sledding galore, or you can take a helicopter tour to see the spectacular scenery. You can also climb aboard Alaska Railways to see the sights from the ground. 

Embrace the cold

You gain tremendous freedom when you embrace the cold. Don’t let winter weather derail your travel plans. Instead, make the most of the season at these romantic winter getaways. 

You can strengthen your bond with your partner or enjoy a special family time with the kiddos. The world looks brand new when cloaked in white.