5 Bucket-List Travel Destinations for Winter Sports Enthusiasts
January 30, 2025
By Mia Barnes

Winter is upon us, meaning it’s time to break out the ski boots and heavy coats. The season’s arrival means numerous opportunities to participate in thrilling cold-weather sports, unwind and have fun. Which destinations should be on your bucket list? Here are five spots for the winter sports enthusiasts.

1. Niseko Annupuri, Japan

It’s hard to beat the feeling of racing down the slopes and absorbing nature around you. If you’re in the Niseko Annupuri mountains, you get the complete snowboarding experience. This Japanese destination is renowned worldwide for its slopes and is an excellent spot to stay active during the winter.

Niseko’s ski slopes have excellent consistency for snowboarding, making the winter sport even more fun. The mountains have numerous ski resorts filled with snowboarding trails and scenic views. While on the courses, you’ll see pristine forests, Mount Yotei and other unforgettable sights. 

2. Alberta Rocky Mountains, Canada

Downhill skiing can be intimidating, so the cross-country version may be a better alternative. If you enjoy this winter sport, head to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in the Alberta Rocky Mountains. This recreational area has easy and expert trails to fit your skill level. 

Regardless of the trail, cross-country skiing is among the best cardio exercises during the winter. If you want a long, relaxing ride, get on the Interlakes Trail. This path takes you to Upper Kananaskis Lake and provides stunning mountain views. Highwood Meadows, Hogarth Lakes and the Moraine Trail are also worth exploring. 

3. Mt. Hood National Forest, U.S. 

Most popular ski resorts are only open during the winter. These facilities require temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure safe and comfortable snow conditions. That said, you can participate in winter sports all year at Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon. Have you skied on an active volcano?

Skiing at Mt. Hood takes you 8,540 feet above sea level at the top of the Palmer chairlift. From there, you descend around 2,000 feet back to the base. Besides skiing, Mt. Hood National Forest offers sledding, tubing and other fun winter activities. If you want to escape the summer heat, northwest Oregon is the place to be.  

4. Lac de Joux, Switzerland

The Alps cover seven European countries, including Switzerland. On the western end of the mountain range, you find Lac de Joux near the French border. While the lake is great for summer swimming, it becomes a massive ice skating rink in the winter. The best part may be the free entry. 

This scenic lake provides a rare opportunity to skate outside a human-created rink. When the temperatures dip and the ice thickens, the conditions are ripe for skating. The winter activity is open from December to February and may close if the winds become strong.

5. Lake Placid, U.S.

Since the 1980 Winter Olympics, Lake Placid has become even more popular for sporting enthusiasts. Located in the Adirondack Mountains, this village is among America’s best for skiing, tubing and ice skating. History buffs may enjoy the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and its interactive exhibits.

What makes Lake Placid unique? It’s one of only two places in the U.S. where you can bobsled. Head to the New York facility to test the popular Winter Olympics event. On the half-mile course, the four-person bobsleds go as fast as 55 miles per hour. While you can’t participate in the ski jump, the other winter sports trials make you feel like an Olympian.  

Checking Off Your Winter Sports Bucket List

Winter sports are exhilarating and filled with adventures. While you can find snowboarding and skiing in numerous cold climates, some destinations stand tall among the crowd. When you travel, research the snow quality, safety measures and crowd levels to maximize your enjoyment.

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About the Author

Mia Barnes
Bio: Mia Barnes is a health and wellness freelance writer with a passion for providing safe, healthy, and practical travel and lifestyle tips. Mia is also the Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine, an online healthy living publication.