There is some kind of magic to winter that inspires us to be the one with nature. This is the time when people look for remote locations for holidays so they could spend time with themselves and still be active. Whether you are skiing down the slope or chasing northern lights, you value your privacy and peaceful setting that lets you be alone with your mind.
So, if you are looking for an idyllic winter destination, here are beautiful but underrated getaways from around the globe that will turn your holiday into a fun and unique experience.
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Finnish Lapland, Finland
Finnish Lapland is a remote and snowy destination that will show you the true magic of winter thanks to its fairytale features. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers a unique experience with their glass igloos you can stay at and fall asleep watching the northern lights. Here you can ride a sleigh, go on a husky safari or try ice-fishing, but the main reason visitors come here is for gorgeous landscapes and chasing Aurora Borealis.
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Iceland
Iceland in winter has fewer people with beautiful landscapes and a lot of fun activities to do like dog sledding, ice fishing and, of course, skiing. The most popular tour here is the Golden Circle which will show you the most prominent landmarks like Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park and Geysir geothermal area. This is also a perfect season to explore glaciers, ice tunnels and even go into the ice cave. Make sure to visit Glacier Lagoon, too since it is full of amazing waterfalls, lava field, tiny icebergs, and black sand beaches.
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Sölden, Austria
Austria is famous for its gorgeous wintery landscapes and this is why it’s one of the most desired skiing destinations in the world. However, even being so popular, this country has some underrated gems any skier must visit. Sölden in the Ötz valley is full of dramatic slopes and views over a Tyrolean region which was even featured in the James Bond movie Spectre. It has numerous ski lodges, spas with saunas and first class restaurant which are perfect to end the day of skiing down its adrenaline-boosting slopes.
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Greenough, Montana
If you are looking for a luxurious underrated getaway, then Greenough in the US state Montana might be a perfect destination for you. Here you can stay at one of the resorts and go sightseeing on a horse, enjoy cross-country skiing and hiking in nature. If you want to pamper yourself, there is always an option to stay in your room and have a bubble bath or lunch in front of the fireplace. And all skiing enthusiast will find interest in a new sport here called skijoring where the skier is pulled by a horse or a dog.
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Bariloche, Argentina
While many know Argentina as a sunny and warm place, it actually has one of the biggest ski resorts in South America – Mount Cathedral. Everyone looking to escape hot summers will find snowy picturesque landscapes here since winter time here is from June to September. The area is full of timber lodges overlooking the snowcapped peaks and Bariloche’s town center Centro Cívico often reminds people of Switzerland.
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Megève, France
Megève in France is a secluded village surrounded by three popular ski resorts Mont d’Arbois, Rochebrune, and Le Jaillet. This is the perfect alpine retreat for those who are looking for pristine slopes, the finest French cuisine at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants and gorgeous views over the Alps. There is an open-air ice-skating rink in town which is perfect for family holidays, as well as horse-drawn sleighs to take you sightseeing. The area is full of rustic chalets and cobbled medieval streets, while those wanting to go shopping can do so in one of many designer boutiques.
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Niseko, Japan
Situated on Hokkaido Island, Niseko is a perfect spot for all those winter lovers looking for ideal Japan holiday packages. Mt. Niseko-Annupuri slopes offer ideal terrain for skiing and snowboarding, but those who are not into winter sports can play golf at one of the courses overlooking the mountain peaks. Japan is also famous for its hot springs known as onsen which you can enjoy at one of the numerous resorts located on surrounding mountains.
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Lofoten Archipelago, Norway
Fjords of Norway are the perfect destinations for those who besides skiing want to go on trekking expeditions in the polar wilderness. You will have a unique opportunity to sail around the Lofoten Archipelago which includes islands and fjords reaching the Arctic Circle. Here you can ski from the mountain top down the untouched slope right to the sailboat that waits for you. This is also home to Orcas so you may go on a whale watching and even get a chance to snorkel with them.
Lastly
The world is full of beautiful but underrated getaways that will be a perfect choice for a winter holiday. And no matter if you’re into winter sports or not, you will easily find activities that will enrich your experience.