Winter doesn't mean you have to hibernate indoors—it's the perfect time to explore magical landscapes, cozy mountain towns, and thrilling adventures.
Picture yourself snowshoeing through frosted forests, skiing down powdery slopes, or sipping hot cocoa in a charming downtown after a day of outdoor fun.
We've scoured the U.S. to uncover the best outdoor cities that blend stunning winter wilderness with warm, welcoming retreats.
Whether you're chasing snowy thrills or mild winter escapes, these destinations offer the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.
Ready to discover your next winter wonderland? Let's dive in!
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is the perfect city for a quiet, snowy getaway.
Bundle up and head out to Acadia National Park for some beautiful snowshoeing, hiking, or cross-country skiing.
We recommend checking out Acadia's Carriage Roads, which make up 45 miles of incredible roads and trails that will get you up close to all the park's best views.
Once you've got your fill of the snowy landscape, head back to Bar Harbor and explore the many cozy cafes and shops scattered throughout the town.
Also see: Hiking In Snow 101
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is the quintessential New England snow town.
If you're looking for an East Coast ski getaway, this is it.
Head out in the morning to the Stowe Mountain Ski Resort for 485 acres of skiable terrain and 116 downhill skiing trails of every level.
If you're looking for something more relaxed, you can explore the snowshoeing and hiking trails at the Trapp Family Lodge.
Make sure you check their day and season pass requirements before heading over!
This Vermont town certainly has no shortage of adventure and views, but make sure you also check out their cute town center.
There, you'll find boutiques, local restaurants, and cafes – all under the beautiful Smugglers Notch Mountain.
Brevard, North Carolina
Winter in Brevard is mild, with only occasional snow.
It's a great spot to visit if you want to see gorgeous, chilly views – without the hassle of heavy snow.
Known as the "Land of Waterfalls," Brevard boasts over 250 waterfalls with hiking trails of all difficulties to reach them.
Winter can be the best time to visit them because crowd size will be low and the cold weather can create beautiful and icy features throughout the falls.
Because of the mild weather, you'll be able to take advantage of the many biking trails in Pisgah National Forest year-round! Follow the Bent Creek Trail to reach Lake Powhatan for an easy, 5.5 mile trail to a gorgeous lake view.
All that, and the town of Brevard itself is super cute! Check out O.P.Taylors for a classic toy store experience, or grab a scoop at Dolly's Ice Cream (but make sure to check their hours first).
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
If you're looking for a mild and peaceful getaway this winter, Eureka Springs is the place for you.
You won't be hit with super cold weather, so you'll be able to take advantage of the Ozark Moutain's many hiking trails without worrying too much about icy conditions.
We recommend the Lake Leatherwood Loop as a starting hike for your getaway.
It's a moderate, 2.4 mile loop that will get you out to see the Ozark sites – and get you excited for more hikes!
When you're done with the chill, check out the historic downtown of Eureka Springs for cozy shops, art galleries, cafes, and local nightlife.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is a snowy ski town nestled at the base of the Tetons with a luxury vibe.
If you're into skiing, visit the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for well-kept and challenging terrain.
During the winter months, the National Elk Refuge nearby offers sleigh rides through the gorgeous wildlife preserve.
This is one of the best ways to see the rugged landscape and its inhabitants in their natural habitat.
One of the oldest historic towns in the Mountain West, Jackson itself offers a plethora of art galleries, local restaurants, bookstores, museums, and a historic town square.
Check out the Yippy I-O Candy Company for a classic candy store experience and great fudge!
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs is a gorgeous, ski resort town in Northwest Colorado.
With over 170 trails (their longest run is 3 miles long!), the Steamboat Ski Resort is a great spot to crush some powder or test your mettle in their many terrain parks.
Once you're tired out on the hill, you'll be able to explore their downtown, where you'll find great lodging, local shops, and fantastic dining options.
They even have hot springs in their main downtown area.
Check out Old Town Hot Springs for more information.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish is a snowy, rustic city located right next to the entrance to Glacier National Park.
If you're looking to ski, Whitefish Mountain Resort boasts 3,000+ acres of skiable terrain (that's a lot!) and 110+ named trails.
The town of Whitefish is a gorgeous, relaxed town that prioritizes caring for the nature around it.
Outfitters from the town can take you to do almost anything.
Try your hand at ice climbing winter fat biking with their incredible guide services!
One of the well-kept secrets of Whitefish is that it's one of the main stops of Amtrack's Empire Builder train.
Board this train in Whitefish and take a ride through some of the most gorgeous scenery you can find in Glacier National Park.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is snowy, but not as frigid as some of the other spots on this list.
Even so, you'll still find incredible skiing and snowboarding at Taos Ski Valley.
Don't want to ski? Check out the many trails that lace through the Rio Grande area, or check out the local hot springs.
Taos might be one of the coolest cultural spots on this list.
The city has a long indigenous history and is home to the Taos Pueblo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The Pueblo offers incredible educational and cultural tours to learn about the thousands of years of history in the area.
We highly recommend checking out the tours, which are hosted all year long.
This mountain town also offers a wide variety of art galleries, local shops, fantastic dining experiences, and much more!
Sedona, Arizona
Winter is the best time to visit Sedona because the weather is crisp and the crowd size is low! Visiting Sedona means you're avoiding snow and taking advantage of incredible hiking and biking opportunities.
We recommend checking out the Devil's Bridge Trail (via the Dry Creek Road) for a moderate and gorgeous hike.
If you're looking for something more challenging, check out the Cathedral Rock Trail – it's short, but the elevation gain is definitely substantial!
If you're looking to relax, Sedona is home to a variety of wellness and spiritual retreats.
If that's your jam, take a look at this page to see a list of available retreats hosted in the city.
Bend, Oregon
Bend is a cute, snowy town with lots of available winter sport opportunities on the West Coast.
Check out Mt.Bachelor for over 950 acres of great skiing and snowboarding terrain.
If you want a slower pace, Deschutes National Forest is a great spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures.
We recommend checking out Tumalo Falls (via Tumalo Creek Trail) for a moderate, 6.4 mile trail.
The town of Bend itself is home to a variety of local shopping and dining, as well as a fantastic arts district.
Want a day out of the snow altogether? Check out the High Desert Museum to learn about the history of the area, the local sawmill economy, and their area's current conservationist efforts.
Let us know where you go!
We hope you take this list and run with it!
We love all these spots, but we want to hear how you liked them on your own adventures.
Do you have any other recommendations? Let us know in the comments below.