Less crowds, scenic landscapes, and a much better experience – winter isn’t any less of a glory when it comes to travelling and exploration.

“Winter Is Coming” is not only a motto of House Stark but a season filled with dozen holidays. Some of the most breath-taking destinations in the world provide brilliant and exhilarating views that are perfect for relaxation and family time. Snow not only brings in exciting activities but also gives the travellers a chance to indulge in the nature. Seriously, there can be no better excuse to take a break from day-to-day activities. 

Let Peaklife guide you to put the right gear for a snowy mountain hike or for a quick ski where you reset the mind and body for a better and more rewarding snow-cation. Take a look:

IN FINLAND

Finland might not be a part of Scandinavia, yet it still manages to hold similar features as its neighbouring countries. The country holds some of the most breathtaking sceneries and poise nature. The Northern Lights in the northern most part of the country are quite a spectacle to watch in the night. Helsinki, the capital of Finland is the most prominent destination for tourists. 

The city looks very similar to St. Petersburg, considering it was built in 1812 to replicate the city’s style. Another city that is worth the mention is the small city of Savonlinna in the heart of Finnish Lakeland. The main attraction here is St. Olaf’s Castle which was built in the 15th century. 

IN NEVADA

Located in Nevada, Lake Tahoe is an ideal winter tourist destination. The winter season accentuates the beauty of the lake which is one of the most spectacular sights to see. Mountain ranges completely smothered in snow, the gleamy views of the turquoise and blue waters; alpine trees surrounded with pine trees that reach the heavens beautify the overall experience. Winters are quite serene in this part of the world. 

The air is pure and symbolises rest and relaxation. Lake Taho has a well-poised environment with some of the most stunning mountain cabins, luxurious villas and resorts. If luxury is your game, then a visit to this region should be on your bucket-list. 

The southern point of the lake lies Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Ski Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort lay impeccable conditions for both downhill skiing and snowboarding conditions in the Nevada Mountains. 

IN INDIA

Bonfires, boots and Christmas cake is best experienced during winters in the hills. There is no place in India that can beat the ‘Queen of Hills’ – Shimla. With the mighty Himalayas in the background, this is the best season to reach those untouched heights of Himachal Pradesh. 

As the mercury falls, Shimla rises and becomes an ideal destination for friends and families to rejuvenate themselves. Whether viewing the scenery from the comfort of your hotel room or spending the day in town – Shimla has got you covered with some breath-taking backdrops. 

With temperatures touching 10°C during the day and plunging to sub-zero figures by night, this is the perfect destination to complete your bucket-list. The destination has some of the most amazing campsites in Shoghi, Sarahan, Sandasu, and Chirgaon that are bestowed with Pine, Oak and Deodar forests. Kangra Valley offers the perfect setup to go paragliding. This adventure can make any traveller fall in love with mountains and valleys. 

IN SWITZERLAND

Nested in the Eastern Alps, the city of St. Moritz flanks with luxury hotels, clubs, and Michelin starred restaurants. The winter is the primetime of all fun with the symbolic St. Moritz Lake hosting events like snow polo, golfing, and even horse riding on ice! The El Paradiso is another sight to behold where dozens of restaurants grace the terrace and mouth-watering cuisines along breathtaking views 2100 above sea level accompany. For the ones high on nightlife, St. Moritz has some of the best choices. Delve at the strictly private renowned Dracula Club or the world’s largest whiskey bar at Hotel Waldhaus am See. The best part? Most of the popular areas are close-knitted so you may assure enjoying more than many hotspots of this wintertime paradise. The little town has much to offer –both in the day and at night. 

IN OMAN

Best known as the “Pearl of Arabia”, this country enjoys three to four months of winter every year. Even though summers might be too extreme in Oman, it is the winter season that compensates for the same. With diverse terrain and landscape, winter season lets avid travellers explore the real Oman. The terrains are an ideal destination for camping – from giant mountains, long stretches of desert to blue waters – there’s something for everyone to just lay down and enjoy. Prominent places like Wahiba Sands Desert, Yiti Beach, Wadi Bani Khalid, and Jebal Shams are known to offer some spectacular experiences as tourism and population have not spoiled the natural beauty of Oman. 

No trip to Oman is complete without dune bashing. Travellers need not travel far off from the city high dunes for dune bashing can be found in the city as well. Places like Baushar dunes, Wahiba Sands, Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) offer the best dune bashing experiences in the entire Middle-East.