Top 10 Winter Countries in the World for Tourists

Switzerland is what many people picture when they imagine winter: steep snowy peaks, wooden chalets, and perfectly organized ski resorts. The Swiss Alps offer some of the world’s most famous ski areas and mountain villages, with reliable snow at higher altitudes well into late winter.

• Zermatt & Matterhorn: Iconic views, car-free village, excellent skiing.
• Jungfrau Region (Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren): Scenic hiking, sledding, and ski slopes.
• St. Moritz & Davos: High-end resorts, winter sports events and frozen lakes.

• Ride panoramic trains like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express.
• Ski or snowboard in world-class resorts, or try snowshoeing and sledging.
• Visit Christmas markets in cities like Zurich and Lucerne.

• Switzerland is expensive: book early and consider smaller villages for better prices.
• Use rail passes if you plan multiple mountain journeys.
• Weather can change fast at altitude—always check avalanche and lift reports.

Canada’s huge land mass means long, cold winters with plenty of snow, especially in the western provinces and Quebec. The Canadian Rockies alone attract millions of winter visitors each year for skiing, snowboarding, and icy landscapes.

• Banff & Lake Louise (Alberta): Frozen turquoise lakes, ski resorts and hot springs.
• Whistler (British Columbia): One of North America’s largest ski areas.
• Quebec City & Montreal: European-style streets, famous Winter Carnival, snow festivals.

• Skiing, snowboarding, or heli-skiing in the Rockies or Whistler.
• Ice skating on frozen lakes and canals (e.g., Rideau Canal in Ottawa).
• Dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and winter wildlife tours.

• Temperatures can drop below −20 °C in parts of Canada—pack proper thermal layers.
• Road conditions can be icy; if you drive, rent winter-equipped vehicles.
• Peak times: Christmas–New Year and public holidays; book ski lodging months in advance.

Japan has become one of the world’s trendiest winter destinations, especially for skiers and snowboarders chasing light, dry “Japow” snow. Hokkaido is known as one of the snowiest populated regions in the world, and tourism there keeps growing quickly.

• Hokkaido (Niseko, Furano, Sapporo): Deep powder, snow festivals, seafood.
• Nagano & Niigata: Former Winter Olympic sites with many mid-sized ski resorts.
• Tokyo & Kyoto: Mild winter temps, fewer crowds at temples and shrines.

• Skiing and snowboarding followed by a soak in an outdoor onsen (hot spring).
• Visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival (huge ice and snow sculptures).
• Seeing snow monkeys in Jigokudani (Nagano) bathing in hot springs.

• Japan’s rail network makes it easy to combine cities and ski resorts—consider a JR Pass.
• Winters are cold in the north but more moderate around Tokyo and Osaka.
• Book resort accommodation early; Japanese school holidays make some weeks very busy.

Norway is one of the world’s most reliable places to see the Northern Lights, especially above the Arctic Circle in Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands. Recent tourism data suggests Scandinavia, including Norway, is seeing strong growth in winter travel as visitors chase “cold is the new hot” experiences.

• Tromsø & Alta: Aurora viewing, dog-sledding, Sami culture.
• Lofoten Islands: Dramatic fjord landscapes, fishing villages under the aurora.
• Oslo & Bergen: City culture, museums, gateway to fjord cruises.

• Chasing the Northern Lights with guided tours or self-drive trips.
• Staying in rorbuer (traditional fishermen’s cabins) along the coast.
• Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or whale-watching in Arctic waters.

• Bring serious winter gear—temperatures and wind chill can be extreme.
• The aurora is never guaranteed; allow several nights in the Arctic region.
• Food and alcohol are expensive; self-catering helps with budgets.

Finland, especially Finnish Lapland, is a dream destination for families and couples. Tourism authorities expect Finland to grow faster than the European average in the coming years thanks to winter adventure travel and unique aurora accommodations.

• Rovaniemi (Lapland): “Official” home of Santa Claus, reindeer safaris.
• Kittilä / Levi & Ylläs: Popular ski and aurora destinations.
• Helsinki: Frosty seaside capital with design shops and cafés.

• Sleeping in glass igloos or aurora cabins and watching the Northern Lights from bed.
• Meeting Santa, visiting reindeer farms and trying husky sledding.
• Relaxing in traditional Finnish saunas, sometimes followed by a roll in the snow.

• Polar night means very short daylight hours in mid-winter—plan activities accordingly.
• Layer up: −20 °C or lower is common in Lapland.
• Peak family season is December; January–March can be slightly quieter and often have clearer skies.

Iceland mixes glaciers, volcanoes and geothermal pools, making winter feel otherworldly. Visitor numbers have boomed over the last decade, and winter now attracts travelers who want to see icy landscapes without summer crowds.

• Reykjavík: Lively base with restaurants, nightlife and day tours.
• South Coast: Waterfalls, black-sand beaches, glacier walks.
• Blue Lagoon & other hot springs: Warm pools surrounded by snow.

• Soaking in geothermal lagoons while snow falls around you.
• Snowmobiling or hiking on glaciers with a guide.
• Northern Lights excursions away from city lights.

• Roads can be closed due to storms; always check conditions if self-driving.
• Food and accommodation are pricey—book early and look for guesthouses.
• Daylight is limited around December but increases quickly from January onward.

Austria is one of Europe’s top winter holiday destinations, known for its efficient lift systems, cozy villages, and festive cities. The Alps here are packed with ski slopes and well-run resorts.

• Tyrol (Innsbruck, Kitzbühel, Ischgl): Major ski hubs, lively après-ski.
• Salzburg & Salzkammergut: Mountains, lakes and Christmas markets.
• Vienna: Grand architecture, New Year concerts and winter cafés.

• Skiing and snowboarding on extensive, interconnected slopes.
• Exploring Christmas markets with mulled wine and local crafts.
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy valleys.

• Austrian resorts can be more affordable than some Swiss equivalents.
• Early- and late-season snow is most reliable at higher-altitude areas.
• Consider regional ski passes that cover several neighboring resorts.

The United States offers almost every type of winter experience: major ski resorts, national parks under snow, and cities famous for holiday lights and shopping. Winter travel volumes keep setting records, especially around the December holidays.

• Colorado & Utah: Aspen, Vail, Park City and other major ski destinations.
• Vermont & New Hampshire: Quaint New England towns and ski hills.
• New York City: Skating at Rockefeller Center, Times Square, holiday markets.

• Skiing and snowboarding in the Rockies or Sierra Nevada.
• Seeing New York’s holiday decorations and Broadway shows.
• Visiting national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite in their quiet, snowy season (with proper planning).

• Domestic flights can be disrupted by storms; keep some flexibility in your schedule.
• Popular ski towns are expensive in peak weeks—consider smaller resorts nearby.
• Driving in winter requires caution; many mountain roads need snow tires or chains.

Sweden’s north is perfect for travelers who want Arctic landscapes without huge crowds. Winter tourism is expected to grow steadily, with iconic experiences like the world-famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi drawing visitors from around the globe.

• Swedish Lapland (Kiruna, Abisko): Aurora viewing, Icehotel, dog-sledding.
• Stockholm: Cozy old town, archipelago views, museums.
• Åre: Sweden’s best-known ski resort.

• Spending a night in a room carved from ice and snow.
• Taking the Arctic Circle train between Sweden and Norway.
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in quiet forests.

• Book Icehotel and similar properties many months in advance.
• Daylight is limited in deep winter—use twilight hours for photography.
• Public transport is good; you don’t have to drive in icy conditions if you prefer not to.

France combines some of the world’s largest interconnected ski areas with cultural cities like Paris and Strasbourg that shine in winter. Alpine countries such as France are classic choices for snow sports and cozy village life.

• French Alps (Chamonix, Les Trois Vallées, Espace Killy): Huge ski terrain, glacier views.
• Alsace (Strasbourg, Colmar): Famous Christmas markets, half-timbered houses.
• Paris: Fewer crowds at big sights, cafés and museums for cold days.

• Skiing iconic slopes under Mont Blanc or across massive resort networks.
• Sampling fondue, raclette and French pastries after a day in the snow.
• Strolling through Christmas markets and illuminated streets in Strasbourg or Paris.

• School holidays in France and the UK make some February weeks very busy in the Alps.
• Consider smaller resorts or January dates for better prices and quieter slopes.
• Trains and shuttle buses connect many resorts from Geneva or Lyon airports.