Ruslan Karun 1
Bol, Türkiye
Provided by: Kaya Palazzo Ski & Mountain Resort
Located roughly halfway between Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey’s mountainous Bolu province in northern Turkey boasts some of the country’s best sporting opportunities and cold-weather resorts. Visitors can explore the region’s historic mosques, museums, and national parks from Kaya Palazzo His Ski & Mountain Resort, ideally located in the ski hub of Kartalkaya.
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south tyrol, italy
Provided by: Forestis
Amalfi Coast, this is different! Tucked away on the border between Austria and Switzerland, the province of South Tyrol in northern Italy is a mountainous region that includes part of the Dolomites. The best vantage point for sweeping views of the wilderness is Forestis, a five-star hotel located approximately 6,000 feet above sea level. At that altitude, the crisp winter air improves oxygen transport throughout the body and actually restores energy. Take a deep breath!
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Andermatt, Switzerland
Valentin Luciger
Many visitors come to the region for the famous Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis ski route, which spans more than 111 miles over mountains nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, but Andermatt has more than just world-class slopes. After billions of dollars of redevelopment over the past 15 years, the Alpine village also features multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, and five-star accommodations.
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Four
Burlington, Vermont
Abrams Books/Getty
The holiday season is the most magical time of year in Vermont. Christmas lights sparkle in open-air markets, snow-capped mountains beckon visitors to the state’s top ski resorts, and cheer fills the air in small towns. If that’s not enough to convince you, Burlington happens to be located on Lake Champlain, offering great views, ice skating, and even ice hockey.
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Five
Hallstatt (Austria)
Ruslan Karun
Perhaps most famous for inspiring the setting of Disney’s Frozen movie, Hallstatt, Austria is a small village in the Alps between Salzburg and Vienna. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is also a popular day trip destination due to its beautiful lake views and charming old town.
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6
Greenland
alex hibbert
What Greenland lacks in big city centers, it more than makes up for in remote villages in the Arctic Circle. From dog sledding to hiking to catching the Northern Lights, Greenland is sure to whet the appetite of even the most adventurous soul.
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7
St. Louis, Missouri
jaybeard
Foodies flock to STL for its diverse and affordable restaurant scene, and this Midwestern metropolis has something for everyone. It’s up to you whether you just want to take a selfie in front of the Gateway Arch or spend the evening rinkside watching a local hockey team, the St. Louis Blues, play.
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8
Scottish Highlands
Provided by Getty Images
Whether you’re interested in making a pilgrimage to Loch Ness or hiking the Cairngorms National Park, Britain’s largest, the Scottish Highlands are a picturesque winter destination. Plan an itinerary to explore the local castles or stay at the Fife Arms, a former Victorian coaching inn in the town of Braemar. The Highland Games are held here in September.
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9
Seoul, South Korea
Jehaklee
In recent years, Korean television has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to Netflix. Did you know the Squid Game? Even if your favorite show doesn’t make you have a bucket list of iconic places to visit, winter in Seoul is a great time to unwind with some spicy budae jjigae or visit your local National Palace Museum. A great place to stop by. Unleash your Joseon Dynasty fantasy.
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Ten
dublin, ireland
David Thorns Photography
From Gothic cathedrals to contemporary art galleries, Dublin is bursting with culture. Plan a day trip to the wild Atlantic coast to take in the views from the Cliffs of Moher, then return to the city and unwind with a beer and a guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse.
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11
copenhagen denmark
Kevin Grace
This picturesque port town is famous for being home to the famous mermaid and is home to some of the world’s best restaurants and museums, including the Thorvaldsen Museum, a personal favorite of stylist Colin King . Raise your glass and toast the cold weather, then check out the best Scandinavian design.
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12
Kennebunkport, Maine
Educational Images // Getty Images
There’s a reason Kennebunkport is popular no matter the season. From the quaint coastline to the charming shops downtown, the picturesque town’s charm lasts well beyond lobster roll and beachcombing season.
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13
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Marca // Getty Images
This exclusive alpine resort town is more than just a ski resort. While its long history (the birthplace of Alpine tourism) gives the region an old-world charm, the constantly evolving city is the perfect place for a dream vacation. Think playing polo on a frozen lake, skiing late into the night (does anyone ski until 2 a.m.?), and unparalleled après-ski amenities.
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14
lyon, france
AGF//Getty Images
Lyon’s famous Festival of Lights is enough to make you visit this lively French city located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Every winter in France, the Virgin Mary is celebrated in the Lyonnaise tradition. In this tradition, each house places a candle outside its window, creating a unified glow throughout the city. There are also light shows at Fourvière Cathedral and Place de Terreaux, which are a worthwhile sight for tourists and locals alike.
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15
Big Bear Lake, California
Anne Johansson // Getty Images
The small city of Big Bear Lake is primarily a popular destination during the winter months due to its popular Bear Mountain Ski Resort and family-friendly Snow Summit Ski Resort. The ski area’s commercial area, Big Bear Lake Village, is filled with local shops, boutiques, and restaurants, making it the perfect place to enjoy the snowy season and escape the cold in one of the town’s cozy spots.
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16
Condon, Montana
Courtesy of Holland Peak Ranch
Condon, Montana is a worthwhile trip, even if it starts and ends at Holland Peak Ranch. Comprised of three luxurious mansions and over 1,000 acres of beautiful prairie, this dreamy retreat is an all-star spot in any season. The quiet, unincorporated community of Condon is the perfect place to escape your busy life and enjoy a cool, cozy respite.
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17
lake bled, slovenia
DEA/M. MILANI//Getty Images
Located within Slovenia’s Julian Alps, Lake Bled is an idyllic body of water surrounding the island of Bled. The lake is picturesque all year round, but the real spectacle comes in winter, when you can enjoy skiing and other attractions such as the Vintgar Gorge, waterfalls and caves.
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18
Harbin, China
Langevin Jacques // Getty Images
Harbin, China, nicknamed the “Ice City”, is known for its long and cold winters (the snow season can last almost half a year). The moment when the city truly shines. The continued cold weather means there are plenty of chilly activities to enjoy, from skiing at the famous Yabuli Ski Resort to participating in the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, which lasts an entire month.
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19
bergen, norway
Tatiana Kolesnikova // Getty Images
Stock up on Norwegian sweaters at the Oleana Textile Factory, then ride the Floibanen cable car bullet train for the best views of the city, then ski down one of the seven famous mountains. Or stay at sea level or high above the fjord and Instagram your favorite fishing town to your heart’s content.
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20
Lake Tahoe, California
Susan Gary Photo // Getty Images
It’s a pretty bizarre experience to land in sunny San Francisco, eat an In-N-Out burger and soak up the sun, and then drive headlong into a blizzard. But that’s the beauty of this place, less than four hours from SFO. Tahoe is decidedly understated, perhaps due to the huge alpine lake that gives it its name, giving it a cozy, witty atmosphere.
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Sean Santiago is Deputy Editor of ELLE Decor, covering news, trends and talent in interior design, hospitality, travel and luxury. He wrote “So Courant”! Magazine and column for elledecor.com.
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