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Best winter trip destinations in Europe

Winter trip illustration by Maya Minasyan, PixMeta Studio

Selection of best winter trip destinations in Europe

Are you feeling stuck in a winter rut? The selection of the best winter trip destinations in Europe will help you to get motivated and navigate with stunning winter resorts and attractions in every country. It’s easy to fall into the trap of staying indoors and hunkering down as the weather gets colder, but sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what we need to break out of that funk. And what better time to shake things up than with a winter trip?

First of all, winter trips offer a chance to experience a new place in a different way. Instead of the crowds and heat of summer, you’ll get to see a destination with a fresh coat of snow and a cozy atmosphere. And with so many winter activities to choose from, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and even just building a snowman, there’s no shortage of fun things to do.

Winter trip, skiing
Winter is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. It’s also a great time to cozy up in a cabin or lodge and relax by the fireplace. Winter is also a popular time to visit holiday markets, enjoy festive meals and drinks, and spend time with friends and family. Winter trip, skiing. Photo by Karine Avetisyan

But the benefits of a winter trip go beyond just the change of scenery. Taking a break from your daily routine can be a great way to reset and recharge. Whether you’re traveling solo or with loved ones, a winter trip can be a perfect opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and just enjoy the present moment.

And don’t let the cold weather deter you from traveling. With the right planning and packing, you can stay warm and comfortable during your trip. Layering is key, as is investing in quality winter gear like hats, gloves, and warm boots.

So don’t let the winter blues get you down. Embrace the season and plan a trip to a new and exciting destination. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to tackle whatever the rest of the year has in store.

What to do during a winter trip?

There are many fun and exciting things you can do during a winter tour, depending on your destination and interests. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Hit the slopes: If you’re traveling to a destination with ski resorts, make sure to take advantage of the opportunity to hit the slopes. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, there’s something for everyone on the mountain.
  2. Go ice skating: Many cities and towns have outdoor ice skating rinks during the winter months, providing a fun and festive activity for all ages.
  3. Explore a winter wonderland: Take a walk or hike through a snowy landscape and enjoy the beauty of the winter scenery. Make sure to dress warmly and bring along some hot cocoa or tea to keep you warm.
  4. Visit a holiday market: Many cities and towns have holiday markets during the winter months, offering a chance to shop for unique gifts and sample local food and drink.
  5. Relax in a cozy cabin or lodge: If you just want to relax and unwind, consider booking a cabin or lodge in a snowy destination. You can spend your days cozying up by the fireplace and your nights stargazing through the snow-covered windows.
  6. Try a new winter sport: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying a new winter sport, such as ice climbing, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.

No matter what you choose to do during your winter tour, the most important thing is to have fun and embrace the season.

Austria

Winter in Austria is a magical time of year, with picturesque snow-covered landscapes and a host of winter activities to enjoy.

One of the main attractions of winter in Austria is its ski resorts, which offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. With its high elevation and reliable snowfall, Austria is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, you can also try cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing.

Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel, Austria. Photo by Chiara Lo

But skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only activities to enjoy during the winter in Austria. You can also visit the country’s many holiday markets, which offer a chance to shop for unique gifts and sample local food and drink. Many cities and towns also host winter festivals and events, such as ice sculptures and light displays, providing plenty of entertainment for visitors.

If you’re looking to relax and unwind, Austria also has many cozy lodges and cabins where you can escape the cold and relax by the fireplace. And with its rich culture and history, Austria has plenty of indoor activities to enjoy as well, such as visiting museums and galleries or experiencing the country’s famous music and opera.

Overall, winter in Austria is a truly special time of year, offering a range of activities for all interests and a beautiful winter wonderland to explore.

See the quick bucket list of Vienna

Vienna excursions

Famous winter resorts of Austria

Austria is home to many ski resorts that offer a range of attractions and activities for winter sports enthusiasts. Austria is obviously one of the best winter trip destinations in Europe. Here are a few examples:

  1. St. Anton am Arlberg: Located in the western Austrian Alps, St. Anton is known for its challenging ski runs and off-piste terrain. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
  2. Kitzbühel: Located in the eastern Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel is home to some of the most challenging ski runs in the world, making it a favorite destination for advanced skiers. The resort also offers a range of other activities, including ice skating, snowshoeing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
  3. Ischgl: Located in the western Austrian Alps, Ischgl is known for its modern ski lifts and wide variety of ski runs. The resort also offers a range of other activities, including ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
  4. Sölden: Located in the central Austrian Alps, Sölden is known for its challenging ski runs and modern ski lifts. The resort also offers a range of other activities, including ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
  5. Obertauern: Located in the southern Austrian Alps, Obertauern is known for its varied ski runs and modern ski lifts. The resort also offers a range of other activities, including ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Cheapest flights to Vienna

Armenia

Are you looking for a unique and memorable winter trip destination? Consider visiting Armenia, a small country in the South Caucasus region known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming culture. Armenia is a hidden gem and is considered a perfect destination for winter trips as it’s located in the high mountainous region and has perfect resorts for any kind of traveler.

Christmas Yerevan 2022
Christmas Yerevan 2022. Photo by Vardan Papikyan

One of the main attractions of a winter trip to Armenia is the opportunity to experience the country’s many ski resorts. Armenia has several ski resorts located in the mountains, offering a range of ski runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can also try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

Check out the story about Armenia travel attractions

But a winter trip to Armenia isn’t just about hitting the slopes. The country also has a rich cultural heritage, with many historical and cultural sites to explore. You can visit the ancient Temple of Garni, the monasteries of Geghard and Haghpat, and the Matenadaran, a museum of ancient manuscripts.

If you’re looking to relax and unwind, Armenia also has many cozy lodges and cabins where you can escape the cold and relax by the fireplace. And with its delicious cuisine, featuring dishes such as dolma and lavash, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample local flavors during your trip.

See also: Yerevan bucket list

Overall, a winter trip to Armenia is the perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion. From skiing and snowboarding at the country’s ski resorts to exploring its rich history and cultural heritage, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The unique and varied landscapes, coupled with the warmth and hospitality of the Armenian people, make for a truly memorable experience that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Explore excursions in Yerevan, Armenia

Which are the top winter resorts in Armenia?

Armenia is home to several ski resorts that offer a range of attractions and activities for winter sports enthusiasts. Here are a few examples:

  1. Tsakhkadzor: Located in Kotayk Province, Tsakhkadzor is a popular ski resort known for its challenging ski runs and modern ski lifts. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
  2. Jermuk: Located in the Vayots Dzor Province, Jermuk is a popular ski resort known for its varied ski runs and modern ski lifts. The resort also offers a range of other activities, including ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
  3. Sevan: Located in the Gegharkunik Province, Sevan is a small ski resort known for its challenging ski runs and beautiful lake views. The resort also offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
  4. Dilijan: Located in the Tavush Province, Dilijan is a small resort known for its picturesque sights and beautiful forested surroundings.

Cheap flights to Yerevan, Armenia

Yerevan flights directory includes cheap flight options and a trip calendar designed for finding the best dates for traveling to Armenia.

Switzerland

Switzerland is a stunning country that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for travelers, and a winter tour in Switzerland is a truly magical experience. From skiing and snowboarding at world-class resorts to exploring the country’s charming cities and villages, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Switzerland during the winter months.

Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt, Switzerland. Photo by Robert Rey

One of the main attractions of a winter tour in Switzerland is the opportunity to hit the slopes at some of the best ski resorts in the world. Switzerland has a number of resorts to choose from, ranging from small and intimate to large and well-known. Some popular ski resorts in Switzerland include Zermatt, Verbier, and St. Moritz. These resorts offer a range of ski runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, as well as other winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

But a winter tour in Switzerland isn’t just about skiing and snowboarding. The country is also home to a number of charming cities and villages that are worth exploring. Some of the must-see destinations in Switzerland during the winter months include the capital city of Bern, with its picturesque Old Town and Christmas markets, and the lakeside city of Lucerne, with its beautiful mountain views and historic landmarks.

If you’re looking to relax and unwind during your winter tour in Switzerland, the country has many cozy lodges and cabins where you can escape the cold and relax by the fireplace. And with its delicious cuisine, featuring dishes such as fondue and raclette, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample local flavors during your trip.

Overall, a winter tour in Switzerland is a truly unforgettable experience, offering a combination of world-class ski resorts, charming cities and villages, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just looking to experience the magic of winter in Switzerland, this beautiful country has something for everyone.

See guided excursions in Zurich, Switzerland

Which are the best winter resorts in Switzerland?

Are you looking for the perfect winter getaway? Switzerland is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, offering a range of activities and attractions for winter sports enthusiasts. Here are five winter resorts in Switzerland that you won’t want to miss:

  1. Zermatt: Located in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is a popular ski resort known for its challenging ski runs and beautiful mountain views. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
  2. Verbier: Located in the Valais region, Verbier is a popular ski resort known for its challenging ski runs and après-ski scene. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
  3. St. Moritz: Located in the Engadin region, St. Moritz is a well-known ski resort known for its challenging ski runs and luxurious atmosphere. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
  4. Davos: Located in the Grisons region, Davos is a popular ski resort known for its wide variety of ski runs and modern ski lifts. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
  5. Arosa: Located in the Grisons region, Arosa is a small ski resort known for its challenging ski runs and beautiful lake views. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

Overall, these five winter resorts in Switzerland offer something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned skier or just looking to experience the magic of the winter season.

See also the travel guide for Zurich, Switzerland, and the ultimate list of cheap flights to Zurich.

Montenegro

Are you looking for a unique and affordable winter getaway destination? Consider visiting Montenegro, a small country located on the Adriatic Sea that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for travelers.

Zabljak, Montenegro
Zabljak, Montenegro. Photo by Pavel Marianov

One of the main attractions of a winter tour in Montenegro is the opportunity to experience the country’s stunning natural beauty. Montenegro is home to a number of national parks and protected areas, including Biogradska Gora National Park, Durmitor National Park, and Skadar Lake National Park. These parks offer a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking, as well as the chance to see some of the country’s unique flora and fauna.

But a winter tour in Montenegro isn’t just about the great outdoors. The country also has a rich cultural heritage, with many historical and cultural sites to explore. You can visit the ancient city of Ulcinj, the walled city of Kotor, and the monastery of Ostrog, among many other interesting sites.

If you’re looking to relax and unwind during your winter tour in Montenegro, the country has many cozy lodges and cabins where you can escape the cold and relax by the fireplace. And with its delicious cuisine, featuring dishes such as cicvara and pastrmajlija, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample local flavors during your trip.

Overall, a winter tour in Montenegro is a unique and affordable way to experience the beauty and culture of this beautiful country. From its stunning natural landscapes to its rich history and culture, Montenegro has something for everyone to enjoy.

What are the must-see places and must-do activities in Budva?

Guided excursions in Montenegro

Best resorts for a winter trip in Montenegro

Here are a few ski resorts in Montenegro that you might want to consider for your winter getaway:

  1. Kolasin: Located in the north of Montenegro, Kolasin is a popular ski resort known for its challenging ski runs and beautiful mountain views. The resort offers a range of ski runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, as well as other winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
  2. Zabljak: Located in the north of Montenegro, Zabljak is a popular ski resort known for its challenging ski runs and beautiful mountain views. The resort offers a range of ski runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, as well as other winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
  3. Cmiljača: Located in the north of Montenegro, Cmiljača is a small ski resort known for its challenging ski runs and beautiful mountain views. The resort offers a range of ski runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, as well as other winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Cheap flights to Podgorica, Montenegro

See also the full guide for flights to Podgorica, Montenegro

Andorra

Andorra’s super sights and activities for travelers

Are you looking for a unique and affordable winter getaway destination? Consider visiting Andorra, a small country located in the Pyrenees Mountains that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for travelers.

Andorra mountains in winter
Andorra mountains in winter. Photo by Ik Blunt

One of the main attractions of a winter trip to Andorra is the opportunity to experience the country’s many ski resorts. Andorra has several ski resorts located in the mountains, offering a range of ski runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can also try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

But a winter trip to Andorra isn’t just about hitting the slopes. The country also has a rich cultural heritage, with many historical and cultural sites to explore. You can visit the historic capital city of Andorra la Vella, the Romanesque church of Sant Esteve, and the National Automobile Museum, among many other interesting sites.

If you’re looking to relax and unwind during your winter trip to Andorra, the country has many cozy lodges and cabins where you can escape the cold and relax by the fireplace. And with its delicious cuisine, featuring dishes such as escudella i carn d’olla and trinxat, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample local flavors during your trip.

To finish the story, a winter trip to Andorra is a unique and affordable way to experience the beauty and culture of this beautiful country. From its stunning mountain landscapes to its rich history and culture, Andorra has something for everyone!

Andorra excursions

Best places for a winter trip in Andorra

Andorra is a small country located in the Pyrenees Mountains that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for travelers, especially during the winter months. Here are a few of the best places to visit in Andorra during the winter season:

  1. Ski resorts: Andorra is home to several ski resorts located in the mountains, offering a range of ski runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Some popular ski resorts in Andorra include Grandvalira, Vallnord, and Naturlandia. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, these resorts also offer other winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
  2. Andorra la Vella: The capital city of Andorra is a popular destination during the winter months, with its charming streets, historic landmarks, and bustling shopping district. The city also hosts a number of events and festivals during the winter season, such as the Christmas markets and the Festa Major d’Hivern.
  3. Sant Esteve: Located in the town of Ordino, the Romanesque church of Sant Esteve is a popular destination for visitors interested in history and architecture. The church is known for its beautiful frescoes and stained glass windows, and is surrounded by charming streets and squares.
  4. National Automobile Museum: Located in the town of Encamp, the National Automobile Museum is a popular destination for visitors interested in automobiles and transportation history. The museum houses a collection of vintage and classic vehicles, as well as a range of interactive exhibits.

Which airport is closer to Andorra?

One of the closest airports to Andorra is Seo De Urgel (LEU). However, there are more convenient options for getting to Andorra from other airports. For example, Andbus operates a bus service from Barcelona El Prat Airport Terminal 2 to Andorra la Vella Bus Station every four hours. The bus journey takes approximately three hours and tickets cost between $34 and $38. Another option is Andorra Direct Bus, which also offers regular services from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Andorra la Vella every four hours.

Flights to Barcelona

Featured image: Winter trip illustration by Maya Minasyan, PixMeta Studio

Euro Directions
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The staff of columnists and content editors of EuroDirections.com European travel magazine.

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