Hello everyone! Today I’m sharing the 5 Best Places for a Dreamy Winter Vacation 2023 in the USA! I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and New Years. Can y’all believe it’s 2024?! You know what that means. We’re planning all of our 2023 vacations. Starting with dreamy winter paradises. Buckle up!
We got our first snow here in Nashville, TN this week. I bet you wouldn’t believe me if I told you it was 70+ degrees 2 days ago and we had tornado warnings. Yup, that’s Tennessee for ya. That is 0 exaggeration too. Honestly, I’m just used to it at this point! When I first moved here it seemed like the weirdest “swinter” combination in the world. If you want global warming just shoved in your face, move to TN. I’m not going to sit here and act like I’m a global warming genius, but there is something fishy going on here for sure.
Anyways, with the kids being out of school on winter break for what feels like forever now, they are definitely happy to be seeing some snow before they have to be back in the classroom. I’m pretty happy to see it too. I’m one of those people that would prefer it to snow if it’s going to be cold. Most of the time it’s just freezing and ugly outside. Something about having the white fluffy goodness cover the grounds makes the winter season feel a whole lot sweeter. With that being said, today I’m sharing what I deem to be some of the Best Places for a Dreamy Winter Vacation in the USA!
January seems to be a popular getaway month for skiing and enjoying all things winter wonderland around our beautiful country. If you’re looking to catch a flight, rent an Airbnb, or stay in a resort, this list has a little something for everyone out there. Maybe you’re not a skier and prefer to stay warm and enjoy the view from the lodge. Maybe you’re a spa-goer with the girls while the guys head out to “shred gnar” for the day. Whatever you’re into, I think making a visit to some of these stunning locations is a must during this time of year. Check them out below:
- Aspen, CO:
If you’ve never been to Aspen, it’s an absolute MUST. All of Colorado is stunning during really any season. It’s hard to catch this state in a bad light. However, there is nothing like the snowy paradise that Aspen is. Aspen is in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains where you can find an upscale ski resort town and a year-round destination for outdoor recreation. It is known for it’s super high-end restaurants and boutiques where you can shop and drink until you drop. Whether you’re shredding up and down the mountains, snow shoeing, or taking a ride in a snowcat – you’ll find that the scenery is just breathtaking. Like something out of a storybook. If you’re planning a trip here, there are some places you absolutely have to make a reservation for. One of them being Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro. Do you enjoy ski in / ski out establishments? Do you enjoy champagne showers at 2pm in the afternoon? Partying 11,000 feet up? This place is for you. They do require reservations 14 days in advance so this is one to be mindful of! Some other awesome dining I recommend would be Element 47, Matsuhisa, J-Bar at Hotel Jerome, Pine Creek Cookhouse, and many more. Do you research before you visit, talk to your friends who have been, get the lowdown! I’m just here to give you a little sneak peek into why I think Aspen, CO should be on your top 5 list of best places to go for winter vacation.
2. Yosemite National Park, CA:
Yosemite National Park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is famous for many different natural elements including its record breaking large sequoia trees, Tunnel View, and iconic vista towering Bridalveil Fall, and the granite cliffs of El Captain and Half Dome. In the Yosemite Village you can find restaurants, shops, lodging, the Yosemite Museum, and more. There is a reason that there are like 5 different iPhone & iMac wallpaper backgrounds that you can choose from of the Yosemite. If it looks that beautiful in a picture, imagine it in person. The southern native may think that somewhere such at the Yosemite surely closes in the winter months, but it is quite the opposite. Whether you’re skiing the slopes of Badger Pass Ski Area, snowshoeing beneath a full moon, or ice skating with the most stunning backdrop, you’ll find yourself not only reconnecting with nature, but with those around you!
3. Jackson, Wyoming:
Jackson sets the bar pretty high if you’re looking for rugged snowy scenery, challenging skiing, and some of the best western-style fun that you can find. This premier winter vacation destination has three major ski mountain areas including: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee resort. If you’re looking for the ultimate experience and luxury, stay at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole where you’ll find 5 star rugged peaks for skiing, spas, dining, and much much more.
4. Yellowstone, Montana:
I’m sure you have all seen the amazing series “Yellowstone” on the Paramount Network where you get a glimpse into how truly incredible the topography is here. And if you haven’t watched it, close your laptop right now and go start it. It’s amazing. Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres lets visitors have unlimited opportunities to observe wildlife, explore about half the world’s active geysers, and see geographical wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Sharing some key tips & tricks HERE for what you need to know about visiting in the winter.
5. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada State Line:
Lake Tahoe is a DREAM anytime of the year, just like most of the places that I’ve mentioned. However, there are few places that you can obtain this unreal view of crystal blue water while skiing the powdered beautiful slopes. Lake Tahoe in the winter is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Tahoe also receives record snowfall, making it very sought after for those looking to fully indulge in the outdoor activities. This region also receives around 300 days of sunshine a year! Does it get any better than that?! You can explore world class resorts such as: Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and Sierra-at-Tahoe. You can expect everything from Après ski parties, live music, dancing, and Nevada-style nightlife make South Lake Tahoe unlike any other ski destination in North America. If you have an opportunity to go here, RUN!
I hope you all enjoyed this post on 5 Best Places for a Dreamy Winter Vacation in the USA! All of these places are at the top of my list to visit and hopefully I will cross some of them off the list soon here in 2024. One of my New Years Resolutions is to TRAVEL MORE! Who is with me? It’s so important for us to see the world and dive into different environments. I’m so excited to see more of this beautiful country. Share this with someone who is looking for some travel inspo going into this new year! Thanks for reading!