Winter is one of the best times to visit Lava Hot Springs. This small town is home to one of the most heavenly hot spring resorts in Idaho and is the perfect place for a winter soak. But, that’s not all this small town has to offer during the winter months. During the first full weekend of February, this small town hosts the Lava Hot Springs Fire and Ice Winterfest, an annual event that you’ll certainly want to attend.
Mark your calendars for February 3-4, 2023, to attend Lava Hot Springs Fire and Ice Winterfest. This annual event is one of the best ways to celebrate the winter in Idaho.
While Colorado is a world-class destination year-round, it manages to come to life even more when covered in a blanket of snow. While the state as a whole is stunning, there is one small town, in particular, that becomes even more glorious, which is the aptly-named Winter Park. Here is why Winter Park is one of the best winter trips in Colorado:
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Winter Park may be one of Colorado’s newest communities (it was incorporated in 1979!), but what it lacks in age, it makes up for in charm!
Situated at the south end of Fraser Valley, Winter Park’s claim to fame is skiing and snowboarding, which can be accessed via the famous Winter Park Resort.
If you’ve lived in Utah very long, you know that we have the best snow in the country. Whether you love to ski and board, or just go sledding or snowshoeing, our powdery, fine snow just can’t be beat. U.S. News recently named Park City one of the best ski vacation spots in the entire country, and we have to agree that it’s pretty awesome.
People come from all over the world to visit Park City. In fact, more than three million people visit this quaint little mountain town every year.
Park City got its start as a mining town in the late 1800s, and the first ski resort opened in the town in the 1960s. The 2002 Winter Olympics shone a spotlight on the incredible beauty of this place, and its popularity has increased every year since.
No matter how you feel about the cold weather, there’s no denying that Oregon can be a pretty fun place to be during the winter months. From epic snow tubing hills to magical horse-drawn carriage rides, there’s plenty of delightful winter adventures in the Beaver State. So don’t fret the cold weather; instead, plan some winter day trips this season in Oregon!
1. Enjoy a charming horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow.
Have you ever dreamt of dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh? Your dream can become a reality at Sunriver Stables. This delightful winter adventure will take you past the Deschutes River and through snow-covered meadows and picturesque forests. For details and more information, click here.
Crater Lake is one of Oregon’s most treasured gems. At 1,949 feet, it’s the deepest lake in the entire country, and its azure blue color is due to it purity – the lake isn’t fed by any rivers, and gets all its water from snow melt and rain. Crater Lake is incredibly busy during the summer, but winter months are a lot more quiet. On a clear day, the lake is absolutely stunning! Here’s why you should pay a visit to this national park in Oregon during the wintertime:
Every year, more than 700,000 visitors come to Crater Lake National Park to get a look at this stunning beauty, but most show up during the summer months. Locals know that winter is just as good a time – if not the best time – to visit!
It might be a chilly outside, but temperatures in Oregon often allow for year-round camping, and many of our state parks are open during all four seasons. Here are nine spots around the Beaver State to consider for your next winter adventure.
This state heritage area is located along the Oregon Trail. It’s packed with history and surrounded by old-growth forest – perfect for a fun family weekend. You’ll find four campsites available during winter months, but you might want to snuggle into one of the six rustic log cabins to stay nice and cozy.
Montana is amazing in any season… and while we’ll sometimes complain all day about the weather, the truth is, we appreciate seeing our beautiful state covered in snow. And since our winters are so long, you’ll have plenty of time to see all 7 of these spots.
This is a trip you’ll want to take as soon as possible. Bigfork transforms into a Christmas village every year, and it’s amazing. Get the details here.
As one of the most unique and rugged landscapes in Idaho, a visit to Craters of the Moon National Monument always makes for a great experience. You’ve probably seen the park’s stunning volcanic landscape, comprised of ancient lava flows and underground caves. However, few people are aware of the breathtaking transformation this park undergoes in the wintertime. Blanketed in thick layers of snow, seeing this park in the winter is a must. Whether you opt for a solo adventure or one of the park’s guided snowshoe hikes, this is an outdoor experience that will leave you in awe.
Please note, guided snowshoe hikes are temporarily suspended; however, snowshoes will still be offered for loan at the visitor center. Click here for status updates.
The winter landscape at Craters of the Moon near Arco is something that simply must be experienced. Covered in pristine blankets of white snow, the park’s dramatic scenery is full of contrast and endless beauty.
Whereas many parks may slow down or close completely during the winter, Craters of the Moon keeps the activities going with fun winter programs like the weekly ranger-guided snowshoe walks. Even if you’ve never worn a pair of snowshoes in your life before, this is a great opportunity that hikers of all skill levels can enjoy.
It’s time to wax those skis and hit the slopes. Many of the world’s best skiers choose Jackson Hole as their skiing destination since the terrain is considered to be some of the most challenging in North America. Ski magazines consistently rate this ski resort in Wyoming as the top place to ski in the United States, partly because one of the longest vertical ski drops in North America is right here at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Teton Village is a census designated area with a population of around 330. The village surrounds the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Moose-Wilson Road also known as Wyoming Highway 390 leads right into the village.
Colorado and Utah may get the spotlight in terms of skiing and snowboarding, but Oregon holds its own in terms of winter recreation. Happily, the forecast this year looks promising for snow lovers, and now’s the time to reserve your ski passes… and nab early-bird specials on season tickets. Here are five of the best ski resorts in Oregon; reserve your tickets now before the flakes start falling!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.