Winter is the perfect season for adventure-seekers. The snowy weather means that sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledging come alive, as well as other cold-weather thrills.

Booking a winter holiday gives you a choice of a range of destinations. You may want to try your hand at alpine skiing or snowboarding, or for a family holiday why not head to Lapland for a reindeer safari? 

Here are some of the best winter destinations that will have you running to book a trip away. 

Alpine skiing and snowboarding

Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports and it is easy to see why. Although it may seem really difficult, newbies will find that once you get on the slopes it isn’t too bad. With some instruction, you will feel confident within a couple of days. Then you’ll be zipping down the slopes at top speeds!

Snowboarding is another popular choice. Similarly, snowboarding is a great way to keep fit and take in the snowy scenery around you. Snowboarders will also argue that the boots and equipment needed to snowboard are a lot more comfortable as well!

Skiing and snowboarding hotspots include Chamonix, St. Anton and Verbier and you can often get great deals when booking last minute ski holidays. 

Arctic adventures

Planning a visit to the Nordic countries usually comes with a bucket list item such as seeing the Northern Lights. Typically, the best time of year to spot this phenomenon is March and April as well as September and October. But you may be lucky to spot them if you visit at different times of the year. 

Another bucket list item is whale watching. Many countries including Norway offer boat safaris where the guides will try their best to help you spot whales and orcas that are playing or hunting in the surrounding waters. 

Ice climbing and glacier hiking

Sometimes a trip away can be the perfect opportunity to try something new. Ice climbing and glacier hiking are incredible activities that will test your physical strength as well as your mental resilience. 

Glaciers may seem like flat sheets of snow-white ice, but that isn’t the case. They are riddled with caves, holes and peaks, making hiking over them a bit of a challenge, especially in Iceland. You may even be lucky enough to traverse past a glacial waterfall which is magical.

If you are looking to undertake this new challenge somewhere a bit closer to home, then head to Scotland’s Ben Nevis. The highest peak in the UK offers a range of routes for all abilities, though you will experience different types of climbing and not just ice. The view from the summit is worth the challenge as you gaze across some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. 

Unique winter experiences 

Adventure holidays don’t have to be just for adults; all the family can get involved. One of the most iconic festive animals is reindeer, so why not visit Lapland and go on a reindeer safari? There is something very magical about being bundled up all warm on a sleigh and being pulled across a pristine snowfield by reindeer. If you opt for a later slot, you may even get to spot the Northern Lights as you travel. 

For older kids, a bit of adrenaline might be in order so ditch the reindeer and go for a snowmobile safari instead. Speeding over the well-kept snowmobile tracks will make for incredible memories for all ages. 

Of course, a trip to Lapland wouldn’t be complete without a trip to see Father Christmas before you leave. You can tell him all about the fantastic things you have done whilst visiting!