15 of the Coolest Winter Activities in the U.S.

Winter across the United States is a magical time where a new blanket of adventure and fun awaits. Whether you have fled snow-bunny or just find the crackling fire after a day of earth-frosty escapades appealing, this time of year is a lot to enjoy. Winter is a time of snow-capped mountain peaks, cozy town festivals, and an opportunity to celebrate the best of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.

The best part? You don’t need to be a ski expert or an old winter warrior to enjoy the season. Families will find a selection of activities for every taste from chasing adrenaline highs to soaking small-town charm, to sipping hot cocoa by a frozen lake. With that in mind, grab your mittens and read on to learn about some of the coolest ways to take in the U.S. in winter.

Dog Sledding in Alaska

Dog sledding in Alaska is for you if you have ever dreamed of gliding through a winter wonderland in the rear of a team of eager huskies. Experience the rugged beauty of snow-covered trails and bond with these incredible animals. It’s not a ride, it’s a link to the great Alaskan explorers’ history.

Ice Fishing in Minnesota

Ice fishing is practically a rite of passage here, and Minnesota takes the frozen lake game seriously. While sitting in a cozy hut with a fishing line dropped into a hole in the ice may not sound like much, reeling in that first catch will change your mind. It’s also a great reason to swap stories while you warm up with a thermos of hot coffee.

Skiing in Aspen, Colorado

World-class skiing and celebrity sightings go hand in hand with Aspen. Four amazing mountains with slopes for all from first-timers to seasoned pros make the town great. If that doesn’t register, then the après-ski scene in Aspen is just the cherry on top offering gourmet dining and just the right amount of live music.

Snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park

Stepping onto Yellowstone’s snowy landscape feels like stepping into a postcard, if your idea of a postcard is snowmobiling. Zooming past a field of bison frosted in fields of steaming geysers is nothing short of surreal. It’s exhilarating to explore the park during the quieter winter months with miles of trails.

Winter Hiking in the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon may not be the first place you’d think of for winter adventures, but it’s beautiful to see covered in snow. The cooler temperatures make hiking the trails a far more pleasant activity than it is in that sweltering summer heat. Additionally, with fewer crowds, you’ll have these breathtaking vistas almost all to yourself.

Hot Air Ballooning in New Mexico

The hot air balloon rides in Albuquerque are a serene backdrop to winter skies. A tranquil way to take in the season’s beauty is floating gently just above the desert with snow-drenched mountains in the distance. It is certainly worth braving the early morning chill for the crisp air, and endless views.

Ice Climbing in Michigan

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to some of the finest ice climbing in the country for thrill seekers. The adrenaline rush and jaw-dropping scenery of scaling a frozen waterfall might sound extreme, but it includes the technicality of scaling a waterfall! Beginners can have their first icy ascent with experienced guides.

Snowshoeing in Vermont

This is a great activity for anyone who wants to walk through Vermont’s winter forests; if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Snowshoeing is still a popular pastime, partly because of the quiet crunch of snow underfoot, and the fact that you might spot wildlife.

Visiting the Ice Castles in Utah

Ice Castles in Midway, Utah, take you to a fairytale. Everything is entirely formed from ice and lit up with colored lights, giving these intricate sculptures a magical feel. It’s a photographer’s dream and a kid’s paradise rolled into one.

Polar Bear Plunges Across the U.S.

If you’re brave, or just a little crazy, jump in the ocean for a polar bear plunge. In cities such as Chicago or Boston, people organize charity events by taking icy dips in freezing water. You will be gasping from the shock of the cold but you’ll also have a good story and some great new friends to brag to.

Snow Tubing in Pennsylvania

For a nice family-friendly activity that does not require too much skill to enjoy, check out Poconos for some snow tubing fun. There is no joy like riding on an inflatable tube down a snowy hill. Conveyor belts are located in most spots to save you the uphill trek.

Stargazing in Big Bend National Park

Some of the clearest skies for stargazing in Texas happen on winter nights, and Big Bend National Park is a great place to see them. Wrap up in a blanket, and the vastness of the Milky Way will remind you just how small (and lucky) we are. No telescope? No problem. Here the naked eye does just fine.

Attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Winter doesn’t have to be grim. In New Orleans, Mardi Gras celebrations begin in January, and color and energy abound. Live music, vibrant parades, and a general buzz of excitement will get rid of any winter blues.

Exploring the Ice Caves in Wisconsin

Stunning ice caves can be found on the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior when temperatures drop low enough. These glittering formations are pretty far from the beaten path and require some serious walking across a frozen lake to explore. It’s fleeting, so watch the weather.

Heli-skiing in Alaska

Heli-skiing is the ultimate thrill for extreme sports lovers in the winter. You are dropped by a helicopter to the top of a remote peak, powder untapped. It’s not cheap, but it sure is a rush.