Winter Wonderland Adventures
While some of us dream of escaping the cold and lying on a sun-kissed beach at this time of year, it’s becoming increasingly popular to embrace the white stuff and take off for some snowy fun and there are some really magical places just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. This week’s we take a look at what’s on offer in Europe’s dream winter holiday destinations.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for some serious ski action or you simply want to look at pretty wintry scenes in fairytale surroundings, it’s all here.
Aurora Borealis in Lapland, Finland
Inspired by our childhood memories of Santa Claus, Lapland is looking like a hot favourite this year.It really is a magical experience for everyone, from the very young to the young at heart. Lapland is covered in snow from December to April and the scenic, silent landscape will transport you into a dreamy, winter wonderland.
Sunset in Lapland
No surprises that Santa is the main attraction – there’s even a mini indoor theme park, Santaland. As well as Santa’s Grotto, this impressive set up offers a giant snow globe, the Four Seasons Magic Train and there’s even an ice gallery and bar. You can also enjoy the thrill of sleigh rides, snowmobiles and reindeer safaris. It must feel like its Christmas every day!
Inghams offer some great Lapland Holiday packages with direct flights from three different UK airports.
Polar Express Train, Norway
Another magical adventure on offer from Inghams is the ‘Polar Express’ – a wonderful train ride through glistening snowy landscapes from Norway to the Swedish border, passing storybook scenery along the way. How romantic!
The itinerary also includes a visit to the Polar Park to see some Arctic wildlife.
Ski-ing Holidays
No winter holiday guide worth its salt would leave out the most famous winter pastime of all…ski-ing! Never tried it before? Worry not. There are some great, safe options for beginners and don’t be scared to give it a go. Anyone can enjoy this great winter sport, regardless of age, ability or fitness levels (yes, we’ve been on the baby slopes and some of us have stayed there ever since!) Go on; give it a whirl.
Best Ski resorts for beginners
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Alpe d’Huez, France
Flaine, France
Lech, Austria
Obergurgl, Austria
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Arosa, Switzerland
Arinsal at Night By The Grim Atheist (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Saariselkä, Lapland, Finland BY Ninara (CC BY 2.0)
If on the other hand, you’re a real whizz on the slopes you might want to try some of the more advanced runs in some of Europe’s finest ski resorts.
Have a look at the best black ski runs for extreme action and only for very advanced and expert skiers.
Best Ski resorts for advanced skiers
Chamonix, France
Verbier, Switzerland
St Anton, Austria
Winter Cities
So far, so much snow and so much exhilaration but if you fancy a slower paced trip among wintry scenes and a festive atmosphere, perhaps a city break in an alpine setting will tick the box for you.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s capital Reykjavik is becoming the place to go and it’s easy to see why. Friendly, laid back people, fabulous seafood restaurants, amazing nightlife and all in a picturesque setting of mountains, volcanoes and glaciers. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?
Bratislava, Slovakia
Or, perhaps some of eastern Europe’s dazzling cities might be a good shout. There’s a great choice of winter destinations from ryanair and you could be jetting off to the likes of Sofia, Gdansk, Bucharest, Riga, Bratislava and Vilnius. It’s certainly something different and at this time of year, you’re bound to find lots of lovely seasonal markets around too.
It might also be a good idea to surprise a loved one and whisk them off for a [romantic winter break](https://being.successfultogether.co.uk/click.asp?ref=731320&site=9415&type=text&tnb=7&subid=ARTICLE-DECWK4&diurl= https://www.thomascook.com/holidays/city-breaks/romantic-breaks/?gclid=COSM7ovbjNECFUHnGwoddsAP5w&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CPS5mozbjNECFaIw0wodU8AMCQ) to recharge the batteries and spend some quality time together. Wouldn’t that be just the best present ever?
Go on; pack your bags and head off on a magical adventure and embrace the season. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!