Winter isn’t just a season; it’s a mood, a feeling, and a state of mind. But the cold that comes with winter is exactly everyone’s favorite feature. Yet, the moment you sprinkle in a coating of fluffy snow, suddenly, everything feels magical. Nothing quite says winter wonderland quite like a US city blanketed in snow.
Sure, you might have to shovel some snow out of your driveway, but snow has a way of making even the most unappealing landscapes look beautiful.
Some cities sit at the base of enviable ski mountains; others have a small-town vibe with cafes on every corner. According to this report by Redfin, these cities boast the highest average seasonal snowfall each year:
8. Anchorage, Alaska (77.9 inches)
Snowy in Alaska has a whole different meaning. It’s deep out here. As the country’s most northern city, it’s surprising this is only the 8th snowiest city on the list. The reason? The city is surrounded by high mountains and fjords, which receive most of the Pacific storm snowfall before it makes its way to the city.
But worry not; Anchorage still gets a fair share of powder each year. Winter activities are endless here – probably because winter itself feels endless. From ice fishing to northern lights adventures to casual moose encounters, it’s the kind of place where even the coldest days feel exciting.
7. Flagstaff, Arizona (90.1 inches)
It’s hard to believe the contrasting climates that exist in Arizona. Flagstaff is the seventh snowiest city in the US, thanks to its high elevation and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Even being relatively far south, the altitude means that any cold air and moisture moving through the region usually turns into snow.
It’s the (much) colder cousin of the Grand Canyon, trading red rocks for pine trees covered in snow. Flagstaff is a favorite for winter sports, with some of the best skiing in the Southwest. And the city really gets into the spirit of things over the winter season. Just about every local store in the historic downtown is draped with winter lights and decorations. Who knew the desert state could serve up this much cozy winter charm?
6. Duluth, Minnesota (90.2 inches)
Duluth experiences one seriously long winter. But winter blues are relative when everything is covered in white snow, right? I’m sure the locals would say I’m wrong. While the sixth snowiest city in the country, it’s actually the fourth coldest in the contiguous U.S. – not a title you typically want to boast about.
Set on the western side of Lake Superior, the city experiences lake-effect precipitation. This, combined with other storms, keeps the city cool year-round.
To liven things up a bit, this Minnesota city tries not just to survive the winter but to celebrate it. The annual Bentleyville Tour of Lights transforms the waterfront into a magical wonderland.
5. Boulder, Colorado (92.8 inches)
Set at 5430 feet above sea level, Boulder experiences weather patterns similar to those of Flagstaff, Arizona. The only difference is that the moisture that lands here comes from the Midwest instead of the Pacific Ocean. The Rockies in the region cause precipitation and cold air, which lead to long snow seasons that can last from September to June.
But unlike the ski resorts in the Rockies, Boulder snowcover usually doesn’t last too long. Thanks to sunny weather throughout the winter season, snow doesn’t usually stick for more than a few days. Snowy and mild – the perfect winter scenario.
4. Buffalo, New York (95.4 inches)
Buffalo is the first of three Upstate New York cities to make this list. It gets most of its snow from strong lake-effect storms. But it’s also known for its intense blizzards that drop feet of snow in one day. In December 2022, over four feet of snow fell in one week.
So, while the city receives less snowfall than its New York neighbors, this city has experienced its fair share of legendary snowstorms. Winter here means ice skating at the Canalside, sledding around Chesnut Ridge Park, and sampling wings that are hot enough to keep you warm.
3. Rochester, New York (102 inches)
Another city with impressive lake-effect weather patterns, Rochester receives most of its snowfall from cool winds from Lake Ontario. The heaviest storm this city has experienced was in 1900, when 43.5 inches of snow fell over a short 63 hours.
The city takes snowfall seriously. And with an annual snowfall average of over 100 inches, can you blame them? The city and its surrounds offer everything from skiing at Bristol Mountain to frozen waterfall hikes at Letchworth State Park.
2. Erie, Pennsylvania (104.3 inches)
Erie is a small city in Pennsylvania that sits along the snow belt of the Great Lakes. Located on the southern shoreline of Lake Erie, this city is a snow magnet thanks to its relentless lake effect storms. When it snows in Erie, it snows hard.
But this chilly city makes the most of its frigid name. The Presque Isle State Park transforms into a snow-covered haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Erie locals have mastered the art of layering up. And with ice fishing and ice skating on the lake, it’s a good thing they have.
1. Syracuse, New York (127.8 inches)
Receiving 127.8 inches of average snowfall every year, Syracuse tops the list as the snowiest city in the U.S. Thanks to its location near Lake Ontario, the city sees intense lake effect snowstorms. But it also receives a fair share of rain and cloud cover. Some snowstorms are so strong they can cover the town in feet of snow in less than a day.
But it’s not all dark and gloomy here. The city hosts an annual Winterfest, while the nearby Greek Peak and Labrador Mountain attract skiers and snowboarders with their long winter season.
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