Snow is like Mother Nature’s way of turning the freezing cold of winter into a whimsical wonderland. Some love it, others don’t. I get it. Snow also comes with a few inconveniences, like short days, icy cold wind, and shoveling duties.
But if you’re one of those who love the fresh powder and muffled sounds that snow brings, you might want to consider visiting these snowy places.
When we talk about the snowiest places in the world, we’re referring to the regions that receive the highest average annual snowfall. These places attract people with their winter sports, gorgeous snow-covered landscapes, and festive atmospheres.
8. Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Mount Washington is the tallest mountain peak in New England. The mountain towers 6288 feet above the Presidential Range of the White Mountains.
At the intersection of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific Northwest weather fronts, the region is often known for being ‘home to the world’s worst weather.’ Mount Washington is known to have climatic conditions that are as extreme as the Sahara Desert – just on the opposite side of the spectrum.
Frigid conditions aside, adventure seekers flock to the mountain for backcountry skiing and challenging mountaineering. The base of the mountain is also home to a bunch of cozy lodges where you can warm up by the fire with hot chocolate in hand.
7. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City might be one of the biggest cities on this list. It’s known for its UNESCO-protected historical center, which has cobblestone streets and colonial architecture surrounding the centerpiece, Chateau Frontenac. You can only imagine how beautiful this city is when a dusting of snow covers the ground.
Snow is celebrated in style in Quebec City, with the two-week-long Quebec Winter Carnival attracting all sorts of visitors with its parades and snow sculpture competitions. And the vibes are kept high throughout the rest of winter, with skiing, ice-skating, ice-climbing, and cross-country skiing all relatively close to the city.
6. Chamonix, France
Tucked away in the French corner of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is one of Europe’s premier ski destinations. The resort has some of the most challenging backcountry runs in the Alps, all paired with stunning Mont Blanc views. Naturally, snow is welcomed with open arms in this small ski town.
Prime snow season falls between December and April when skiers and snowboarders from across the globe travel to traverse the famous mountain. But the Apres ski culture is just as thriving as the slopes are. A day on the mountain typically ends by sipping Aperol in a rustic chalet in the historic town center.
5. Aomori City, Japan
Aomori City is no stranger to cold temperatures. It’s the capital city of the Aomori Prefecture of Japan’s main island, with snowfall peaking between December and January. Thanks to its location between the Hakkoda Mountains and the shores of Matsu Bay, this town receives so much snow the plowed roads often look like tunnels. As you might imagine, the dramatic weather often leads to disruptions in daily life.
The only solace from the biting cold comes in the form of powder laps at the ski resorts, and hot bowls of miso curry ramen, a local favorite.
4. Alyeska, Alaska
Alyeska is Alaskas largest ski resort. It’s home to the longest double black diamond run in North America and receives a staggering 669 inches of snow each year. If you’re chasing deep powder and steep slopes, Alyeska won’t disappoint.
Overlooking the incredible Chugach Mountains, the resort isn’t just for advanced riders. It has diverse terrain ideal for skiers and snowboarders. During the longest winter nights, you could even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
The city is just 40 miles south of Anchorage in a historic 19th-century gold-rush town called Girdwood. Today, Alyeska is a vibrant community mainly made up of outdoor enthusiasts. After all, you’ve got to love snow to live in a place like this!
3. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
St. John’s is the capital of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Along with incredibly strong wind, thick fog, and cloud cover, an impressive annual snowfall adds to the city’s dramatic climatic reputation.
The city invests millions into ice control and snow clearing to make sure its residents can live comfortably through the harsh conditions.
Despite the snow storms, icy wind and frozen rain prevent much of the snow from blanketing the ground. But when it does, it’s magical. With multi-colored houses against the steep mountain, a gorgeous coastline, and a culinary scene to be reckoned with, it’s one of the most unique snowy places to visit in the world.
2. Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo is another one of the larger cities on this list. Home to a population of nearly two million, Sapporo attracts over ten million visitors to its snowy city each year. Located on the northernmost main island of Hokkaido, Sapporo receives most of its snowfall between late November and April.
The city is surrounded by a bunch of world-famous ski resorts like Teine and Kokusai. In fact, it has such reliable snowfall that it was picked as the host city of the 1972 Winter Olympics. The Sapporo Snow Festival in February is another reason to love the cold weather. During this celebration of winter, incredible snow sculptures scatter the city.
1. Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Rainier might as well be a snow magnet. Thanks to low-pressure weather systems from the Gulf of Alaska, this national park receives most of its snowfall between November and March.
During winter, it’s a hotspot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. But adventure aside, Mount Rainier is also one of the coziest spots for a winter vacation. With plenty of historic inns and bed and breakfasts, you don’t have to be out in the cold to appreciate the mesmerizing beauty of the snow.
Just make sure to check on road closures, which can block certain parts of the park off during snowstorms.