Winter Wonderlands

Find a new kind of paradise surrounded by the romance of snow and mountains

By Shalee Super

Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming

From helicopter arrivals in Alaska to cheesemaking in the Swiss Alps, winter honeymoons are more romantic than ever. If you are envisioning an intimate escape straight from a snow globe, bundle up and get inspired by these frosty destinations.

Sheldon Chalet, Alaska

Where to Stay:

Sheldon Chalet

Where to Eat:

Sheldon Chalet

What to Do:

Glacier Spelunking

An intimate five-star lodge perched among some of Alaska’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes, Sheldon Chalet is the definition of Arctic luxury. Start your trip with a helicopter ride to the lodge — the only mode of transportation to access its remote setting in Denali National Park. The five-bedroom chalet includes a private chef and snow-fueled excursions, including glacier spelunking, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing.

Thompsonville, Michigan

Where to Stay:

Crystal Mountain

Where to Eat:

The Thistle

What to Do:

Cross Country Skiing

Closer to home, Thompsonville offers an idyllic winter getaway in the Midwest. Under four hours from Detroit and just two hours from Grand Rapids, it’s perfect for a romantic escape. The town is home to Crystal Mountain Ski Resort, which boasts 59 downhill slopes on 103 skiable acres and more than 15 miles of cross-country trails. Near the Leelanau Peninsula, it is also the ideal location to check out some wineries, stop along Lake Michigan, or explore Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Where to Stay:

Reine Rorbuer

Where to Eat:

Restaurant Gammelbua

What to Do:

Winter Kayaking

Located above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands in Norway are a year-round cold-weather destination. During the polar night of winter, it is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. In the summer, 24 hours of daylight offer endless opportunities for exploring, dining, and hiking. Stay in an authentic Norwegian cabin at Reine Rorbuer Hotel in the heart of Norway’s most scenic landscape, dine over a candlelit dinner beneath the midnight sun, or hike among one of the area’s many breathtaking fjords.

Crans-Montana, Switzerland

Where to Stay:

Six Senses Crans-Montana

Where to Eat:

Le Mayen

What to Do:

Six Senses Spa

Everyone loves a European summer, but what about a European winter? Crans-Montana, Switzerland, is a winter paradise for alpine skiing, paragliding, cheesemaking, and hiking. The Six Senses Crans-Montana offers a “Just the Two of Us” honeymoon package, which includes welcome champagne, breakfast, a couples massage, and a superior terrace room overlooking the Alps. Whether planning a trip that’s ultra-adventurous or ultra-luxurious, options are endless in this winter wonderland.

Jackson, Wyoming

Where to Stay:

Four Seasons Resort

Where to Eat:

Roadhouse Pub & Eatery

What to Do:

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

If you are searching for never-ending powder at one of the country’s most renowned ski resorts, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a bucket-list worthy adventure. Beyond the 4,139-foot vertical drop and 131 runs on the mountain, the area has endless activities for winter enthusiasts. Take a wildlife tour, watch the sunset over Grand Teton National Park, or square dance at the famed Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Stay in town at one of the numerous mountain lodges or splurge at the Four Seasons in Jackson Mountain Village.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Where to Stay:

Bavarian Inn

Where to Eat:

Prost!

What to Do:

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland

For holiday lovers, a winter trip to Frankenmuth is a must. Also called Little Bavaria, this German-inspired town lives for one thing: Christmas. Winter brings a plethora of activities and events, from driving light tours to skating rinks, 12 days of shopping events, a singing Christmas tree and more. And, of course, one cannot stop by without visiting Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store. This year, the holiday festivities kick off on November 29.