Best winter snow holidays around the world

The pulse-quickening pleasures of world-class ski slopes. The soul-warming joy of seeing your kids enchanted by magical snowscapes and sleigh rides. The cosy contentment of glugging glühwein in a Christmas market. While winter sun has its undeniable allure, there’s a lot to be said for snow holidays. 

Utah, USA 

Utah has “the greatest snow on Earth™”, shouts its licence plates (and mugs, t-shirts, fridge magnets – and yes, they’ve really trademarked it).

While we can’t confirm this bold claim, we can say that in winter the Wasatch Mountains’ ski resorts are blanketed in the lightest, fluffiest snow imaginable – a skier’s and snowboarder’s dream.

Why you'll love it: If you’ve ever skied on heavy, wet snow or dealt with icy slopes, Utah’s powder will feel like a revelation. There are 14 resorts, most of which are within an hour or so’s drive of Salt Lake City airport, and all of them offer beautiful mountain terrain and fine skiing. Afterwards, head for the lively main street of Park City’s 1860s mining town for atmospheric après ski.

Travel tip: If you’re venturing into the backcountry, you’ll want to invest in water-resistant gear. Samsonite’s Ecodiver backpacks are a smart choice; they are made with water-resistant coated fabrics and have reflective details that are great for early morning runs.

Salzburg, Austria

The birthplace of “Silent Night” in 1818, Salzburg is pure winter magic. Its three-fold fame comes courtesy of The Sound of Music, hosting Europe’s oldest Christmas market, and being the birthplace of Mozart. 

Perhaps Wolfgang also enjoyed the spiced gingerbread biscuits, warm glühwein, and handcrafted wooden gifts, sold each winter from stalls twinkling with lights.

A dusting of snow adds to the sparkle and coziness. It also lends fairy-tale magic to Salzburg's Baroque architecture, turreted hilltop castle, domed cathedral, and lavish Residenz palace. And all this plays out against a backdrop of snow-shrouded mountains.

Then there are all those Mozart attractions. View one of his childhood violins in the bright yellow house on Getreidegasse where he was born, and take in a concert at the Mirabell Palace.

Why visit: Salzburg is also close to some top ski resorts, such as Zell am See and Kitzbühel. The surrounding Alps have more than 300 miles of ski runs, with the comfort of returning to the city each evening,.

Insider's tip: Book tickets for the Salzburger Adventsingen, a traditional Alpine advent singing performance that's been running since 1946, featuring hundreds of local performers in historical costumes.

Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, China

Neon pagodas and palaces encircled by giant slides. Castles dazzling in all the colours of the rainbow. A tower as high as nine double-decker buses. Huge winged horses and a steam train. These are just some of the ice sculptures you might see at the Harbin Ice Snow Festival in Heilongjiang Province of China.

You’ll find here a city built entirely of ice, illuminated by LED lights embedded in massive crystal-clear blocks harvested from the Songhua River. This is the world's largest ice and snow festival, where sculptors create entire buildings reaching heights of 150 feet. The tradition began in 1963 with local lantern festivals and has evolved into an international competition drawing millions of visitors.

Why visit: The scale is mind-boggling - sculptors use ice blocks the size of cars and create entire walkable cityscapes. Even if you don't normally enjoy cold weather, the spectacle of it is worthwhile. As well as spectacular installations and fireworks, the festival also offers activities, such as ice skating, skiing and ice hockey.

Insider's tip: Visit the festival twice—once during daylight to appreciate the intricate carving details, and again after dark to see the thousands of colorful LED lights.

Hokkaido, Japan

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is known for its excellent skiing and reliable snowfall. Cold winds from Siberia crossing the Sea of Japan create dry, powdery snow that draws skiers and snowboarders from around the world. After hitting the slopes, relax in an onsen—a hot spring that’s an essential part of the experience.

Why visit: Niseko, the island’s most popular ski destination, gets about 45 feet of snow each year. Beyond the slopes, Hokkaido offers simple pleasures: heated chairlifts, quick meals like ramen served at mountaintop stops, and a wide range of dining options in town. You’ll also find unique winter experiences, like the Sapporo Snow Festival or snow monkeys relaxing in hot springs. 

Insider's tip: Long-haul winter travel can be tough on luggage. Look for durable options with good weatherproofing - Samsonite's Proxis collection, with its resilient shell and TSA-approved locks, handles international journeys particularly well.

Lapland, Finland

You’d expect the home of Father Christmas to be winter wonderland-magical. And indeed, winter in Lapland, Finland’s northernmost region, is the epitome of picture-book enchantment.

Cross-country ski through hushed white forests, or put on a pair of snowshoes and follow snowy woodland trails. Skate over ice-covered lakes and discover the wilderness on a husky- or reindeer- led sleigh.

Then cap it all off by thawing out in a sauna while sipping hot glogg (Finnish mulled wine). If you’re lucky, you can catch a nighttime display of the Northern Lights from a glass-domed igloo. 

Why visit: It’s an ideal trip for lovers of the outdoors who embrace the cold, as well as for families — who doesn't love snow, sleigh rides and (of course) Santa? In fact, if you're travelling with kids, Lapland might just be the peak of all snow holiday destinations — there's a reason it features in our run-down of magical places to visit with children before they grow up.

Insiders’ tip: Finland’s “everyman’s right” allows free access to nature, so you can explore the snowy wilderness at your own pace.

Minnesota, USA

Frozen lakes dotted with bright-colored tents. Smoke puffing from wood-burning stoves. Whizzing snowmobiles breaking the muffled quiet of the snowy landscape. Moose peering through snow-laden branches. There's no doubt that Minnesota sets a stunning scene for some of the world's best snow holidays.

Whether you snowshoe through glistening forests, or glide along woodland trails on skis, there's no question that the state offers some of the most scenic cross-country skiing in the US.

Cook County has an extensive system of trails, from Grand Marais on Lake Superior to the Gunflint trails in the Northwoods and Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Why visit: Undulating hills cut through deep woods of spruce, aspen, and fir trees, with names like Big Pine and Lonely Lake telling it how it is. The only sound you'll hear is the swish of your skis on the soft snow.

Insiders’ tip: The first two weeks of January typically offer the best ice conditions for winter activities on the lakes.

The Dolomites, Italy

Looking to enjoy winter snow holidays with extra style? You'd do well to consider heading to the Dolomites.

The jagged rock walls of these ancient massifs — a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site — dominate the entire region of Trentino—Alto Adige. They''re dramatic, impactful and out-of-this-world beautiful — just like the San Cassiano mountain resort they play host to.

Located at the well-heeled foot of Mount Lavarela in the Alta Badia valley, San Cassiano shimmers with elegance and luxury. Think fancy restaurants, deluxe hotels and decadent spa treatments.

Why visit: The Sella Ronda ski route links villages in a way that lets you explore the area without ever removing your skis. The Dolomites are also home to Michelin-starred restaurants, so the food is just as memorable as the scenery.

Insider's tip: Book rifugios (mountain huts) for lunch in advance during peak season. For the best experience, try Alta Badia's gourmet ski safari, where you can ski between different huts sampling dishes from Michelin-starred chefs.

Jungfrau Region, Switzerland

The Jungfrau Region is a classic Alpine destination, with dramatic peaks and charming villages. It’s home to Europe’s highest railway station, at over 11,000 feet, offering incredible views and easy access to the surrounding mountains.

Why visit: You can ski on Europe’s longest glacier, explore an ice palace carved into the ice, or ride cable cars with panoramic views. Villages like Grindelwald and Wengen are charming and well worth the visit.

Insiders’ tip: Purchase a regional pass that includes both trains and ski lifts. Take the first train up to Jungfraujoch (departing around 7:30 AM) to avoid crowds 

Ready for your winter holiday?

A great winter holiday starts with a little prep – especially when it comes to keeping your gear safe from the elements. Here's how to get ahead of the game:

Timing your trip

The most popular resort dates – Christmas, New Year, and the February school break – book up fast. But each destination has its sweet spot: early January for Minnesota’s crisp ice, or March for longer days in the Alps. Some places, like Salzburg’s nearby resorts, are easy to get to, while others, like Hokkaido’s powder-perfect slopes, take a bit more planning. The right timing can help you make the most of your time on the slopes.

Choosing the right luggage

Winter travel calls for luggage that can handle the tough stuff – and keep your gear safe. Samsonite’s Proxis collection is built for this. Made with advanced materials, it undergoes a series of rigorous tests to ensure it’s durable and tough enough for any journey. The collection features smooth-gliding wheels and sturdy handles, so you can easily navigate icy station platforms or snowy hotel entrances. And with Samsonite’s global warranty and repair network, you can travel with confidence.

Day trip essentials

If you’re heading off the beaten path, gear that can handle harsh weather is essential. The Ecodiver backpack collection has you covered, with reflective details for those early morning runs and eco-friendly materials that don’t compromise on durability. These bags are tough too, with water resistance tested in harsh mountain conditions – so no matter if you’re skiing Utah’s champagne powder or exploring Lapland’s wilderness, your gear will stay safe and dry.

Packing for more than the slopes 

Winter destinations offer so much more than just skiing, so you’ll need the right gear for all your adventures. Whether you're photographing Harbin’s ice sculptures, stashing your post-onsen essentials in Hokkaido, or getting dressed for that Michelin-starred dinner in the Dolomites, Samsonite’s collections have you covered. Their versatile designs move from outdoor adventures to stylish evenings, with dedicated compartments that keep wet gear separate from your evening wear.

Chasing powder in Hokkaido or strolling through Salzburg’s Christmas markets, the right gear truly makes a difference. Head over to samsonite.co.uk to explore their winter collections, built to take on whatever the season throws your way.

This post was made in partnership with Samsonite.