The best winter destinations around the world include Svalbard in Norway, Hallstatt in Austria, Tallinn in Estonia, Gullfoss in Iceland, Whitefish in Montana, Chicago, Midway in Utah and the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. Each offers something different, from polar nights and northern lights to Christmas markets and snowy lakes. We have also added Gulmarg for travellers who want snow closer to home.
Winter travel is growing in popularity among Indian travellers, especially between December and February. This list covers what each place is known for, the best time to go and a few practical points, including visas. Always check official sources before booking, because visa rules and local restrictions can change.
Quick comparison
| Destination | Country | Best known for | Visa for Indians |
|---|---|---|---|
| Svalbard | Norway | Polar night, Arctic wildlife | Schengen needed to transit mainland Norway |
| Hallstatt | Austria | Lakeside village, Alps | Schengen |
| Tallinn | Estonia | Medieval Old Town, Christmas market | Schengen |
| Gullfoss | Iceland | Icy waterfall, Golden Circle | Schengen |
| Whitefish, Chicago, Midway | USA | Skiing, city winter, ice attractions | US visitor visa |
| Gobi Desert | Mongolia | Snowy desert, Bactrian camels | Mongolian visa |
| Gulmarg | India | Skiing, gondola rides | Not needed |
8 breathtaking winter destinations, plus one in India
1. Whitefish, Montana, USA
Whitefish is a small mountain town in northwest Montana and a gateway to Glacier National Park. In winter, most visitors come for Whitefish Mountain Resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding with views over Whitefish Lake. The town holds a winter carnival every February, with parades and local events.
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It suits travellers who want snow and quiet rather than big-city attractions. The nearest airport is Glacier Park International in Kalispell.
2. Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia’s capital has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997. In December, the Town Hall Square hosts a Christmas market with a large decorated tree, wooden stalls and mulled drinks. Tallinn also claims to have put up one of the first public Christmas trees, in 1441.
Days are short in midwinter, so plan sightseeing around the few hours of daylight. Estonia is in the Schengen Area.
3. Gullfoss, Iceland
Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls”, is a two-step waterfall on the Hvita river in southwest Iceland. The water drops 11 metres and then 21 metres into a narrow canyon. In winter, parts of the falls and surrounding rocks freeze, creating striking ice formations.
Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle day route from Reykjavik, along with Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir area. Paths can be icy in winter, so wear proper shoes with grip. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area.
4. Chicago, USA
Chicago’s winters are cold and windy, but the city makes the most of them. Visitors skate at the outdoor rink in Millennium Park, visit the German-style Christkindlmarket in December and walk along a frozen Lake Michigan shoreline. Museums and jazz clubs offer warm options on harsher days.
5. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is an Arctic archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Its main town, Longyearbyen, has roughly 2,500 to 2,800 residents. From about late October to mid-February, the sun does not rise above the horizon, a period called the polar night. This darkness makes it a good place to try to see the northern lights.
Svalbard itself is outside the Schengen Area and does not require a visa, but flights usually go through Oslo or Tromso, so Indian travellers need a Schengen visa to transit. Polar bears live on the islands, and visitors should go outside the settlement only with a licensed guide.
6. Gobi Desert, Mongolia
The Gobi is one of the coldest deserts in the world in winter, with temperatures that can fall well below minus 20 degrees Celsius. Snow on the dunes and rocky plains makes for unusual scenery, and travellers can see Bactrian camels and stay in traditional gers with local herding families.
Winter trips here are best done with an experienced local tour operator, because distances are long and conditions are harsh. Indian passport holders need a Mongolian visa, so check the requirements with the Embassy of Mongolia in New Delhi.
7. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is a small village of about 780 people on the shore of Lake Hallstatt, below the Dachstein mountains. It is part of the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. In winter, snow on the rooftops and the lake makes it look like a postcard.
Hallstatt has struggled with overtourism, and local authorities have limited tour bus arrivals with time slots. Visit early in the day or stay overnight, and respect residents’ privacy. The Hallstatt Skywalk platform, about 360 metres above the village, gives wide views of the area.
8. Midway, Utah, USA
Midway is a small town in Utah’s Heber Valley, about an hour from Salt Lake City. Nearby Soldier Hollow hosted cross-country skiing and biathlon events at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and is still used for Nordic skiing. In recent winters, Midway has also hosted a popular ice castle attraction with tunnels and slides built from icicles, subject to weather.
9. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, India
For travellers who want snow without a visa, Gulmarg is India’s best-known ski destination. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, takes visitors up towards Mount Apharwat. Gulmarg has hosted the Khelo India Winter Games, and the ski season usually runs from December to March, depending on snowfall.
Check the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department’s official updates and local weather advisories before you travel, as heavy snow can close roads.
Tips for winter travel
- Apply for Schengen or US visas well in advance, as appointment waiting times can be long.
- Pack thermal layers, waterproof boots, gloves and a warm hat rather than one heavy jacket.
- Buy travel insurance that covers winter activities such as skiing.
- Check daylight hours. In the far north, you may get only a few hours of light, or none.
For more ideas, see our travel section and our lifestyle section.
Further reading: Gullfoss waterfall.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best winter destination in the world for northern lights?
Svalbard and Iceland are among the best, as long winter nights give more chances to see the aurora on clear nights.
Do Indians need a visa for Svalbard?
Svalbard itself does not require a visa, but you usually transit through mainland Norway, which needs a Schengen visa.
What is the best winter destination in India?
Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is India’s leading ski destination, with a season usually from December to March.
When is the best time to visit Hallstatt in winter?
December to February brings the best chance of snow. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Sources: UNESCO: Hallstatt-Dachstein, UNESCO: Tallinn Old Town, Wikipedia: Longyearbyen, Wikipedia: Gullfoss.
