The Best States for a Winer Getaway
As winter sets in across the U.S., it brings a different kind of charm to various states, making them ideal destinations for those looking to make the most of the cold weather. But which U.S. state is the ultimate destination for a cozy, winter getaway? With this in mind, Viator sought to uncover the best states to visit for a winter vacation. To do so, the travel experts created a points-based index system that analyzed in each state: the number of ice rinks and ski resorts, the average rating of ski resorts, the number of indoor activities with a rating greater than 4, 4.5, and 5 on Tripadvisor, and the average winter snowfall levels.
The 10 best states for the ultimate winter trip
- Vermont (9.99)
- Alaska (9.57)
- Maine (9.55)
- New Hampshire (9.31)
- Wisconsin (8.37)
- Wyoming (8.27)
- Colorado (8.27)
- Montana (8.23)
- Massachusetts (8.08)
- South Dakota (7.69)
Vermont is the best state to visit during winter, with a winter experience score of 9.99 out of 10. Vermont is home to the second-most ice rinks per 100,000 people in the whole of the US (4.64), outranked only by North Dakota (5.26). Ski resorts saw a record-breaking 64.7 million visits during the US winter 2022-23 season, and travelers visiting Vermont have 25 ski resorts to choose from, including Killington and Stowe Mountain resort. This is equivalent to 3.86 ski resorts per 100,000 people, which is the highest figure per capita nationwide. For nearly half of Americans (47%), the most anticipated highlight of the winter season is witnessing the first snowfall.
In second place is Alaska, with a winter experience score of 9.57 out of 10. Despite being the coldest state in the United States, Alaska offers 72.52 indoor activities rated greater than 4/5 and an additional 36.25 activities with a 5-star rating per 100,000 people. This represents the highest figure nationwide and ensures visitors can stay warm and cozy while exploring the wintry state. Skiing is a cherished winter pastime for many and Alaska is home to 18 in total, which is equivalent to 2.45 resorts per 100,000 people.