So, you’re heading to the United States in winter. Brave soul. Instead of beaches and barbecues, you’re signing up for snowstorms, thermal underwear and possibly an involuntary faceplant in a snowbank. But make no mistake — winter in the US is magical, sparkly and full of festive chaos. And if you do it right, you’ll go home with flushed cheeks, great stories and at least one ugly Christmas jumper.
From alpine adventures in Colorado to twinkling lights in New York, winter in America isn’t just a season — it’s a full-on mood. Think hot chocolate, big coats, dramatic scarves and enough twinkly lights to give a disco ball a complex.
So grab your woollies, zip up that puffer jacket that makes you look like a walking marshmallow and let’s dive into 10 winter activities to try in the US that’ll warm your heart (even if your toes say otherwise).
1. Ski the Slopes Like a Snowy Rockstar
🎿 Aspen. Park City. Lake Tahoe. The legends await.
The US has some of the best ski resorts in the world. Whether you’re shredding powder like a pro or falling down gracefully while waving to strangers, there’s a slope for you.
⛷️ Frosty Tip: If you spend more time on your backside than your skis, just own it. It’s called “freestyle”.
2. Ice Skate in the Middle of Manhattan
⛸️ It’s giving Home Alone 2: Lost in Elegance.
Skating at Rockefeller Center is the ultimate winter flex. The rink is iconic, the Christmas tree is enormous and the chance of someone proposing next to you is very high.
🗽 Frosty Tip: If you can’t skate, flail stylishly. Add jazz hands. No one’s judging (ok maybe a little).
3. Go Sledding Like You’re Five Again
🛷 Because sliding down a hill on a piece of plastic is always elite.
America takes sledding seriously. From snow-covered parks to ski resorts with dedicated sled hills, you’ll be giggling like a kid in no time. Bonus points if you build a ramp.
❄️ Frosty Tip: Wear waterproof everything. Otherwise, you’ll be fun-soggy instead of fun-frolicky.
4. Drink Hot Chocolate Bigger Than Your Head
🍫 And maybe add a cheeky splash of something strong.
Across the US, winter cafés go full Willy Wonka with marshmallow towers, whipped cream mountains and toppings that defy gravity. Calories don’t count in December. We checked.
☕ Frosty Tip: Ask for “extra whipped cream” and watch them make your cup 80% joy.
5. See the Northern Lights in Alaska
🌌 Less city lights, more cosmic fireworks.
From Fairbanks to remote lodges, Alaska offers a front-row seat to the aurora borealis. It’s breathtaking, surreal and worth every layer of thermal gear you packed.
🧊 Frosty Tip: If the sky dances and you don’t Instagram it… did it even happen?
6. Get Lost in a Christmas Market
🎄 Think gingerbread, twinkling lights and mulled wine you’ll pretend to like.
From Chicago’s Christkindlmarket to Washington D.C.’s Downtown Holiday Market, American cities go big on the festive vibes. Expect artisan ornaments, roasted nuts and the smell of cinnamon everywhere.
🛍️ Frosty Tip: Bring cash for stalls and space in your suitcase for questionable-but-cute souvenirs.
7. Take a Snowmobile Safari in Yellowstone
🏔️ Like a motorbike, but make it frosty and majestic.
In winter, Yellowstone turns into a snowy fairytale — and the best way to see it is zooming past bison at 40mph while pretending you’re in a David Attenborough documentary.
🐾 Frosty Tip: Don’t chase the bison. They’re not in the mood. Trust us.
8. Attend a Winter Festival That’s Honestly a Bit Bonkers
🎉 From ice castles in New Hampshire to frozen beard competitions in Alaska. Yes, really.
Americans love a theme. And in winter, the themes are ice, fire, glitter and unapologetic enthusiasm. Join a torchlight parade. Marvel at snow sculptures. Wear a hat shaped like a moose.
🎭 Frosty Tip: Embrace the weird. You’re on holiday. You can be normal later.
9. Take a Scenic Train Through Snowy Landscapes
🚂 All aboard the Winter Wonderland Express.
Hop on a classic Amtrak route or a mountain railway like the Mount Hood Railroad in Oregon. Sit back, sip cocoa and let the wintry views do their thing while you pretend you’re in a vintage snow globe.
🛤️ Frosty Tip: Choose a window seat, obviously. And a cosy jumper for bonus main-character energy.
10. Go Full Christmas Movie in a Small Town
🏘️ Somewhere between “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Hallmark levels of cosy”.
Small towns across the US go all in for the season. Think carolers, snow-dusted storefronts, parades with actual reindeer and strangers wishing you happy holidays like it’s a script.
🎅 Frosty Tip: Visit towns like Leavenworth (WA), Woodstock (VT), or Bethlehem (PA) and prepare to be aggressively jolly.
❄️ Final Frosty Thoughts:
Winter in the USA is equal parts chaos and charm. Whether you’re zooming down a mountain, drinking cocoa with six kinds of sugar, or buying a snowflake-shaped pretzel at a holiday market, there’s something undeniably magical in the frosty air.
So embrace the layers, master the art of the scenic shiver and let your inner snow angel run wild. After all, winter in America doesn’t whisper — it jingles. Loudly. With twinkle lights, and maybe a snowball fight or two.
