The snow holidays to book early for an unforgettable winter escape
Snow holidays are a great way to celebrate cold winter weather in style. Although we love summer getaways, there's nothing quite like embracing the cold. That's why we thought we'd take a look at the best icy adventures to book now, for this winter or next.
If your idea of the perfect snow holiday is one without the skiing, you've come to the right place as we've rounded up some of the best of them for the ultimate cold weather escapes in 2025.
There are so many different ways to explore and appreciate the pristine white landscapes of Europe and beyond. Whether you've always dreamed of riding through the powder on an iconic train in Switzerland or discovering the beauty and wildlife of Antarctica, these snow holidays provide you with the sub-zero temperatures and incredible landscapes you expect from a winter getaway.
There's something for everyone too. If a relaxing ride on a scenic mountainous railway isn't for you, you may wish to try adrenaline-pumping winter activities —from snowmobile safaris in Iceland to snow rafting in Transylvania's Carpathian Mountains.
Take a look at the best snow holidays to browse now and experience later, from the Swiss Alps to the Norwegian Arctic Circle...
See the Northern Lights in Norway
Watching the ethereal Northern Lights as they dance across the skies is possibly one of the most awe-inspiring activities you can enjoy on a snow holiday. Norway is one of the best countries in the world to see the aurora, especially in Alta, one of the northernmost towns in the world, which is nicknamed 'The Northern Lights City'.
Join Country Living for an extra-special 12-day arctic expedition cruise to discover the magic of Norway’s fjords, villages, and coastal towns in their winter glory. There is a departure in December, and at this time of year, you'll have a very good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. With a deep blanket of snow, you can try exhilarating winter activities such as snowshoeing, sledding, and winter kayaking, too.
Another fantastic 12-day Norway experience allows you to explore these dramatic landscapes with the company of the world's first official 'Aurora Chaser,' Tom Kerss. Tom is an astronomer and astrophotographer and with his expert guidance you'll have a great chance of spotting the Northern Lights. You'll also learn all about Norway's night skies in a series of lectures.
If you're a budding photographer keen to capture the beauty of Norway on camera, join County Living's special Norway adventure with wildlife photographer and cameraman, Doug Allan. Doug has worked on David Attenborough's Blue Planet and will share some of his expertise during a talk, Q&A and coastal walk.
Experience St Moritz and the Bernina Express
During winter (and summer, too), you can enjoy the beauty of Switzerland's mountains with a day trip to elegant St Moritz on the Bernina Express. This enchanting train ride takes you along the highest railway line in the Alps. The spacious, panoramic carriages provide a unique viewpoint for you to admire the best of Switzerland's pristine lakes and snowy mountain tops.
Spend a day riding on the Bernina Express with our eight-day tour of Italy and Switzerland, where you’ll stay in a 19th-century hotel on the northern banks of Lake Como. This unforgettable train ride will take you through some of the most spectacular Alpine landscapes in Europe, which will be covered in a fresh blanket of snow on our December departure.
Sleep in the Hotel of Ice and explore Transylvania
Visit the Fagaras Mountains in Transylvania during the winter months and you'll discover a land covered in a thick blanket of pristine snow, with rugged mountains dotted with neo-renaissance castles and spruce forests.
To elevate your snowy experience, you can check in to the unique Hotel of Ice, which is freshly carved each winter from ice blocks extracted from a glacial lake. Here you can get your heart racing with some snow sports like snow rafting or the Tunnel Trek, or simply kick back with a hot drink and enjoy the scenery. Try Country Living's six-day winter holiday to Transylvania, where you will also visit Bucharest and Bran Castle.
Admire the exceptional landscapes of Iceland
Iceland is loved for its otherworldly landscapes, which look even more astonishing than usual when covered in a blanket of crisp snow. The snowiest part of the country is the north, where you can go snowmobiling, explore ice caves, or even traverse the white landscapes on horseback, just like the Vikings did.
The capital, Reykjavik, has a slightly milder climate due to its southern location, but there's still a high chance of a dusting of snow if you visit in winter. The snow makes the pretty streets and celebrated architecture incredibly picturesque and makes snuggling up in a warm hotel bar with a drink even more rewarding at the end of a day's exploring. You might even be lucky enough to spot the Northern Lights on a winter trip to Iceland.
Discover the last great wilderness of Antarctica
When it comes to the ultimate snow holiday, nothing beats Antarctica. The White Continent is the place to experience all the wonder of winter on one dream trip. Penguins, icebergs and humpback whales — Antarctica is as photogenic as a snow destination gets.
During a once-in-a-lifetime 15-day trip to Antarctica, you can see its incredible wildlife and natural beauty up close, experience a state-of-the-art expedition ship and feel like a real explorer as you get to know one of the most remote, cold, and untouched places on the planet.
Glide through the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express
Switzerland has jaw-dropping natural beauty to discover around every corner, from the world's most iconic mountain, the Matterhorn, to the glistening surface of Lake Geneva. The magical Swiss Alps are renowned for their snow sports, with some of Europe's most sought-after ski resorts located here. But there are other ways to explore the Swiss Alps in winter.
Join Country Living for an extra-special short break to Switzerland, including tickets for the Glacier Express from Chur to St Moritz. This historic train will take you over the magnificent Landwasser Viaduct and along the UNESCO Heritage Albula line, watching snow-covered landscapes perfectly framed by the train's large windows as you go.
Sleep in Sweden's Ice Hotel
For a truly unique winter holiday experience, how about sleeping in a hotel hand-carved freshly each year from Arctic ice? Check-in at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, and you can do just that.
If you think it sounds a bit chilly, you'd be right. Temperatures inside the hotel hover between -5 to -7 degrees Celsius. But guests are provided with expedition-style sleeping bags specifically designed for this climate, so you can definitely get a good night's sleep here.
You'll be in prime position to make the most of everything the Swedish wilderness has to offer in winter. Perhaps you'll explore your snow-covered surroundings by snowmobile, on horseback, or in a dog sled. And if you are lucky, you may get to see the northern lights dancing overhead.
Visit the prettiest Christmas markets along the Rhine
There's hardly a better way to celebrate the winter season than getting into the Christmas spirit with a visit to some of Europe's most enchanting markets.
The banks of the Rhine are home to many of the continent's best Christmas markets, from the historic market in Mainz, set against the backdrop of the illuminated Mainz Cathedral, to Koblenz, which hosts one of the largest festive markets in the Rhineland.
A wintry cruise along the Rhine is one of the best ways to visit several of these markets in one trip. Country Living has a five-day cruise stopping off in Cologne, Koblenz, Mainz, Frankfurt and Rüdesheim, with all meals and drinks included on board.
While the cruise sets sail in early December, just before winter arrives, it’s the perfect way to ease your way into the cold season and get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
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