“Romping in a Winter Wonderland”

Jack: (Thinking pensively)

Jill: “What’s going through that head of yours?”

Jack: (Smiling devilishly.)

Jill: “Whoa boy.”

For us, winter is the season of LOVE! Well, actually, all the seasons are the seasons of love but I digress. Snowy backdrops, crackling fires, and French wine are the best accompaniments for an evening of carnal knowledge with the one you love (or lust… we don’t judge).

Some have ‘true’ winter at their doorstep, geographically-speaking, while others aren’t so lucky. As such, they need to travel. And with that, enjoy!

Finished? We haven’t even started yet! (Finland)

One of the world’s most romantic winter destinations lies in the European arctic. Finnish Lapland is perfect if you and your special someone want to see the northern lights (which really should be on EVERYONE’S bucket list). You can also get frisky in a glass igloo at Hotel Kakslauttanen as colors dance across the sky overhead, making it onto anyone’s bucket list. OR, an even cooler option is to check into an ice hotel, such as the Snow Hotel at SnowCastle of Kemi. This combined resort and art exhibit is sculpted anew each year and entails a snow chapel in addition to the world’s largest restaurant… made of snow, naturally. While exploring this glistening region, popular activities include skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dogsledding, relaxing in saunas, hanging with reindeer, sex under the aurora borealis and visiting Santa (you may have thought his home was in the North Pole, but it’s here).

“Oh, Ca-na-da…” (Canada)

One of the most romantic destinations on Earth, or at least North America, is unquestionably the France of the West, otherwise known as, Québec, Canada. Our vote for most charming place in this French-Canadian province goes to Québec City; Its Historic District is SO historic that it’s actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander cobblestone streets past centuries-old buildings, boutiques, and bistros all covered in snow. For a splurge, check into the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (or simply enjoy its views of the St. Lawrence River over wine and cheese at 1608). Be forewarned; they take their French serious here, so try your best to communicate in this language of love.

A second Québecois city that’s made for winter romance is Montreal. Relax with a spa day at Bota Bota, which floats atop the river in a converted ferryboat. If your idea of a winter wonderland is more outdoors than urban, you’ll want to head west to Banff National Park. Explore frozen waterfalls on Johnston Canyon ice walk or yell “mush, mush” (ala, Yukon Cornelius) behind a dog sled. Or pace yourself in wondrous country via snowshoe tours.  

Lederhosen anyone? (Switzerland)

Switzerland is full of elegance, all the more prevalent when it’s also draped in snow. Fall in love with the Alps in the resort town of St. Moritz, where ‘surfing’ down world-renowned slopes comes with views of the Engadin lake district. Stroll the town for art galleries, fine dining, luxury boutiques, chocolate shops, and five-star hotels, then cuddle up for a horse-drawn carriage ride atop frozen Lake St. Moritz.

However, this ENTIRE country was made for love, so if you’re having a difficult time choosing just one destination, a train ride is an ideal way to explore the best of everything. The Glacier Express winds over stone bridges and past waterfalls from St. Moritz to Zermatt; Jungraujoch climbs upward through mountain tunnels until it reaches the highest altitude railway station in Europe, the Gotthard Panorama Express tours from Luzern to Locarno (German and Italian-speaking, respectively) past castles galore and the Bernina Express, which travels from Chur to Tirano, Italy, along the continent’s highest altitude train journey, is so marvelous it’s recognized by UNESCO. Whatever you do, don’t leave the country without indulging in cheese fondue. And wine. Don’t forget the wine!

“Rocky Mountain hiiiigh…” (Colorado)

While we would lean more toward remote settings in either Wyoming or Montana, the general population would not be disappointed with Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. They offer up quite the variety in activities beginning with world-class skiing in Aspen, Vail, Telluride, and Steamboat Springs. Aspen is the go-to for winter glitz and glam; Vail touts old world European charm; modern luxury meets the Wild West in majestic Telluride; and Steamboat is a throwback in time. Romantic activities abound in whichever wonderland you choose. There’s not much better than a snowshoe hike through snow-laden woods, perhaps including a break for, say, extracurricular activities??? Or take your love to new heights on a gondola ride (sort of like the mile-high club, but in feet) or nuzzle by the fire for après-ski.

Sushi? In the mountains? (Japan)

First off, YES, there is a REAL winter in Japan! And it comes with some of the world’s best food. Relax by soaking in a traditional onsen, where natural outdoor hot springs will send you to a steamy sense of zen (warning: don’t get too frisky, you’ll pass out!). The country is a mecca for snow sports. Skiing can be had by all over the country, from Hokkaido to Nagano and beyond. Another idea for a ‘snow date,’ are the many winter and snow festivals, such as the Sapporo Snow Festival and Asahikawa Winter Festival. Admire dramatic ice sculptures while embracing your inner child with snow slides, snowmobile rides, and stalls selling traditional treats. Most romantic of all is the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, when the city and its river glimmer and glow for 10 days in February.

Chili cook-offs! (New Mexico)

WHERE, you ask???? This isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you hear “winter wonderland,” but it most certainly is. Winter in Santa Fe is paradise, where you will find many world-class art galleries, not to mention, world-class restaurants along with the world-class chili. What about skiing you ask? Well, it offers nine downhill ski areas (Taos and Angel Fire are two of the most popular) and some of America’s best cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, specifically Valles Caldera, a collapsed volcanic crater that’s teeming with wildlife, as well as the dog-friendly Enchanted Forest. You can get wet in another epic hot-spring destination at Ojo Caliente spa, which is the only one in the world with four different types of healing mineral waters.

Achtung Baby!!! (Germany)

If holiday cheer makes you and your lover’s hearts sing, pack your bags for the world’s Christmas market capital, Germany. Explore nearly 70 of them across the country—from the straight-out-of-a-fairytale Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market in the Black Forest Highlands, to a regal holiday experience at Hohenzollern Castle’s Royal Christmas Market. Continue the Bavarian romance across Germany’s cities as well. Find romance (again, we don’t judge!) in the hip Berlin, where an island in the middle of the River Spree is home to a cluster of five museums, and Tiergarten park turns über (not the company) alluring when covered in snow. Another artsy option is the city of Düsseldorf. Its old town holds the nickname of the “longest bar in the world” thanks to 300-something watering holes filling a half-square mile radius. Ride a boat down the Rhine to Kaiserswerth, a historic area that’s home to baroque-style houses and the ruins of Kaiserpflaz castle. And speaking of castles, no trip to Germany is complete without a visit to Neuschwanstein, a place so magical, it inspired the castle at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Dirty Waterdawg Anyone??? (New York)

Ah, finally something a little closer to home. The Northeast is an underappreciated area for winter destinations. There are quite a number of activities in upstate New York including strolls along Hudson’s Warren Street, hiking around Ludlowville’s frozen waterfalls, skating the outdoor ice rink in Bear Mountain State Park and exploring Lake Placid and its various locales. Heading south, THE city’s magic is truly in a league of its own, particularly when it snows. It is absolutely amazing! Spend an evening ice-skating at Wollman Rink, followed by a stroll through Central Park, or perhaps, a carriage ride. Skating at Rockefeller Center is nice but way too touristy. Revelers also have the opportunity to walk downtown’s art gallery row. Of course, no town offers the twin-attack of top-rank museums in the Met and MOMA.

Food? Fuggettaboutit! New York City is the 800lb gorilla for the world’s food capital. Date night can span anything from gourmet vegetarian and epic food halls to romantic splurge spots galore. Of course, Broadway offers much, but we believe your time would be better spent walking outdoors beneath Mother Nature’s falling diamonds!