Looking to cozy up by the fire at a remote lodge, stroll frost-covered sidewalks of a cosmopolitan city, or hit the powdery slopes? Sure, you could go to Aspen or Deer Valley, Gstaad or St. Moritz, but we suggest trying one of these less-traveled destinations, all of which offer equal charms and winter wonderland appeal — minus the crowds (and the expense).
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Sölden, Austria
Sölden, in Austria’s Ötz valley, is all about skiing — minus the lift lines. Here, a whopping 31 high-powered lifts and gondolas transport up to 67,000 people per hour, so you never miss a moment of action.
And the Tyrolean region sees a lot of that — it served as the backdrop for some of the most adrenaline-packed sequences in the James Bond film “Spectre.”
Bariloche, Argentina
Fly just two hours southwest of Buenos Aires and you’ll arrive at Mount Cathedral, South America’s biggest ski resort. Squint your eyes at the 3,000-foot-high snowcapped peaks and blackened-hued timber lodges and you’ll think you’ve been transported to a Swiss alpine town.
Travel between June and September (Argentina’s winter) for ski-in/ski-out mountain access, or go during North America’s colder months to hike, mountain bike, boat, fish, and golf in the vast Patagonian wilderness.
The Catskills, New York
With its latest craft brewery craze and slate of design-centric new B&Bs, the Catskills are officially cool again. As the fall leaf-peeping crowds disperse, you’ll have your pick of chic accommodations, including Scribner’s Catskill Lodge, a Member of Design Hotels.
On your way out of town, stop by Buck Brook Alpacas to pick up a huyaca blanket, stuffed animal or even the real thing. (Yes, the alpacas are for sale.)
Megève, France
Is visiting the French Alps on your wish list? Skip flashy Courchevel and join well-heeled French vacationers on the deserted slopes near Megève, a medieval village nestled among three of the country’s finest ski resorts — Rochebrune, Mont d’Arbois, and Le Jaillet.
When you’re not carving the slopes, dine at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in town. One especially tantalizing option is Flocons de Se, which earned three stars of its own for its refined and surprisingly affordable menu.
Or stroll the charming cobblestone streets of the historic city center, a car-free zone with an open-air ice-skating rink and horse-drawn sleighs at the ready.
Niseko, Japan
Japan’s hottest ski resort, Niseko, is now even more accessible thanks to new access by bullet train. As for the après-ski scene, forget greasy bar food: Here, it’s all about fresh sashimi, snow crab legs and sweet Akkeshi oysters.
Save room for a glass of single-malt Hokkaido whisky at Bar Gyu+, accessed via an old fridge door that’s nearly impossible to find in the deep snowdrifts.
South Tyrol, Italy
Set on the border of Italy and Austria, South Tyrol is a veritable melting pot of all the right influences. (Think northern Italian comfort cuisine mixed with grand Austrian castles and museums.) This is the home of the Dolomites, an 18-peak mountain range with some of Europe’s most heart-pumping ski trails.
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