We may not all want to hit the slopes so these 8 winter destinations in North America for the non-skiers are your go-to’s. It’s the kind of destinations where maybe your friends or family are on the mountains, but for you there’s a ton of other things to do.
Cozy cabins and apres-ski doesn’t have to be for slope junkies. These winter activities are equally great without a few rides up the mountain. Take a peak at these 8 winter destinations in North America for the non-skiers
8 Winter Destinations in North America for The Non-Skiers
1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
What to do: The list is endless — you can rent snowmobiles and scope your way around Yellowstone on a guided tour or better yet go on an epic dogsledding ride. Along the way, the town is incredibly beautiful to cozy up in a restaurant with a drink or two.
Read: The Ultimate Winter Getaway to Jackson Hole
2. Montreal, Canada
What to do: This French-Canadian comes to life in the winter with glistening lights and snow-covered streets. If you’re looking for a cosmopolitan experience, this is where to be.
Read: The Winter Guide to Montreal
3. Yosemite National Park
What to do: Love to snowshoe? Grab a pair and head here to enjoy the winter in California’s best national park.
Read: The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Yosemite National Park
4. Lake Tahoe, California
What to do: I always love being near the lake in the winter and often it’s great to have a cabin with a view for a few days. It’s a perfect weekend escape with friends.
Read: 10 Cozy Lake Tahoe Cabins
5. Sun Valley, Idaho
What to do: Outdoor adventure here is endless, with snowmobiles and snowshoeing trails everywhere.
Read: The Hidden Gem, a Sun Valley Guide
6. Whistler, Canada
What to do: If you’re looking for a quintessential ski village, come straight to Whistler!
Read: The Whistler Adventure Guide
7. Missoula, Montana
What to do: Whether it’s the charming city of Missoula or a luxury experience at Paws Up, Montana in the winter is epic.
Read: Winter Guide to Missoula and A Stay At Paws Up
8. Mont Tremblant
What to do: Come here for a picturesque region of Quebec region, with endless landscapes, lakes, and trails.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
2 Comments
Great suggestions! I was just in Jackson Hole and it’s a really nice town and obviously its surroundings are pretty unbeatable. I really, really need to get to Montreal!
JH is amazing! It’s one of my favorite places to visit. Montreal is also incredible!