As winter sets in across the United States, it brings a different kind of charm to various states, making them ideal destinations for those looking to make the most of the cold weather. But which US state is the ultimate destination for a cozy, winter getaway?
With this in mind, Viator sought to uncover the best states to visit for a winter vacation. To do so, the travel experts created a points-based index system that analyzed in each state: the number of ice rinks and ski resorts, the average rating of ski resorts, the number of indoor activities with a rating greater than 4, 4.5, and 5 on Tripadvisor, and the average winter snowfall levels.
The results: The 10 best states for the ultimate winter trip
|
State |
Number of ice rinks |
Ice rinks per 100,000 |
Number of ski resorts |
Ski resorts per 100,000 |
Average ski resort rating |
Indoor activities 4+ rating per 100,000 |
Indoor activities 5 star rating per 100,000 |
Average winter snowfall (inches) |
Winter experience score /10 |
|
Vermont |
30 |
4.64 |
25 |
3.86 |
2.9 |
47.45 |
13.60 |
63.63 |
9.99 |
|
Alaska |
19 |
2.59 |
18 |
2.45 |
2.6 |
72.52 |
36.26 |
42.02 |
9.57 |
|
Maine |
34 |
2.45 |
19 |
1.37 |
2.6 |
35.59 |
12.63 |
64.27 |
9.55 |
|
New Hampshire |
37 |
2.65 |
28 |
2.01 |
2.7 |
20.36 |
5.02 |
61.3 |
9.31 |
|
Wisconsin |
103 |
1.75 |
36 |
0.61 |
2.3 |
15.34 |
3.68 |
39.45 |
8.37 |
|
Wyoming |
8 |
1.38 |
12 |
2.06 |
2.8 |
33.71 |
12.38 |
27.61 |
8.27 |
|
Colorado |
49 |
0.84 |
39 |
0.67 |
3.2 |
18.61 |
6.01 |
35.17 |
8.27 |
|
Montana |
12 |
1.07 |
16 |
1.42 |
3.1 |
29.30 |
9.35 |
32.26 |
8.23 |
|
Massachusetts |
139 |
1.99 |
13 |
0.19 |
2.6 |
14.51 |
4.27 |
38.93 |
8.08 |
|
South Dakota |
15 |
1.65 |
3 |
0.33 |
2.7 |
22.31 |
5.61 |
26.15 |
7.69 |
For the full dataset, including all metrics analyzed (not all are included in the above table), please see the methodology.
Vermont is crowned the best state for the ultimate winter trip
Viator can reveal that Vermont is the best state to visit during winter, with a winter experience score of 9.99 out of 10. Vermont is home to the second-most ice rinks per 100,000 people in the whole of the US (4.64), outranked only by North Dakota (5.26). Ski resorts saw a record-breaking 64.7 million visits during the US winter 2022-23 season, and travelers visiting Vermont have 25 ski resorts to choose from, including Killington and Stowe Mountain resort.1 This is equivalent to 3.86 ski resorts per 100,000 people, which is the highest figure per capita nationwide. For nearly half of Americans (47%), the most anticipated highlight of the winter season is witnessing the first snowfall. With 63.63 inches of snowfall on average across the winter months, Vermont provides ample opportunities for enjoying winter activities, from watching snowfall to making snow angels and having snowball fights with loved ones.
In second place is Alaska, with a winter experience score of 9.57 out of 10. Despite being the coldest state in the United States, Alaska offers 72.52 indoor activities rated greater than 4/5 and an additional 36.25 activities with a 5-star rating per 100,000 people. This represents the highest figure nationwide and ensures visitors can stay warm and cozy while exploring the wintry state. Skiing is a cherished winter pastime for many and Alaska is home to 18 in total, which is equivalent to 2.45 resorts per 100,000 people. This is the second-highest number of ski resorts per capita nationwide, meaning visitors are never too far from an opportunity to hit the slopes during the winter.
Maine joins Alaska as one of the top winter destinations this season
Maine ranks third, with a winter experience score of 9.55 out of 10. With its snowy forests and scenic coastline, the Pine Tree State has the second-highest average levels of snowfall across the winter months (64.27 inches)—outranked only by New York (68.57 inches)—highlighting Maine as a top choice for winter lovers. With such high levels of snowfall, it’s not surprising that the state ranks highly for ski resorts, with 18 on offer and 2.45 per 100,000 people. Visitors to Maine can bundle up warm and glide across the 34 ice rinks on offer in the state, the most of the top three states, which is equivalent to 2.45 rinks per 100,000 people. If you’re craving warmth after these outdoor activities, explore the state’s charming indoor options, which include 48.22 activities rated greater than 4/5 per capita. Ranging from beer and brewery tours to cozy museums, Maine has plenty to offer for a perfect winter trip.
South Dakota ranks tenth in must-visit states for winter
Rounding off the top 10 is South Dakota, with a winter experience score of 7.69 out of 10. South Dakota stands out as a top destination for a winter retreat, as the season transforms iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the mountainous Badlands into picturesque, snowy landscapes. Furthermore, travel enthusiasts can harness a myriad of edit picture tools to augment the allure of these captured winter moments for their social media, rendering the north-central state even more captivating for tourists. To combat the 26.15 inches of winter snowfall and ensure warmth this season, travelers can explore 27.92 indoor activities per 100,000 people. Despite having the lowest number of ski resorts in the top ten (3)—South Dakota makes up for it with ice rinks—offering 1.65 per capita, adding to the allure of the state as a winter escape.
Feature Photo by Maxwell Gold on Unsplash
