Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky, Montana via mountain_insta_hike/Instagram

Big Sky is charming year-round, but it’s especially spectacular when it’s covered in a new coat of powder. Tucked in the Rocky Mountains, it’s photogenic from every angle. Drink in the views from the top of Lone Peak Mountain. Relish the peaceful wilderness as you cast a line with Wild Trout Outfitters. To really get a taste for one of the prettiest winter towns, reserve a table at Everett’s 8800 Restaurant. Located on the top of Andesite Mountain. This eatery invites you to warm up by the fireside as you admire the groomed ski slopes in the distance.

Saranac Lake, New York

Saranac Lake, New York via this_mountain_town/Instagram

Looking for one of the best winter vacations with snow? Look no further than Saranac Lake. You’ll find yourself snapping pictures of every inch of this scenic destination. Set your sights on the wintery beauty when you visit during the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. The masterfully carved Ice Palace, a tradition that dates back to 1898, is the star of the show. Pose for a photo on the ice throne and explore the marvelous frozen structure, before retreating to Mckenzie’s Grille. For a real treat, snag a seat by the window for a front-row view of the white landscape and the dazzling frozen lake.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge, Colorado via chris_swoboda/Instagram

Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is the epitome of a winter wonderland. View the snow-laden scenery from the highest chairlift in North America. Whiz past towering alpine trees on a set of skis. You’ll want your camera handy to capture the beauty of Breckenridge. Ski along the picturesque trails at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Cozy up at Breckenridge Distillery, the world’s highest distillery, as the snow blankets the ground outside. For even more magic, visit the annual International Snow Sculpture Championship. Artists craft whimsical masterpieces from 25-ton blocks of snow.

Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah via andaupite/Instagram

Good luck finding a more photogenic getaway than Park City, Utah. Snowflakes frame this winter retreat, from Main Street to the Wasatch Range. With the Uinta Mountains in its backyard, Park City promises picture-perfect vistas. Join a Snowcat skiing tour with All Seasons Adventures and crawl along the snowy terrain. Hop on a Storm Cycles snow bike and romp around trails at Park City Mountain Resort. Better yet, witness the mountainous landscape from high in the sky with Park City Balloon Adventures. No matter which angle you view Park City from, you’ll want to have your camera at the ready.

Denver, Colorado

Denver, Colorado via pictorialjournal/Instagram

When it comes to the finest winter vacation ideas, Denver belongs at the top of your list. Pack your camera and begin your vacation at Denver Botanic Gardens. Here, snow delicately drapes the local and exotic flora. For more photo-worthy opportunities, venture to City Park. Snap the ideal shot with the epic Rocky Mountains in the distance. You’ll find plenty of picturesque bluebird days here. Capture the joy at the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park or cruise through the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park with your camera in tow.

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Lincoln, New Hampshire via the_hippielife/Instagram

You could easily fill 100 photo albums with images of Lincoln at wintertime. You would still want to add more to show off its beauty! This destination is visually appealing all year round, but winter gives it an extra dash of magic. The Ice Castles are magnificent and photogenic attractions. They are what fairytales are made of, whimsical and unique. The perfect photography subject. After viewing , sync up with the local Alpine Adventures Guided Back-Country Snowshoe Tours. You’ll marvel at the White Mountain National Forest covered in snowflakes.

Munising, Michigan

Eben Ice Caves, Michigan via helirealtor/Instagram

Ice forms on the sandstone cliffs at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Munising Falls freezes in time—a stunning sight. For more visual appeal, venture to the nearby Eben Ice Caves in the Rock River Canyon Wilderness. Gigantic icicles are the center of attention. Once you’ve seen your fair share of nature’s beauty, warm up in the Falling Rock Bookstore and Café. Enjoy a hot mug of coffee and a good book in hand.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

Bayfield, Wisconsin via nomadtrekkingco/Instagram

If you’ve seen Bayfield’s beauty in the spring and summer, wait until you see it after a fresh snowfall—wow! Bring your tripod and get ready to explore one of the best places to visit in winter. Begin your adventures at the Apostle Islands National Seashore. The natural scenery is a feast for your eyes. When the Mainland Sea Caves are open to the public, they’re the cherry on top. If you’re in town for the Bayfield Winter Festival, join the Candlelight Walk at the Bayfield Regional Conservancy. Admire the scenery under the glow of headlamps. Or take a Fat Tire Mini Tour with North Coast Cycling Association for a scenic ride around Lake Superior.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley, Idaho via sunvalleygiftshops/Instagram

You’ll want to focus your camera lens on every inch of Sun Valley. This attractive destination is especially glamorous during the winter months. View the lay of the land from on top of Bald Mountain, where you can photograph the town of Ketchum below. Better yet, soak in the mountain views as you dip in the hot pools at Zenergy, surrounded by the rolling ridges. Next up, invite your family into the frame as you snap some shots of them at the outdoor Christina Potters Ice Rink. You may capture next year’s holiday card!

Camden, Maine

Camden, Maine via dan_coffeeontheporch_maine/Instagram

Camden is home to what some say is one of the world’s most photographed harbors. Beautiful any time of year, the harbor is particularly handsome when sprinkled with snowflakes. You’ll feel like the ultimate shutterbug as you snap away on the harbor and then head to Camden Snow Bowl. You can take in ski runs between your photoshoots. After a day of adventures, put the camera down as you dine at Camden Deli and enjoy the bay views.

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont via
roguedancer/Instagram

Burlington has a reputation for its autumnal beauty. It’s also astonishing when the snow covers the last signs of leaves. “Click, click, click,” will be the soundtrack of your getaway here. Bring plenty of memory cards as you’ll be tempted to take photos everywhere you turn. When the snow starts to fall, stroll along the pretty shores of Leddy Beach. Take in the Adirondack mountains in the distance. Mosey around the perfectly groomed University of Vermont campus. For more photo-worthy views, head to one of the many nearby ski resorts. Stowe Mountain Resort has panoramic vistas. Then round out the day with a sampler of sips at Citizen Cider.

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