The Australian Alps
Australia is usually associated with beaches and sweltering “Outback” deserts, but the Southern Hemisphere winter does bring snow and sub-freezing temperatures to its mountain ranges and highlands. Tasmania’s peaks receive snowfall, as do the Australian Alps in New South Wales and Victoria. The latter two states have nine ski resorts and natural areas for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, multi-day backcountry treks, and nature viewing.
Part of the magic of wintertime Australia is that the scenery is so contrary to the stereotypical image that people have of the continent. Kangaroos and wombats inhabit the snowy regions, and mountain waterways can freeze, creating whimsical ice formations. The best time to witness these conditions is between June and September.
Ladakh, India
The remote region of Ladakh, in northern India, is described as “magical” regardless of the season. Tourists come to see Tibetan culture, which thrives in the main city, Leh, but most are under the impression that this high altitude destination (Leh is 11,000 feet above sea level) is inaccessible during the winter. Highways are indeed closed, but the airport remains open, so tourists can fly into the region.
What will you see in Ladakh in winter? The lakes and waterfalls are frozen, with some providing accessible ice trails that help trekkers reach remote areas without having to trudge through deep snow. One of the most challenging of these journeys is the Chadar Trek, a wild 10-day to three-week journey over frozen rivers. Visitors have sighted the rare snow leopard inside Hemis National Park, and this region is also home to temples and villages perched in impossibly steep locations.
Hokkaido, Japan
Snow is very common on portions of Japan’s northernmost island. The mountains near the Sea of Japan on Hokkaido experience as much as 400 inches of snowfall annually. The powdery consistency of the snow makes this island a wonderland of sorts for alpine skiers and snowboarders, who come from all over the world to enjoy the backcountry powder skiing. Even those who only venture as far as the main city of Sapporo will see the magical quality of Hokkaido’s winters. The Sapporo Snow Festival features life-size snow sculptures that are impressive enough to draw nearly 2 million visitors per year.
Non-skiers can enjoy visual experiences like the Blue Pond, a waterway with a deep blue hue that is lit at night. Occasionally, ice rime, frozen fog or dew, clings to Hokkaido’s trees and makes them appear like they're glowing. The island also boasts some of Japan’s best onsens (hot springs spas and bathhouses), where you can bathe in thermal water while overlooking the winter landscapes.
Jackson, New Hampshire, USA
Jackson is a New Hampshire town near the White Mountains. New England villages continuously vie for the title of “prettiest town.” The region-wide penchant for quaint atmospheres, historic architecture and traditions mean that any rankings would be completely subjective. Jackson, however, stands out because it is at the center of a network of nordic ski and snowshoeing trails that cover an impressive span of area around the White Mountains.
The trails pass through old growth forests, along streams and over covered bridges. Skiers can stop in villages and warming houses along the way. The northeastern mountain scenery is an ever-present backdrop. The trails are maintained and groomed by a non-profit called the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation.
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