5 Brilliant Snow Wonderlands on Earth

“Snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood.” - Andy Goldsworthy

Winter is coming and with it so is the hope that it will snow soon. But it won't be soon enough.

Have you ever paused to think about the purpose of your existence while a snowflake the size of a petal lands on the bridge of your nose? It has such a magical quality that it seems as though time has stood still. And there you are staring cross-eyed at that delicate little crystal as it slowly melts away.

Snow is so beautiful! It is such a beautiful sensation to hear it crunch as you walk on a thick blanket of tightly packed snow or watch it fall from the sky. And as they say, the only sensible thing to do in the snow is to dive in and make snow angels.

For some, snow is a cosy feeling of coming home, comfort and warmth of marshmallows dipped in hot chocolate and apple cinnamon pie right out of the oven. For many others, snow welcomes the feeling of Hygge; which is a Danish tradition that follows the quality of cosiness, warmth and a general feeling of finding pleasure in small things.

If you are someone who thinks that there are very few things more magical than looking out the window and discovering those soft flurries gently falling on the ground, then you are in good company.

We have hand-picked 5 snow-glazed places to visit in the world that are so awe-inspiring that they will have you dancing in snow showers. Read on and know why these snowfall places are so incredibly extraordinary.

Kashmir, India

When you consider snowy places in India, which is the first destination that comes to mind?  Yes, you guessed that right! The jannat that is Kashmir.

Kashmir is beautiful all-year-round but in winter, it is truly exquisite; it is one of those places where falling snow looks as magnificent as the one in Norman Rockwell’s winter paintings. You know, the one where the whole scene looks right out of a winter wonderland with snow-clad roofs and children playing in front of their houses.

Surrounded by the snow-capped Pir Panjal mountain range, Kashmir starts getting chilly in October with light snowfall in November and December. But it is January that experiences the heaviest snowfall. Gulmarg, with its alpine golf course, scenic Kashmiri beauty and ice skiing resorts, is one of the best places for snow lovers in Kashmir.

With temperatures dipping down to -10 degrees in January, it is best to pack heavy woollens, scarves, boots and some hand mittens, because, with the snow-laden Kashmir, snowmen and snowball fights are not far behind.

Moscow, Russia

Due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Russia is typically frigid all year round. Throughout the nation, it snows a lot during winter.

As a matter of fact, there are several spots in Russia that are essentially uninhabitable, such as Oymyakon in Siberia where the temperature drops to -68 degrees. However, there are many more fantastic places snow lovers are going to take joy in visiting.

We are talking about the glamour of Moscow and the quiet charm of its surroundings. It is also one of the best places in the world where snow feels so magical when illuminated by multitudes of fairy lights hung from the cafes and restaurants mixed with the pious magic of the snow-covered golden-domed churches.

This picture-perfect place experiences a snowy period of 6 months, from October to April. Especially in December, when the temperatures plummet down and turn this place into a winter wonderland.

Most travellers consider Moscow to be the most beautiful place in the world when it snows.

Aomori City, Japan

Owing to its location on the highest point of the Hakkōda Mountains and the chilly Siberian winds sweeping in from the northeast every November, Aomori city experiences an average of 26 feet of snowfall each year.

Despite the constant and heavy snowfall, Aomori city does not close down in the wintertime. On the contrary, Aomori becomes a winter wonderland for skiers and visitors who want to have fun in the snow.

It is perfect for snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts. All winter sports are perfect here. And after a long day on the ski slopes, visitors can unwind and relax in one of the Hakkōda’s onsens - hot sulfur springs - that are spread throughout these volcanic peaks.

It is one of the best places to see snow in December. And during the peak winter season, you will find yourself walking alongside a thick wall of snow that is several feet high.

Though it might snow heavily, it does not stop people from visiting the shrines and enjoying winter festivities. Some winter events feature an elaborate display of ice and snow creations and snow sculptures of creatures in Japanese mythology like samurais, Oni or Japanese demons.

Prague, Czech Republic

Post the shoulder seasons when Prague is packed with tourists bustling the city streets, winter presents an opportunity for those who prefer the silence and snow-laden beauty of this UNESCO-listed Old Town. 

“The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different.” - J B Priestley

In November and December, Prague starts getting chillier, yet the weather is still windy, foggy and rainy. However, by Christmas, it welcomes a flurry of snowfall that creates an unforgettable experience. Prague is one of the ethereal places to see snow in December.

The weather allows people to skate on one of the many ice skating rinks around the city and watch as the sun sets around the historical Baroque buildings.

By January, this capital of the Czech Republic is wonderful.  With snow-capped roofs, frosty windows and a cup of warm pumpkin spice latte on your table in a cafe near Vltava River, you can truly enjoy the feel of this snowy wonderland.

Greenland

Located between Europe and North America, Greenland is more famous for being cold rather than green with a unique story behind its name.

The temperature and climate you will experience in Greenland depend on where and when you go because the country's weather changes by location and by season. Due to its peninsular location, Greenland's north experiences fairly mild winters with dry air. The southwest, on the other hand, is low-arctic and has the most snow.

Winters are usually long in Greenland, but mild, and rather than staying inside local folks prefer to invest time in snow-based activities like dog sledging, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, and more.

If you intend to engage in any winter sports, remember to include clothing that can withstand snow and water as well as a range of sweaters, thermal underwear, and accessories like a hat, scarf, and a warm pair of gloves.

Greenland in winter is one of the most beautiful places in the world where snow falling from the sky looks almost spiritual. In late December, and early January, when the sun does not rise and the days are shorter, it becomes almost ethereal with snow falling from the dark, dark skies.

Bonus Recommendation – Nuuk City, Greenland

This is a beautiful old world with million wonders, and there are million different things and another million places snow lovers can go indulge their Chionophile senses in.

With fresh snowfall, a hot turmeric latte and a warm fire burning in the hearth, snow brings in the prospect of settling down and enjoying the little things in life. Snow brings back the smell of freshly baked cookies and hand-knit woollen clothes.

It is all about taking time to indulge and appreciate simple pleasures like watching your first snowfall in a foreign country. Or try your first gajar ka halwa of the season. Also fun snow sports, winter activities and snowy sights could leave you reeling and enjoying slow living.

This winter, book your international holiday packages from India at Veena World and explore the most beautiful places in the world where snow truly turns them into a magical wonderland. And, do not forget your snow boots and your favourite cardigan!