Winter is a magical time one that leaves many in the awe and wonder of its natural beauty.
This is especially true for those who live in warm climates or at the very least far from the snow fields. I am one of those people living here in what is mostly sunny and warm Australia.
While many people do loathe the cold bitter winds that winter may bring, others are chasing the snow moving from northern to southern hemisphere working in the ski resorts for work and play. And even those who complain about the cold that winter brings they too love hitting snow covered slopes.
So where are the best places to visit during winter? What destinations stand above the rest?
Well first and foremost it would have to be the snow fields found around the world whether you are skiing, snowboarding or just having snow ball fights.
Canada, Japan, Colorado, the Alps and New Zealand are probably the best places to visit during winter if it is skiing or snowboarding that you are after.
But other than the snow what else is there? Where else could you visit during winter?
1. Eisriesenwelt Caves - Austria
The Eisriesenwelt Caves which are found in Austria is one of the places on my winter bucket lists. These are limestone caves that have formed with icicles in the Alps and are the largest iced caves known in the world.
The cave is open to tourists between April and October each year and does attract over 200,000 visitors each year. It may be busy, but 200,000 annual visitors can't be wrong.
2. Milford Sound - New Zealand
Located on the South Island of New Zealand is Milford Sound, a fjord in the Fiordland National Park. This destination has won many tourism awards and has even been called the eighth wonder of the world.
Each year an estimated 550,000 to 1 million visitors take in the sites while cruising through Milford Sound.
Apart from taking in the sites of the surrounding cliffs, with and on occasion flowing waterfalls the wildlife here is also an attraction. Seals, penguins and dolphins are frequent in the area s well as the occasion whale passing by.
3. Ice Diving - Baffin Island
If however you are after something a little more adventure there is no cooler experience (literally) than scuba diving under the ice way up in the Arctic.
Tours mostly leave from Ottawa and will cruise out to Baffin Island where you will set up camp and start your scuba diving experience. The scuba dive starts in open, cool waters and gradually edging closer and eventually under the ice.
Wildlife is different than the tropical island dives you may have been on before and you will see species such as jellyfish, starfish, urchins and sea anemones. If you are lucky w=you even get the chance the scuba dive alongside the Narwhal.
Do note however that a minimum of Advanced Scuba Certification is required and some companies may also require dry suit dive certifications as well.
These are my picks for the best places to visit during winter, for those looking to embrace and enjoy the winter however the world offers many more destinations and locations that are also just as perfect for winter.
