Thinking about escaping the sunshine-filled Singapore for a let-it-snow kinda getaway in the year-end? These cold and beautiful spots will tick all the right boxes
In our part of the world, Christmas is, well, still hot and humid (though there’s definitely a festive spirit in the air). But if you’re dreaming of sipping hot chocolate in front of a cosy fireplace and watching snow falling gently outside the window in the year-end, our friends at Lightfoot Travel know just the places to go from sunny Singapore to experience a truly white Christmas. Get your winter gear ready!
Niseko, Japan
Christmas in Asia doesn’t usually involve skiing, but you can – in Japan’s ski capital, Niseko. The snow is as soft as powder, and it’s the perfect place to kick off your skiing adventure if you have never hit the slopes before. Whether you’re travelling with your family, friends or just your special someone, you’ll be spoilt for choice with activities: skiing (obviously), amazing dining, snowmobiling, relaxing in an onsen, snow rafting, tubing and shoeing…
Niseko is so widely reputed that a lot of the best apartments, chalets and hotels get snagged up months in advance, so don’t wait any longer if this is where you want to spend your end-of-year break. If you’ll like to be close to the slopes, Ki Niseko is one of the few accommodation that offers great ski-in ski-out options with its mix of spacious apartments and hotel rooms.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Don’t let its name deceive you; Iceland is a fab place to be in winter and it’s surprisingly warmer than places like Paris and New York. There is so much to do and see in Iceland –narrowing it down to a select few activities is no easy feat. Make Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world, your first stop. In winter, the city is as pretty as a Christmas card, with streets filled with fairy lights, Christmas displays, ornaments and of course snow.
Then, venture off into the countryside where glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, geysers (amongst other things) are aplenty. The year-end is also a great time to visit as Iceland has a new and pretty amazing attraction: Into the Glacier. The excursion brings you to the insides of Europe’s second largest glacier, Langjökull, where you’ll roam through man-made ice caves and tunnels – pretty impressive! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg (or glacier if we may): you can also go diving in Silfra, the rift that divides North American and Eurasian plates, laze in geothermal pools, catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights… Endless possibilities await.
For a stay right in the heart of Reykjavik, opt for the 101 Hotel a lovely boutique option with modern, ultra-chic design. For something further out into the wilderness, nothing beats Hotel Ranga, a boutique lodge in Hella overlooking Hekla volcano – Northern Lights have been spotted a fair few times this year in that area.
Whistler, Canada
Winter in Whistler is, many would agree, epic. The slopes extend over two mountains and they are linked by a gondola, which offers stunning views are stunning even for non-skiiers. Kids are well catered to as well, with lots of excellent ski schools and activities to keep them entertained.
After a day on the slopes, complete your après-ski vacation with a dip in an awesome outdoor hot tub, thrilling ziplining, fantastical fire and ice shows, superb dining, and a night out at some of their hottest bars and clubs.
Our favourite property is hands-down the Four Seasons Resort Whistler. We love that they have a Ski Valet at the bottom of both Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains to grab your skis whilst you run off to après.
Lapland, Sweden
An enchanting world of frozen delights that takes your breath away at every turn; that’s how we would describe Sweden’s Lapland. A wonderful destination for adventurous explorers, Swedish Lapland boasts a profusion of luxury lodges, incredible national parks that glisten with snow during the winter as well as the famed Aurora Borealis. The region is also home to Europe’s only indigenous people, the Sami aka the original Swedes, which you are bound to cross paths with during your time discovering this snow-filled paradise. Don’t forget to go on a dog-sledding adventure through pristine landscapes, track reindeer and moose, try out snowshoeing, catch fish from frozen lakes and snowmobile, skate or walk across frozen rivers.
For a ‘wow’ factor, indulge in a stay at the famed IceHotel, which, as its name suggests, is made up completely out of ice and is (re)built every November. Can’t take the cold? You can still experience the IceHotel and stay in warm, chalet-style bedrooms.
Switzerland
Skiing in Switzerland, the quintessential alpine country, is always a wonderful idea. Smack in the middle of the Alps, Switzerland is dotted with some of the best skiing slopes on the Old Continent, though the myraid of options makes picking out the most suited destination a little daunting. If you need a little push, try Verbier, St. Moritz and Zermatt – these places have not disappointed.
For those looking for lively après scene with partying options, Verbier is the place to be. The terrain is also incredible and the off-piste legendary. It is also the largest lift-linked ski domain in Switzerland, so you won’t get bored on the slopes.
St Moritz is where skiers go for glitz, glamour and some celebrity spotting. Here, skiing is complemented by numerous other activities such as polo no snow events, kite-boarding on frozen lakes, massive five star hotels and a spa region amongst other things.
Zermatt is often described as the jewel in Switzerland’s crown – a justified moniker. Zermatt offers much more than its dazzling views of the Matterhorn: as a mountaineering village, the atmosphere here oozes old world charm, and the skiing is obviously amazing, with landscapes of striking snow-capped peaks all around.
Though beginners do have good options, these resorts are better catered to intermediate and advanced skiers.
Antarctica
Treat yourself to a truly white Christmas as you cruise towards the White Continent for a once-in-a-lifetime adventures. The vastness of the Antarctic Peninsula is astounding and will no doubt leave you breathless.
Crank up the adventure a notch with a tour that brings you across the Drake Passage, the body of water between South America and the South Shetlands Islands. It’s reputed to have some of the roughest sea conditions and is often referred to as the Drake Shake. Underdeveloped sea legs? You can fly over this seemingly frightening passage and head straight to the continent.
What will you see on the way and once you get there are an abundance of incredible wildlife – penguins, seals, whales, albatross – and surreal landscapes of icebergs and mountains of snow. In terms of activities, there are lots to keep you entertained. Think cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, walking/hiking, kayaking with seals, wildlife watching and even scuba diving!
National Geographic Explorer is an amazing option if you wish to travel alongside national Geographic photographers, biologists and speakers such as adventurer Peter Hilary.
City breaks in London, Paris, New York
If the call of the urban jungle is too strong, you should know it’s still possible to have a Winter Wonderland holiday minus a bit (or a lot depending on how Mother Nature is feeling) of snow. The top three that come to mind are London, Paris and New York. Each of these cities light up with amazing festive decorations during the year-end and it will most certainly feel like Christmas when strolling through Christmas fairs.
Even better, with most tourists craving ski slopes or turquoises seas this time of the year, being in London, New York, or Paris at this time of the year means you’ll have these cities (almost) all to yourself: less queuing, less crowds and more opportunities to feel like a local. Here’s a quick breakdown of where to get some holiday cheer in the three capitals:
Ice skating:
Yes yes yes, skate outdoors in the city! In New York, you can glide at Rockeller Center in the shadow of the Christmas tree, or in the middle of Central Park. In jolly old London Town, the Natural History Museum ice rink is our favourite, and while in Paris, it’s a tie between the Grand Palais’s ice rink under its magical glass dome, and the one just in front of the Hotel de Ville.
Gorgeous window displays:
Window shopping has never been more fun and beautiful! Come Christmas-time, the most famed department stores of these fashion capital deck themselves with impressive displays that are one of the season’s highlight. Each year, a new theme is showcased and can range from cinema to fairy-tale lands. So be sure to check out Galeries Lafayette and Printemps’ display while in Paris; Barney’s in New York; and Harrods in London.
Christmas fairs:
Christmas without Christmas fairs would be like Valentine’s Day without any chocolates or roses! Layer up and as you make your way through an array of stalls, as you sipon some delicious mulled wine. In NYC, Bryant Park’s Winter Village is the place to be (it also has an ice skating rink, so kill two birds, one stone!). If you’re in London, there’s no better market than Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. In the City of Lights, head straight for the Village the Noel or to Place de la Republique, the capital’s newest addition to the Christmas fair family.
This article was brought to you by Lightfoot Travel, a Singapore-based luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice & inspiration, tailor-made itineraries & full booking services.