While the summer months are always a great time to get out and experience nature outside of the city, there is something magical about exploring nature in winter. Fewer crowds fill the roads and lodging, giving you a unique opportunity to see nature in a peaceful and different light, coated in snow. Winter also brings a whole new list of opportunities and activities to take part in. Bring your snow gear and get ready for a vacation full of skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and so much more.

National Park Getaways

Visiting a national park during the snowy months is the best way to ensure your trip into nature is filled with beautiful landscapes and fun activities. It is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the various outdoor activities outside of certain peak tourist seasons and see beautiful wildlife in protected lands. Below are a few of the top national park getaways from Yosemite National Park to Grand Teton National Park.

Hit the Slopes in Yosemite

Year after year Yosemite is a premier destination for winter retreats. With snow-covered mountains and granite cliffs down to the valleys, Yosemite is packed with an abundance of activities. With just around 1,200 square miles of protected land, there are opportunities to get active, tap into your creative side, or just enjoy the peace and quiet.

Here are the top activities to get you out and active:

• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Backcountry Skiing
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snow Tubing
• Snowshoeing
• Ice Skating
• Hiking

Here are a few activities that will help tap into your creative side:

• Bird Watching
• Wildlife Photography
• Reading by the fire
• Writing in the beautiful Yosemite Valley Lodge

Where to Stay: Yosemite Valley Lodge

Not only placed in a location with spectacular scenery, Yosemite Valley Lodge was also built with comfort and coziness in mind. With all the winter activities just outside the door, the lodge is the ideal setting to come home to after a day of venturing out in the woods. It doesn’t get much better than sitting next to a warm fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate in hand while spending time with family and friends watching the snow fall outside of the window.

Snowmobiling in Jackson Hole

Jackson, Wyoming receives 500 to 600 inches of snow year round making this a wonderful winter wonderland with over two million acres of land to adventure on. Scenic Safaris offers snowmobile and snow coach adventures in Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton area. They include shuttle services as well as overnight trips for a unique experience in the park.

Where to Stay: Togwotee Mountain Lodge

Located in Moran, WY near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Togwotee Mountain Lodge has stunning views and plenty to offer. This full-service mountain resort has a wide variety of lodging and cabin options and in addition to snowmobiling you can enjoy other winter activities such as dog sled tours.

Escape to Winter’s Embrace: National Park Retreat

Your next snowy adventure is waiting around the corner. The perfect time to get the family together for an activity filled getaway. With endless options from skiing, to hiking, to cozying up inside by the fire. You can’t go wrong with the options above making memories with friends, family, or even a wonderful solo trip!