Winter 2026 is shaping up to be spectacular. With the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics casting a glittering spotlight on the Alps, and travelers seeking new ways to embrace the cold, this season is all about adventure with elegance. From Europe’s grand ski towns to the wild peaks of Canada and the serene beauty of Scandinavia, these ten destinations prove winter isn’t something to escape : it’s something to celebrate.

Discover Winter Destinations with HomeExchange

Quick Guide: 10 Best Winter Destinations for 2026

Destination Vibe Highlights Perfect For
Gstaad, Switzerland Luxe & Laid-Back Skiing, alpine spas, New Year Music Festival Couples, luxury travelers
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy Olympic Glamour 2026 Winter Games, Dolomites views, chic shopping Sports fans, culture seekers
Bormio, Italy Wellness & Adventure Olympic ski events, hot springs, local cuisine Skiers, spa lovers
Banff, Canada Natural Beauty Snowboarding, Lake Louise, mountain drives Outdoor adventurers, families
Serre Chevalier, France Family-Friendly Fun Gentle pistes, sustainable skiing, cozy chalets Families, beginners
Bad Gastein, Austria Historic Spa Escape Thermal baths, belle époque hotels, ski slopes Couples, relaxation seekers
Whistler, Canada Classic Ski Playground Vast terrain, après-ski, Olympic heritage Ski pros, social travelers
Deer Valley, USA Elevated Luxury Expanding ski terrain, five-star hotels Sophisticated skiers, honeymooners
St. Gervais, France Scenic & Sustainable Mont Blanc views, Zero Carbon resort, thermal spas Eco-conscious travelers

1. Gstaad, Switzerland: Elegance in the Alps

Gstaad remains the gold standard for winter luxury. Known for its snow-dusted chalets and understated glamour, it’s where alpine adventure meets refined indulgence. Start at the Christmas market, then unwind at a world-class spa before skiing or snow biking across pristine slopes. In 2026, its New Year Music Festival promises a celebration of culture in the coziest of settings.

2. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy: Olympic Glow in the Dolomites

With the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics lighting up Italy, Cortina d’Ampezzo will be the heart of the action. Nicknamed the “Queen of the Dolomites,” it offers both world-class skiing and cinematic beauty. Wander Corso Italia’s boutiques, watch curling or ski jumping events, and soak in the grandeur of peaks like Ra Gusela glowing at sunset.

3. Bormio, Italy: Alpine Thrills and Hot Springs

Not far from Cortina, Bormio blends the excitement of Olympic skiing with the calm of ancient thermal baths. Watch the world’s best athletes race down the Stelvio slope, then ease into the town’s Valtellina hot springs with mountain views. This mix of adrenaline and serenity makes Bormio one of Europe’s most balanced winter escapes.

4. Banff, Canada: The Soul of the Rockies

If you crave wilderness with style, Banff is your winter paradise. Nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers everything from powder-perfect slopes to scenic drives toward Jasper. Stay at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, explore frozen waterfalls, or soak in alpine hot springs under a starlit sky. Banff reminds travelers that nature can be the ultimate luxury.

5. Serre Chevalier, France: Family Adventure, French Style

In the Hautes-Alpes, Serre Chevalier stands out as one of Europe’s most family-friendly ski regions. With gentle runs, sustainable design, and cozy lodges, it’s perfect for all ages. The resort’s eco-certification means you can enjoy the snow with a clear conscience, and après-ski hot chocolate never tasted this good.

6. Bad Gastein, Austria: Where History Meets Healing

Once the haunt of royals, Bad Gastein is Austria’s spa capital reborn. Belle époque hotels have been beautifully restored, offering rooftop saunas, historic charm, and sweeping alpine views. Spend your days on the slopes, then soak in radon-rich thermal waters : a centuries-old ritual for rejuvenation.

7. Whistler, Canada: North America’s Winter Icon

Celebrating 60 years of mountain culture, Whistler Blackcomb continues to set the standard for ski resorts worldwide. Two mountains, 200 runs, and some of the best après-ski in the West make it a snow lover’s dream. In 2026, the resort honors its 2010 Olympic legacy with new exhibits and expanded trails.

8. Deer Valley, Utah: The Luxe Side of Skiing

For a refined American ski escape, Deer Valley delivers. Just outside Salt Lake City, this resort is expanding to become North America’s most luxurious alpine destination—with new hotels, gourmet dining, and 5,700 acres of fresh terrain. Expect five-star comfort paired with Utah’s crisp mountain air.

9. St. Gervais, France: Mont Blanc’s Hidden Gem

St. Gervais-les-Bains offers everything: sustainability, serenity, and unforgettable views of Mont Blanc. Recognized with France’s Zero Carbon Mountain Award, this alpine town blends modern lifts with thermal spas and charming chalets. Arrive by train, ski all day, then unwind in a geothermal bath as snowflakes fall.

10. Scandinavian Mountains: Aurora and Adventure

Stretching across Norway, Sweden, and Finland, the Scandinavian Mountains redefine winter wonder. Ski through forested slopes by day, then chase the Northern Lights by night. Experience reindeer herding with Sami communities, try snowshoeing, or glide through frozen fjords on a husky sled. It’s winter at its purest : and most magical.

Winter 2026: The Season of Splendor

Whether it’s Italy’s Olympic sparkle, Canada’s untamed wilderness, or Scandinavia’s northern glow, winter 2026 invites us to embrace the cold instead of escaping it.

Through HomeExchange, travelers are trading mountain chalets in the Alps for cozy homes in Banff or lakeside cabins in Norway : discovering warmth in the most unexpected places.

So pack your skis, your scarf, and your sense of wonder. This winter, the world is waiting : covered in snow, alive with stories.

Discover how HomeExchange works