Three-Part Series: 5 Winter Destinations, 5 Sunny Getaways and 5 Weekend Trips

With only a few months until the holiday season, thinking of vacation spots is always an easy way to find your happy place when feeling weighed down by work. Although you may have a favorite spot or family tradition for your holiday plans, why not switch it up this year with a unique and trendy destination you may not have previously considered?

Whether you are a winter lover, in need of some vitamin D, or just want a quick Saturday-Sunday hiatus to relax, here is part one of our three-part series covering ski, sun and weekend getaways to think about for the office slowdown in December and January.

Part 1: Five Captivating, Chilly Destinations for Snow-Lovers

Photo: Hello BC

Fernie, British Columbia
Not only is the city surrounded by the fabled Rocky Mountains, it is well-equipped for all your favorite winter sports. Looking slightly like a winterized version of a small western town (think Wild West meets, well, Canada), this coal-mining town is very picturesque and a unique place to put on your skis, while also being in close proximity to the more popular resort of  Whistler, British Columbia.

Where to Stay
With its ski-in, ski-out location, Snow Creek Lodge is the number one place to stay while visiting Fernie. Enjoy peaceful nights in or hot nights out — literally, since they have outdoor hot tubs! You can reserve online through the Fernie Lodging Company, a great site for also booking lift tickets, rental cars and other winter activities in the area.

Where to Eat
Fernie has some very cool breakfast spots, including Big Bang Bagels and Loaf Bakery & Restaurant. For a fun night out try Nevados, a Latin American tapas restaurant that just opened up earlier in 2014, or The Brick House Bar and Grill. Remember, Canadians love their burgers and poutine [a dish similar to gravy-covered fries], which of course are essentials to help warm up in the Canadian winter season.

Gudauri, Georgia 
Just a few hours drive from the Tbilisi airport, you’ll find exotic Gudauri, Georgia, located on the Southern Slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range (bordered by Russia, Turkey and Armenia). A destination made for winter sports, the the city is fun, unique and absolutely stunning.

Photo: Paata Liparteliani

Where to Stay
There is no competition: Marco Polo is the ultimate hotel while visiting Gudauri, an all-inclusive resort with the mountains at your doorstep. It’s also extremely kid-friendly; the resort offers kids’ ski school, and your stay includes the kids’ club where you can drop off the little ones while you are out on the slopes. The hotel is affordable, well-renowned and surrounded by the most breathtaking view.

Where to Eat
Indulge in Georgian barbequed dishes at the Hotel Truso Grill and Bar, or head over to Gudauri Hut for their specialty, Pkhalis, made of chopped vegetables fried and blended with nuts and spices. Look out for khinkalis as well (Georgian dumplings filled with meat or potatoes and herbs). 

Photo: Mark File

Mürren, Switzerland  
One mile above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, you can follow in the footsteps of James Bond (à la On Her Majesty’s Secret Service) in the village of Mürren. Auto-free and accessible only by cable car, the adventure of getting there is almost the best part.

Where to Stay
The Eiger Guesthouse is an adorable bed-and-breakfast style accommodation, owned and operated by Ema Baptista. The guesthouse also manages a restaurant serving up Italian specialties. Another great  choice would be Hotel Blumental Mürren, which has a real cottage feel, and a quaint breakfast restaurant located onsite.

Where to Eat
Because Mürren is quite small, most restaurant spots are part of the hotels, but as long as you are up for adventure and enjoy riding the cable car, your options are endless. The restaurants housed at the Eiger Hotel, especially Eiger Stübli, are great choices for any meal of the day. Make sure to sit out on the terrace for a great view of the mountains surrounding you.

Niseko, Japan 
Niseko is a small up-and-coming town in the mountainous Abuta district of Japan, known for its incredible resorts and prime skiing opportunities. ‘The Village,’ scheduled to finish construction this coming December, is set to be a stunner, filled with unique Japanese-inspired dining spots and architecture. Niseko is known for its ski hills and both the deepest- and lightest-packing snow in the world. And, you can ski from the beginning of December to April’s end.

Photo courtesy of Niseko Village

Where to Stay
It’s all about comfort when you’re out enjoying yourself on the slopes all day, and The Green Leaf Hotel is where you will find it. Rent sport equipment onsite, enjoy any meal of the day at one of their two fantastic restaurants, and when you start to feel your legs cramp, head to the spa for a full body massage.

Where to Eat
Prativo is a well-known spot among Niseko tourists. You’ll be able to find international fare here as well as Japanese delights. The restaurant has a gorgeous unobstructed view of Mount Yotei, which you can gaze out on while enjoying lunch or dinner. Make sure to try their yogurt milk while visiting, made fresh onsite from the cows out back. 

Vienna, Austria
From drinking mulled wine to skating in front of Vienna’s city hall on the 75,000 square foot rink (pictured above), you can go from being a sophisticated woman to a free-spirited young adult all while on skates. Vienna is also near to fantastic skiing and snowboarding at the Zauberg and Mönichkirchen resorts  in the Viennese Alps.

Photo: Welcome to Vienna

Where to Stay
Hotel am Stephansplatz is a popular downtown choice when staying in Vienna. (It’s about one to two hours via car or transit to the Mönichkirchen resort.) To stay within the winter wonderland of Mönichkirchen, check out Hotel Elthier, a cute hotel in a great location for all ski-related activities.

Where to Eat
When in Vienna, eat as the Viennese do. Check out Vienna’s only double-Michelin-starred restaurant Steirereck. You’ll find a mix of both Austrian and international dishes, accompanied by a variety of 35,000+ bottles of wines from their cellar. Also, ON Market is known for their fresh produce and herbs, as it is located directly beneath the Naschmarkt, the biggest market area in Vienna. The menu is Asian fusion meets Austrian cuisine.