Snowy destinations you need to explore in Europe
Rather layer up with warm clothes and explore than lay on a beach? Enjoy sipping on a hot drink by the fire? Keep winter for as long as possible with our top picks of Europe’s snowiest destinations for your next adventure.
Europe transforms every December as Christmas markets pop up across the cities. As the temperature drops and snow settles, it’s easy to ski, ice skate and walk around dozens winter wonderlands. Spot the northern lights in Tromsø, ride a cable car up Mount Trebević in Sarajevo, or try your hand at the black runs in Turin.
Decide your next snowy adventure today and fly from London Luton Airport. Don’t forget to wrap up!
Located in Finnish Lapland, there is plenty of glittering snow in Rovaniemi over winter. The wintry season lasts from late November to mid-April; be prepared for limited daylight hours, typically between 10:00 and 14:00. Due to its northern location, Rovaniemi is a prime location for spotting the northern lights. Look up to see the aurora borealis dance across the sky!
Cross the Arctic Circle and experience Christmas magic 365 days a year at the Santa Claus village. Want to avoid the crowds? Glide across the snowy ground through the forests on a husky sled tour, or go pony riding and alpaca walking on the untrodden path.
Fly from LTN to Rovaniemi in 3 hours 20 minutes.
Flights available from November 2024 to January 2025.
Hailed as the gateway to the Arctic, and the northernmost city in the world, explore the natural beauty of the Norwegian fjords in Tromsø. Stay by the sea and go whale watching, or head further inland to experience dog sledding and hiking in the wilderness.
Whether you’re exploring with blue skies or chasing the northern lights on a starry night, Tromsø’s stunning landscapes make northern Norway a must-visit snowy destination. There’s lots of snowy days too, with it snowing continuously from late September to mid May!
Fly from LTN to Tromsø in 3 hours 35 minutes.
Flights available from October 2024 to March 2025.
Tucked at the foot of the Italian alps, and home to the 2006 Winter Olympics, Turin’s ideal for travellers looking to satisfy their adventurous appetite. Ascend Mount Roc for an unrivalled panoramic view over northern Italy.
The snowy paradise isn’t limited to the mountain peaks though... See the icicles sparkle as you walk around the grand boulevards and majestic squares. Don’t miss Luci d’Artista across Turin. What started as a small parade showcasing 14 artists is now a spectacular city-wide takeover replacing traditional Christmas lights with works of art. What will you uncover?
Fly from LTN to Turin in 1 hour 55 minutes.
Flights available from December 2024 to March 2025.
Krakow is just a three-hour train ride to Szczyrk Mountain Resort, Poland’s largest ski resort. With 23km of pistes, race down the runs and look forward to an apres-ski treat at the bottom! Szczyrk Mountain Resort is near the Czech Republic and Slovakia too, so why not hop over the border and cut into the snow.
If you don’t want to head up the mountains, then stay in Krakow and the surrounding areas for a snowy holiday. With an average of 12 snowy days a month during the winter season, head out to Planty Park and build a snowman!
Fly from LTN to Krakow in 2 hours 25 minutes.
With a tartan coat, thick scarf, bobble hat and some gloves, you’re ready for an Inverness winter. As snow falls across the Scottish highlands, spot the winter wildlife including red deer and robins – you may even see a golden eagle swoop in!
Check out over 30 winter sport runs across Cairngorms National Park in Aviemore and enjoy the vast, open spaces across the highlands. Or why not hop east to Aberdeen and mix snow and sand at Balmedie Beach?
Fly from LTN to Inverness in 1 hour 30 minutes.
Welcome to the capital of the French alps! Pristine white peaks poke into the sky, so there’s breathtaking views everywhere you turn. Every angle of Grenoble’s mountainous landscape offers something new, so why not traverse through Versoud canyon, stroll in the Parc de Fiancey, or use the cable car to Le Téléphérique Grenoble Bastille. Make sure you see the Fort de La Bastille à Grenoble – it’s even more impressive when the turrets are sprinkled with snow.
Balance your snowy adventure time between the four mountain chains. Hit the Versors, Chartreuse, Belledonne, and Oisan mountain slopes and uncover your favourite run.
Fly from LTN to Grenoble in 1 hour 40 minutes.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unassuming capital is an untapped winter wonderland. Use the Sarajevska žičara cable car to reach the Mount Trebević summit without breaking a sweat. It’s a 12-minute ride where the Sarajevo skyline comes into view. Time it at sunrise or sunset for the best cityscape!
Want to go exploring? Stomp as you snowshoe across the peaks at Olympic Mountain Bjelašnica, followed by trying your hand at snowboarding on the bunny slopes. End a fun-filled day with a nightcap at a jazz club or refuel with a traditionally brewed coffee at a café.
Fly from LTN to Sarajevo in 2 hours 50 minutes.
Europe transforms every December as Christmas markets pop up across the cities. As the temperature drops and snow settles, it’s easy to ski, ice skate and walk around dozens winter wonderlands. Spot the northern lights in Tromsø, ride a cable car up Mount Trebević in Sarajevo, or try your hand at the black runs in Turin.
Decide your next snowy adventure today and fly from London Luton Airport. Don’t forget to wrap up!
Innsbruck
Nestled in the Austrian Alps, head to Innsbruck for your snowy fix. Feel the flakes in between snow boots and head up the mountains to visit the 32 resorts. Or, if you’d rather stay toasty, slink into a fondue restaurant — go for the fireside tables.
Watch Innsbruck come alive with a fresh coating of snow. Head to the Old Town and see over 2,500 copper tiles on the Golden Roof sparkle in the low sunlight. And for a glistening adventure, head 25 minutes out of the city to the Swarovski Museum.
Fly from LTN to Innsbruck in 2 hours.
Flights available from December 2024 to March 2025.
Rovaniemi
Located in Finnish Lapland, there is plenty of glittering snow in Rovaniemi over winter. The wintry season lasts from late November to mid-April; be prepared for limited daylight hours, typically between 10:00 and 14:00. Due to its northern location, Rovaniemi is a prime location for spotting the northern lights. Look up to see the aurora borealis dance across the sky!Cross the Arctic Circle and experience Christmas magic 365 days a year at the Santa Claus village. Want to avoid the crowds? Glide across the snowy ground through the forests on a husky sled tour, or go pony riding and alpaca walking on the untrodden path.
Fly from LTN to Rovaniemi in 3 hours 20 minutes.
Flights available from November 2024 to January 2025.
Tromsø
Hailed as the gateway to the Arctic, and the northernmost city in the world, explore the natural beauty of the Norwegian fjords in Tromsø. Stay by the sea and go whale watching, or head further inland to experience dog sledding and hiking in the wilderness.Whether you’re exploring with blue skies or chasing the northern lights on a starry night, Tromsø’s stunning landscapes make northern Norway a must-visit snowy destination. There’s lots of snowy days too, with it snowing continuously from late September to mid May!
Fly from LTN to Tromsø in 3 hours 35 minutes.
Flights available from October 2024 to March 2025.
Turin
Tucked at the foot of the Italian alps, and home to the 2006 Winter Olympics, Turin’s ideal for travellers looking to satisfy their adventurous appetite. Ascend Mount Roc for an unrivalled panoramic view over northern Italy.The snowy paradise isn’t limited to the mountain peaks though... See the icicles sparkle as you walk around the grand boulevards and majestic squares. Don’t miss Luci d’Artista across Turin. What started as a small parade showcasing 14 artists is now a spectacular city-wide takeover replacing traditional Christmas lights with works of art. What will you uncover?
Fly from LTN to Turin in 1 hour 55 minutes.
Flights available from December 2024 to March 2025.
Krakow
Krakow is just a three-hour train ride to Szczyrk Mountain Resort, Poland’s largest ski resort. With 23km of pistes, race down the runs and look forward to an apres-ski treat at the bottom! Szczyrk Mountain Resort is near the Czech Republic and Slovakia too, so why not hop over the border and cut into the snow.If you don’t want to head up the mountains, then stay in Krakow and the surrounding areas for a snowy holiday. With an average of 12 snowy days a month during the winter season, head out to Planty Park and build a snowman!
Fly from LTN to Krakow in 2 hours 25 minutes.
Inverness
With a tartan coat, thick scarf, bobble hat and some gloves, you’re ready for an Inverness winter. As snow falls across the Scottish highlands, spot the winter wildlife including red deer and robins – you may even see a golden eagle swoop in!Check out over 30 winter sport runs across Cairngorms National Park in Aviemore and enjoy the vast, open spaces across the highlands. Or why not hop east to Aberdeen and mix snow and sand at Balmedie Beach?
Fly from LTN to Inverness in 1 hour 30 minutes.
Grenoble
Welcome to the capital of the French alps! Pristine white peaks poke into the sky, so there’s breathtaking views everywhere you turn. Every angle of Grenoble’s mountainous landscape offers something new, so why not traverse through Versoud canyon, stroll in the Parc de Fiancey, or use the cable car to Le Téléphérique Grenoble Bastille. Make sure you see the Fort de La Bastille à Grenoble – it’s even more impressive when the turrets are sprinkled with snow.Balance your snowy adventure time between the four mountain chains. Hit the Versors, Chartreuse, Belledonne, and Oisan mountain slopes and uncover your favourite run.
Fly from LTN to Grenoble in 1 hour 40 minutes.
Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unassuming capital is an untapped winter wonderland. Use the Sarajevska žičara cable car to reach the Mount Trebević summit without breaking a sweat. It’s a 12-minute ride where the Sarajevo skyline comes into view. Time it at sunrise or sunset for the best cityscape!Want to go exploring? Stomp as you snowshoe across the peaks at Olympic Mountain Bjelašnica, followed by trying your hand at snowboarding on the bunny slopes. End a fun-filled day with a nightcap at a jazz club or refuel with a traditionally brewed coffee at a café.
Fly from LTN to Sarajevo in 2 hours 50 minutes.