Sometimes You Just Need Snow and Stillness
If you’ve been craving quiet time somewhere pretty and peaceful, winter can be one of the most magical times to travel solo. Think cozy lodges, soft snowfall outside your window, and friendly towns that welcome visitors without feeling crowded or chaotic.
The key is choosing destinations that are safe, easy to reach, and comforting to navigate alone. These 10 snowy escapes across the U.S. combine beautiful scenery with simple logistics and warm, solo-friendly energy.
1. Park City, Utah
Nearest airport: Salt Lake City International (SLC) – 40 minutes
Park City is the kind of place that makes winter feel easy. You can wander Main Street, stop for hot chocolate at Atticus Coffee, and take the free trolley between shops and galleries.
Fun things to do: Ride the Alpine Coaster at Park City Mountain or spend an afternoon at the Utah Olympic Park watching athletes train.
Scenic spot: Drive or take a short walk up Guardsman Pass Road for sweeping mountain views and glowing sunsets over the snow.
Solo tip: Stay near Main Street or at Stein Eriksen Lodge where shuttles make getting around simple.
2. Jackson, Wyoming (Jackson Hole)
Nearest airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) – 15 minutes
Set in a stunning valley surrounded by the Tetons, Jackson feels both refined and relaxed. It’s full of art galleries, wildlife tours, and cozy places to warm up after exploring.
Fun things to do: Take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge or browse the galleries around Jackson Town Square.
Scenic spot: Stop at the Snake River Overlook for one of the most famous winter views of the Tetons.
Solo tip: Stay in town at The Wort Hotel or Rustic Inn for easy access to dining and shopping.
3. Lake Placid, New York
Nearest airport: Plattsburgh (PBG) – 1.5 hours or Albany (ALB) – 2.5 hours
This historic Olympic village offers classic Adirondack charm and peaceful frozen-lake views. It’s walkable, friendly, and full of winter fun.
Fun things to do: Visit the Olympic Museum, go ice skating on Mirror Lake, or stop into The Coffee Bar for a cozy break.
Scenic spot: Take the short drive to High Falls Gorge to see icy waterfalls and snow-covered bridges.
Solo tip: Mirror Lake Inn is a beautiful and safe base with lake views and a fireside spa.
4. Stowe, Vermont
Nearest airport: Burlington (BTV) – 45 minutes
A storybook New England town with covered bridges and candlelit inns. You don’t have to ski to love it, it’s just as magical for quiet walks and café hopping.
Fun things to do: Visit the Trapp Family Lodge for cross-country trails or stop by Cold Hollow Cider Mill for hot cider and apple donuts.
Scenic spot: Smugglers’ Notch scenic road offers postcard-worthy snowy views.
Solo tip: Stay downtown at Green Mountain Inn for walkability and cozy charm.
5. Leavenworth, Washington
Nearest airport: Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) – 2.5 hours
This Bavarian-style village sparkles in winter with thousands of twinkling lights and snow-dusted rooftops. You can easily explore without driving once you’re there.
Fun things to do: Stroll through the shops, join a gentle snowshoe tour, or sip mulled wine at Icicle Brewing Company.
Scenic spot: Head to Waterfront Park for peaceful river views framed by snowy peaks.
Solo tip: Stay right in town at PostHotel or Obertal Inn for easy, car-free access.
6. Breckenridge, Colorado
Nearest airport: Denver International (DEN) – 2 hours via shuttle
A cheerful mountain town known for its welcoming vibe. You can take a shuttle from the airport and skip the car entirely.
Fun things to do: Explore Main Street shops, join a guided snowshoe tour, or try the Breckenridge Distillery tasting room.
Scenic spot: Boreas Pass Road offers panoramic winter views with easy photo stops.
Solo tip: Gravity Haus has a modern, social feel that’s perfect for solo travelers.
7. North Conway, New Hampshire
Nearest airport: Portland, Maine (PWM) – 1.5 hours
Set in the heart of the White Mountains, this small town is full of charm and cozy inns. It’s peaceful and easy to navigate without feeling isolated.
Fun things to do: Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad’s snow train or visit Zeb’s General Store for local treats.
Scenic spot: Cathedral Ledge lookout offers an incredible view over the snowy valley below.
Solo tip: Cranmore Inn and White Mountain Hotel are warm, welcoming choices.
8. Lake Tahoe (South Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada)
Nearest airport: Reno-Tahoe International (RNO) – 1.25 hours
Beautiful, easy to reach, and full of relaxed mountain energy. You’ll find cozy cafes, lakefront trails, and gorgeous winter views.
Fun things to do: Take a lake cruise on the Tahoe Queen or book a spa day at Edgewood Tahoe Resort.
Scenic spot: Inspiration Point at Emerald Bay is breathtaking in winter.
Solo tip: Stay near the Heavenly Village area so you can walk to shops and restaurants.
9. Asheville, North Carolina
Nearest airport: Asheville Regional (AVL) – 20 minutes
Milder snow but still a beautiful winter vibe. The Blue Ridge Mountains create a cozy backdrop for exploring the artsy downtown.
Fun things to do: Tour the Biltmore Estate in its winter quiet or browse art studios in the River Arts District (possibly some still in the rebuild phase after the floods).
Scenic spot: The Blue Ridge Parkway offers overlooks just minutes from town.
Solo tip: Stay downtown at the Foundry Hotel or Princess Anne Hotel for comfort and walkability.
10. Bend, Oregon
Nearest airport: Redmond (RDM) – 25 minutes
A mountain town with an easygoing energy, great food, and beautiful winter scenery. You can be on the river trail or in a cozy café within minutes.
Fun things to do: Visit the High Desert Museum, walk along the Deschutes River Trail, or try a yoga class at Wild Thing Yoga.
Scenic spot: Pilot Butte State Park gives you 360-degree views of snowy peaks and downtown Bend.
Solo tip: Stay near the Old Mill District for easy walking and dining options.
Solo winter travel doesn’t have to mean isolation. These destinations are beautiful, safe, and simple to navigate, with plenty to do at your own pace. Whether you want quiet reflection, snowy photo walks, or evenings by the fire, you’ll find warmth and peace in every place on this list!
