Winter adventure and experience holidays

Winter experience holidays
Winter experience holidays

More than a winter holiday

Winter offers so much more than snow-covered scenery. It’s a season of unforgettable experiences, from watching the Northern Lights dance across Arctic skies to gliding through silent forests by husky sled, snowshoeing across pristine woodland landscapes or enjoying the simple pleasure of a peaceful winter walk.

Our winter experience holidays combine carefully selected hotels with the freedom to choose how active you'd like each day to be. One morning you might set out on a scenic walk, while the afternoon could be spent relaxing in a traditional sauna. The next day could bring a snowmobile safari, a reindeer encounter or your first taste of cross-country skiing. Every holiday is designed to help you discover the quieter side of winter, at your own pace.

Where we recommend for winter activities

Discover Europe's most memorable winter experiences

Every destination offers something different. In Finnish Lapland, snow-covered forests create the perfect setting for husky sledding, snowmobiling and searching for the magical Northern Lights. In Norway, peaceful mountain plateaux invite you to try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing before warming up beside an open fire. Across the Alps, winter walking trails reveal frozen waterfalls, dramatic mountain panoramas and charming villages, while cosy hotels provide welcoming places to relax after a day outdoors. Whatever experience you're looking for, our carefully curated collection lets you combine memorable activities with authentic local hospitality.
Holiday Winter activities Relaxation & experiences
Ylläshumina Hotel, Ylläs - Finland
Best for Lapland & Northern Lights
✔ Snowshoeing
✔ Cross-country skiing
✔ Downhill skiing
✔ Northern Lights
✔ Dog sledding
✔ Snowmobiling
✔ Reindeer experiences
✔ Other winter activities
✔ Spa / Sauna
Hindsæter Hotel, Vågå - Norway
Best for authentic Norwegian winter adventures
✔ Snowshoeing
✔ Cross-country skiing
✔ Northern Lights possible
✔ Dog sledding
✔ Other winter activities
✔ Spa / Sauna
Tromsø - Norway
Best for Arctic experiences & Northern Lights
✔ Northern Lights
✔ Dog sledding
✔ Reindeer experiences
✔ Other winter activities
✔ Spa / Sauna

Winter experience holidays

In search of the Northern Lights


For many travellers, witnessing the Aurora Borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Several of our winter holidays take you into regions where dark skies and favourable conditions provide excellent opportunities to see this extraordinary natural phenomenon. While nature can never guarantee an appearance, travelling during the heart of winter gives you some of Europe's best opportunities to experience the Northern Lights. 

We asked our Northern Lights guide, Dan Steinbakk, about the best time to see the Northern Lights:

“I normally say “between September and April", since all you really need is darkness, clear skies and some solar activity. But people have different preferences: some come early in the autumn, because the temperature is warmer; some come in winter, in order to combine the trip up here with other snow-based activities; and some come in the early spring to see nature as it comes back to life.”

And the best place to see the Northern Lights?
The best chances of seeing the Northern Lights are from within the Auroral Oval, a band that stretches 66°N and 69°N around the Arctic regions, encompassing – amongst others – Norway, Finland, and Sweden.

Explore or relax, it's up to you


The best winter holidays strike the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.

After a day exploring snowy landscapes, return to carefully selected hotels where crackling fires, warming regional cuisine, traditional saunas and luxurious spas help you unwind. Many of our properties have been chosen specifically for their welcoming atmosphere and superb locations, making them ideal bases for both active days and peaceful evenings.
 

Why choose an Inntravel winter experience holiday?



- Self-guided holidays with complete flexibility.
- Hand-picked hotels in exceptional winter destinations.
- Try a mixture of winter activities.
- Opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
- Authentic local experiences away from busy ski resorts.
- Detailed notes and expert recommendations.
- Seamless travel arrangements and 24/7 support.

Try cross-country skiing


  Cross-country skiing is one of the most peaceful ways to experience a winter landscape. Glide through quiet forests, across open mountain plateaux and along scenic valleys, discovering a slower side to winter away from busy ski resorts.

Several of our winter holidays make it easy to give Nordic skiing a try, with prepared trails, equipment hire and lessons available nearby. Whether you're a complete beginner or simply looking for a new winter adventure, you can enjoy cross-country skiing at your own pace alongside winter walking and other seasonal experiences. 
Snowshoeing is a simple yet rewarding way to explore snow-covered landscapes, requiring little or no previous experience. Wander through peaceful forests, across open meadows and along quiet mountain trails, taking in the beauty of winter at your own pace. Many of our winter holidays offer easy access to snowshoeing, with equipment available to hire locally. It's the perfect activity to combine with winter walking and other seasonal experiences.

Learn more about snowshoeing

Other winter activities

What to expect on Inntravel's winter experience holidays:

Expect a winter experience unlike any other, taking you away from the beaten track to explore the spectacular beauty of the season. Enjoy uncrowded destinations, picture-perfect scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes that leave a lasting memory on the winter explorer.

From our carefully curated collection of high-quality hotels, embark on an unforgettable holiday that offers a diverse array of experiences to immerse yourself in the magnificent winter landscape. Choose from exhilarating activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice canyoning, each providing a unique perspective on nature's beauty.

As you explore these stunning terrains, indulge in delicious, authentic flavours that elevate your journey, ensuring that every moment is both adventurous and enriching.

Winter Experience FAQs

  • Our winter experience holidays are designed around one or more memorable winter activities, such as husky sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer safaris or searching for the Northern Lights. Many of these experiences are included as part of the itinerary, giving you the chance to enjoy the very best of winter while staying in carefully selected hotels in spectacular snowy destinations.

    Our winter walking holidays, meanwhile, are centred around days spent exploring scenic winter trails at your own pace. While walking remains at the heart of each itinerary, many of our hand-picked hotels also offer easy access to a range of optional winter activities, allowing you to swap a day's walk for experiences such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or a spa visit, all of which can usually be arranged locally.
  • Rather than focusing on just one activity, our winter holidays allow you to build your own adventure. Depending on your destination, you could choose from:

    Northern Lights excursions
    Husky sledding
    Reindeer safaris
    Snowmobile adventures
    Cross-country skiing
    Snowshoeing
    Fat biking
    Ice canyoning
    Traditional saunas
    Spa experiences
    Winter walking

    Some activities are included on selected holidays, while others can be arranged locally, giving you the flexibility to create the winter escape that's right for you.
  • Yes, these holidays are suitable for non-skiers, with various activities available at a more relaxed pace. If you are a non-skier, there are lots of other winter experiences for you to try. If you would like to try cross-country skiing, some of our trips include lessons, and there are trails for all levels of experience.
  • Yes, Inntravel offers flexible arrangements, including booking flights, room upgrades, and more.
  • The best destination for a winter holiday depends on the experiences you're looking for. For the widest choice of winter activities, Finland is hard to beat, offering reliable snow conditions and the chance to try everything from husky sledding and snowmobiling to reindeer safaris and cross-country skiing. If seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of your list, we recommend Finnish Lapland or Tromsø in Norway, both renowned for their excellent opportunities to witness the Aurora Borealis.

    If you're looking for a winter walking holiday with the flexibility to enjoy optional winter activities, our most popular destinations include Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Slovenia, where you can combine scenic snowy walks with experiences such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and relaxing spa facilities.
  • They offer charming accommodation, idyllic scenery, superb activities and detailed local information for a rich holiday experience.
  • Several of our holidays visit regions with excellent opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis, particularly in Finnish Lapland and northern Norway. While sightings can never be guaranteed, travelling during the winter months offers the best chance of experiencing this remarkable natural phenomenon.
  • Yes. Many winter activities are suitable for complete beginners, with equipment and guidance available locally. You can enjoy as many or as few activities as you like, making the holidays ideal whether you're looking for gentle exploration or a more active winter escape.

Our winter experience holiday destinations

  • As well as our featured holidays above, we offer extensive options for walking & snowshoeing including holidays in Switzerland, Italy and Austria. Choose Guarda or Sils for the fairy-tale surroundings, or Moso for views of the Dolomites. Weidach and Kandersteg are also great choices.
  • Cross-country skiing is a captivating winter sport that seamlessly merges the tranquillity of nature with physical endurance, inviting enthusiasts to traverse picturesque landscapes atop their skis. Unlike downhill skiing, which focuses on speed and elevation, cross-country skiing prioritises exploration and movement across varied terrains, from serene forests to open meadows.
  • Ice canyoning is an exhilarating and adventurous activity that blends the thrill of exploration with the breathtaking beauty of frozen landscapes. Our excursion is a leisurely walk along a frozen riverbed, passing waterfalls & ice formations (no climbing or rappelling involved).
  • Dog sledding provides a thrilling opportunity to glide through landscapes alongside a team of spirited huskies. This unique adventure connects you with these amazing animals and allows you to experience the stunning winter scenery in an unforgettable way, blending excitement and tranquillity.
  • Snowshoeing is a leisurely way to explore the serene winter landscape at your own pace. Accessible for everyone, this activity lets you trek through quiet forests and picturesque paths, savouring the crisp air and enjoying the breathtaking views on show during the enchanting winter season.

Our winter walking holiday destinations

How about a winter journey by rail?

On our winter journeys, you can admire awe-inspiring wintry landscapes from the comfort of a train or boat. Our carefully thought-out itineraries allow plenty of time to explore, with a full day to discover each place at which you stay. And because there’s no group, and no arrangements to make (we do all that) your non-travelling days are yours to enjoy. Whether its visiting Scandinavia's great cities or passing over the 2,033-metre Oberalp Passon the Glacier Express, there's a great winter journey waiting for you.

Our winter holiday collection

Our diverse winter selection includes high-quality hotels and incredible walking destinations such as the Dolomites and Pertisau, each crafted to provide breathtaking scenery and delicious cuisines, catering to varying fitness levels and experience.

Plus, our snowy holidays feature unique opportunities that encompass activities such as spectacular rail journeys, dog sledding and the captivating Northern Lights. Regardless of your preference for crisp or warmer temperatures, we assure you that we have a holiday to suit you.
 
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Winter walking holidays

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Winter sun holidays

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Winter rail holidays

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Warmer winter rail holidays

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Winter experience holidays

Find the right holiday for you

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