7 Winter Activities Around the World

1.Etna South: High Altitude Winter Trek with an Alpine Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 27 reviews · 5 hours · from $106Our pick

Join an English, French, or Italian-speaking alpine and volcanological guide for a five-hour winter trek on Mount Etna. Ride the cable car to 2,500 meters, then walk through snow to the 2001 cone, Valle del Bove, and Barbagallo craters. Guides such as Massimo, Antonio, and Fabio lead small groups, with boots, crampons, helmets, and poles provided.

“Was für eine unglaubliche Winterwanderung hinauf bis zur aktiven Zone auf 3050 Höhenmeter, dort trat im Februar noch Lava aus. Die ganze Szenerie mit Schnee und schwarzer Lava unter strahlend blauem Himmel lässt sich kaum in Worte fassen. Der Geruch erinnerte mich sehr an Island, als ich im September 2021 am Lavafluss saß. Während der Wanderung hat uns unser Guide Massimo viele Geschichten zum Etna und interessante Details zur Geologie und den Ausbrüchen erzählt und die Route führte uns über das gesamte südliche Kratergebiet.”

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2.Kiruna: Snowshoe Trek with Aurora Hunt and Warm Beverage

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 3 hours · from $143

Meet Kiruna Guidetur near Scandic Hotel for a three-hour evening snowshoe walk with an English-speaking guide. You’ll get insulated overalls, boots, snowshoes, and poles, then head into the forest to seek the Northern Lights. Guides such as Jonna, Ronja, Kevin, and Carsten have added nature stories, animal tracks, fires, hot drinks, and cheese sandwiches to the outing.

“È stato meraviglioso. Le guide ci hanno seguito e aiutato in tutto e sono state sempre simpatiche e disponibili. Siamo stati seguiti da un aurora danzante tutto il tempo e abbiamo acceso un fuoco caldo accompagnato da bevande calde e panini al formaggio. Strepitoso!! La camminata non è difficile ed è autentica selvaggia, un’esperienza immancabile! ♥️”

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3.Polar Night Snowshoe Trek

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 3 hours · from $152Top rated

Meet Xwander Nordic in Ivalo for a three-hour evening snowshoe trek through snowy forest. Your English, Finnish, French, or Spanish-speaking guide may be Alex or Anne, depending on the departure. Look for grouse and reindeer signs, enjoy hot drinks and snacks, and watch for Northern Lights away from light pollution.

“We had an amazing experience, no northern lights, but lots of snow and fun! :)”

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4.Triund Trek & Snow Line Trek

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · from $28Best value

You’ll trek from Dharamkot near McLeod Ganj to Triund with a guide, lunch and snacks on the way, then sleep in a tent with dinner at the campsite. Breakfast follows the mountain sunrise, and you walk back the next day. Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, meals, and a washroom tent are included. Confirm the group size before booking.

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5.Kiruna: Snowshoe Trek with Warm Beverage and Sandwich

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 3 hours · from $143

Meet Kiruna Guidetur near Scandic Hotel, get warm overalls, boots, snowshoes, and poles, then follow an English-speaking guide into the snowy mountains. The three-hour outing includes about 45 minutes of uphill walking, wildlife tracks, a sandwich, and a hot drink. It suits beginners aged 10 and up.

“Virkelig god guide som fortalte gode historier, da vi hyggede ved bålet og ellers kunne svare på de spørgsmål man havde om Kiruna og området.”

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6.Montreux: Snowshoe Trek with Fondue and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $213

Join Oul Adventure for a 3.5-hour snowshoe outing above Montreux. Walk snowy woods and bright ridges near Lake Geneva, with sunset, moonlight, or midday departures. Snowshoes, poles, hot tea, fondue, and local wine are included. Guides such as Raoul and Oul can adapt the pace to your ability.

“Vu que la météo n’était pas parfaite, Raoul nous a donné l’option d’un tour plutôt „sauvage“ dans la forêt. C’était comme dans un compte de fée 🌲✨🧙‍♀️ et il nous a fait la fondue dans une toute petite cabane enneigée au milieu de la forêt. Il était un tour guide génial et extrêmement gentil et on le recommande à toute le monde.”

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7.Winter Trek

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $139

Set out from Xwander Nordic in Inari for a six-hour trek through trackless winter forest. Depending on snow, you will use snowshoes or skin-based forest skis, stop for lunch by an open fire or camping stove, and return with headlamps as darkness falls. Guides may include Juhani, Emilia, or Ossi.

“We did a four day skiing trip with pulkas in UKK national park. It was amazing. Our guides, Juhani and Emilia were both well-organized, funny, reliable, and they made the trip unforgettable! We saw reindeers, northern lights, and experienced minus 38 temperatures. We highly recommend Xwander Nordic adventures.”

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