Winter holiday is over and while some of you have had their trips during the holidays, some prefer the more quiet period time after the holidays, and that is January or even February. This is the time when you can still find many winter wonderlands around Europe and enjoy a winter escape.

After the New Year, a new set of events starts and everyone prepares to receive the new year with a new style, so being one of the first people to go to a place.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

This is a town found in the south of the Dolomites Italian Alps, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Though currently a very beautiful destination for the ski lovers, it is also a gorgeous town with a 1000 year history that deserves to be explored by foot as well. All in all, Corina d’Ampezzo will make you love winter if you do not love it already.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is actually part of the Dolomiti Superski, a circuit that is among the world’s largest ones and it extends across 12 regions. The ski area here is big. It has 85 km of slope split in 3 different areas. You can have access in all the three areas once with the free of charge ski bus.

If you are not a ski fan, you can also come here to enjoy the Italian lifestyle, the gastronomy and just take time to relax in slow mode at fresh air.

Things to do:

• Super8 Ski Tour
• Freeride, Snow-kite
• Snowshoeing
• Snow bike
• Sledding
• Ice climbing
• Snow driving

Rovaniemi, Finland

This is by far one of the most festive places on Earth. Rovaniemi is shaped like a reindeer’s head – but this is not what makes it the hometown of Santa Claus.

Whichever your reason for traveling may be, Rovaniemi is a great destination as they have many opportunities for great experiences all year long. However, if you are a winter lover, you will probably enjoy it better during winter time.

There actually is a Santa Claus Village – 8.6 km from the city center of Rovaniemi and there you can meet Father Christmas. Thus it can be a great holiday destination for the little ones. You can also visit the Snowman World – a place where you can see ice sculptures, an Igloo Hotel and eat at the Ice Restaurant.

You can also visit the Ranua Wildlife Park where you can see some other different species of animals than in any other ZOO’s you’ve probably been.

Things to do:

• Snowmobile safaris
• Ice fishing
• Reindeer and husky rides
• Northern Light hunting
• Meet Santa Claus

Gstaad, Switzerland

This is a place where you will feel the Alpine style. Though a quiet touristic destination, Gstaad did not give up its traditions. This village is in a valley, at the edge of the Bernese Oberland, surrounded by sheer and smooth slopes. This makes it a great winter destination for ski lovers. Its mountains reach up to 2400 meters in the north and 3200 in the south.

The beauty of this place attracts many rich people and this is what makes it a rather mix between the down-to-earth locals and the Hollywood glamour. Nonetheless, you will not feel out of place here if you are not a Hollywood star, as locals respect people and make them feel comfortable once here.

It can get rather expensive if you choose to stay right in the middle of the town, but if you desire a quieter and less expensive stay, there are nearby locations perfect for a family stay.

Things to do:

• A trip with the Golden Pass train
• Hiking
• Sightseeing
• Skiing
• A trip to Glacier 3000
• Fondue Backpack
• Lake Lauenen

Events in January:

• 41st International hot air balloon festival this January
• Snow Bike Festival Gstaad

Sierra Nevada, Spain

This is the one place where you will find some Mediterranean sun in January. The beautiful ski slopes and resorts wait for you and promise to offer the best conditions and a lot of sun, as it is the most southern ski resort in Europe. Sierra Nevada mountain is the only ski location in the province and this makes it special. Here you can find the highest point of continental Spain – Mulhacen peak is 3478 meters high and at Pradollano you can enjoy some night skiing.

However, there is more to it than just skiing. It is a place that you can visit all year round. Located near the city of Granada and Alhambra, there are various activities to choose from.

Things to do:

• Skiing
• Snowboard
• Artistic skiing
• Trekking
• Adventure skiing
• Russian sleigh
• Photos
• Climbing mountains
• Enjoying the spa
• Go to the observatory

Interlaken, Switzerland

January is one of the best time to enjoy a winter wonderland in Interlaken. It is a very crowded place during the holidays as it is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the Alps. The mountains you will see here will blow your mind and the entire landscape is worthy to be seen over and over again. There is just no time for getting bored here.

If you are not into outdoor winter sports and prefer a winter landscape while enjoying some cultural experiences, again, this is the place to be this winter.

Things to do:

• Snowboarding
• Skiing
• Balancer slope glider
• Glacier bungee Jumping
• Ice climbing
• Jungfraujoch

Have you made any winter trip plans for this January or February?