There’s no denying that tropical escapes are great, but what if this year you embraced the winter chill instead? On your next business trip, consider adding some extra days to your schedule for a getaway to a nearby winter wonderland. Here’s where to explore.
If you’re working in Paris: Beaune, France, 3 hours away
Vino lovers will adore Beaune, a gorgeous walled town in the heart of the Burgundy wine region. Beaune’s cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings, and tasty drinks make it well worth the visit. You’ll want to be sure to check out Hôtel-Dieu Museum, which houses historic pieces in a 15th-century building that stands as a work of art itself.
If you’re working in Toronto: Blue Mountain,2 hours away
Ski and snowboard junkies will love Blue Mountain resort, which is packed with more than 40 trails and offers an abundance of night-skiing lighting. There’s also plenty of opportunity for other winter adventures as well, like ice skating, snowshoeing, and tubing. To truly unwind, make sure you enjoy the Scandinavian baths at the resort’s Scandinave Spa.
If you’re working in New York City: Lake Placid, 5 hours away
At five hours away, Lake Placid is a bit of a trek from NYC, but it’s worth the commute for anyone who loves outdoor adventure. Since hosting the 1980 Winter Olympics, this sleepy village in the Adirondacks has been known as a hub for snow sports fans and winter enthusiasts. Here, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice skating, and even bobsled rides. If you’re not afraid of heights, don’t miss the Cloudsplitter Gondola, which glides over breathtaking views of the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies.
If you’re working in Tokyo: Shirakawa-go, 4 hours away with JR pass
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO world heritage site famous for its 17th-century mountain villages. The villages’ historic homes are known for their signature steep-roofed architecture style, and the region looks extra special when it’s blanketed in snow. You can tour traditional houses, take in the views from above at an observatory, and enjoy the scenic natural hot springs (known as onsens) in the area. On certain evenings in January and February, the houses of Shirakawa-go are illuminated from within for an extra-special view.
If you’re working in San Francisco: Yosemite National Park, 3.5 hours away
Yosemite isn’t just a summer destination: some of its most famous sites are open all through the winter months. Yosemite takes on a special type of magic in the quiet of winter, and on-site resorts and hotels make it easy to hunker down in front of a fire at the end of each day. At night, you can take in phenomenal stargazing. During the day, you can ice skate, ski, snowshoe, and trek to awe-inspiring views of famous sites like El Capitan and Half Dome
