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There’s no better time to cosy up with your loved one and celebrate romance than when the temperature drops! While you may prefer to stay home to avoid the hassles of travelling during the holiday season, an outdoor date in winter is worth all the hassles.
If you’re looking for ideas, check out our list below. Whether it’s your first date or you have been dating for years, these activities will leave you with romantic memories. Depending on your interests, you can opt for a classic winter activity like skiing in Italy or try something unique, such as heli-skiing in Iceland.
So, here’s our list of snow-inspired adventures for travelling couples.
#1. The Fjords in Norway
Only a few places on Earth can rival the remarkable beauty of Norway’s fjords. Norway’s entire west coast is a maze of waterfalls, waterways, and thousands of fjords carved in the mountains across millions of years, leaving an incredible panorama that is fascinating to marvel at, especially with the love of your life.
Of the thousand fjords in Norway, the Geirangerfjord is the most popular. Along with the Naeroyfjord, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, with majestic waterfalls dotting its ten-mile-long landscape. The best way to admire its stunning view is through the Ljoen viewpoint in Hellesylt, which offers fantastic close-up views of the fjord. Visiting this viewpoint is also an incredible way to get close to some of Norway’s most impressive fjord waterfalls.
The Naeroyfjord is another stunning fjord to see in Norway. It’s one of Norway’s narrowest and most dramatic fjords, with a cliffside rising almost 6,000 feet in the air! An exciting way to take in the view is to go boating or kayaking, where you will feel like giants are towering above you. Many of the scenic tours in Norway include the Naeroyfjord in the itinerary.
#2. The Snowy Peaks in Canada
Canada is the perfect place if your idea of a snow-inspired adventure includes traversing snowy peaks. It’s home to some of the world’s most impressive snowy mountain peaks, some of which are in Banff National Park. Banff is a winter wonderland nestled in the Canadian Rockies and makes for a perfect destination for a snowy winter escape with the love of your life.
The Castle Mountain is one of the most beautiful mountains in Banff National Park that looks incredibly scenic in winter with its snow-dusted peaks. One of the best viewing spots of the mountain is along the river. But for couples fond of adventures, consider trekking the four-mile trail. It’s a moderately difficult trail that takes you through lush evergreen forest with majestic views of the Rocky Mountain peaks.
Taking the Banff Gondola is one of the most scenic ways to experience the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The marvellous cable car ride takes about 8 minutes, taking you over a 2,000-foot journey over treetops and between stunning mountains before dropping you at the summit.
#3. Skiing in Italy
For couples who prefer a romantic skiing getaway for their winter holiday, consider a trip to Italy. Take advantage of the last-minute Sno ski holidays in Italy, a perfect choice for couples looking for a ski adventure in some of the world’s most stunning resorts. Italy’s ski resorts boast picturesque slopes, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and charming little towns scattered in the valleys.
Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, the ski resorts of Italy offer a unique combination of challenging slopes, scenic beauty, and immersive cultural experiences. It also has some world-famous ski areas, the Milky Way and the Dolomites Superski.
Head to Cortina d’Ampezzo, renowned for its world-class ski amenities and picturesque views. Glide down the slopes with your partner in tow and marvel at the grandeur of the surrounding snowy peaks while enjoying the crisp, refreshing air.
If you prefer to ski in a lesser-known but equally impressive ski resort, head to Livigno. It is a hidden gem, offering a more laid-back skiing experience in beautiful Italy. Nestled in a remote valley, it has the usual slopes and trails that cater to skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts.
#4. Ski-Touring in Sweden
Ski touring is similar to skiing. But instead of taking lifts, it requires hiking up the mountains. Sweden would be the perfect place if you’re more interested in this type of winter adventure. It’s home to some of Scandinavia’s best ski touring destinations, such as Björkliden, home to over 60 peaks of 1,200 metres.
When ski touring in Sweden, an expert ski instructor will join you and teach you how to put skins on skis and adjust the bindings for uphill and downhill skiing. They will also let you undergo an avalanche briefing to learn how to use the ski touring kits they provide. Ski touring is perfect for adventurous couples, where you can practice balance, breaking, and basic ski touring techniques and improve your skills on the touring tracks.
Whether you are looking for some challenge or prefer to venture beyond the beaten track, ski touring in Sweden offers the ultimate outdoor experience, especially for outdoor couples. It is the perfect combination of wilderness, exercise and thrilling adventures on the slopes.
#5. Hiking in the Netherlands
The Netherlands may not always come up on the list of the world’s best hiking destinations, but it is possible to hike the country in winter. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of the countryside and the vast variety of landscapes you can explore on foot. With its flat landscapes, varied landscapes, and rich history, the Netherlands offers a unique hiking experience.
The hiking trails of the Netherlands are not just paths taking you to nature. They also offer an exciting opportunity to travel through time and enjoy glimpses of the country’s history. As you walk along, you’ll come across paths once walked by farmers and merchants during the early times.
One of the Netherlands’ most popular hiking destinations is Biesbosch National Park, home to lush forests and stunning wetlands. Aside from the beautiful views, you’ll stumble upon fascinating wildlife as you explore the park, such as a kingfisher jumping into the icy water.
Stretching from the village of Pieterburen towards the southern town of Maastricht, the Pieterpad is one of the most popular trails in the Netherlands. Offering an epic experience for adventurous couples, it’s the longest continuous trail in the country, taking you through lush forests, quaint villages, and vast open fields.
#6. Basecamp in Antarctica
Joining cruises to Antarctica basecamp is an ideal option for couples looking for a unique way to enjoy a snowy break. The cruise will take you to the remote continent of Antarctica, where you’ll explore wildlife-rich islands and take on fun adventures like kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, and hiking.
Like most Antarctic cruises, your trip will begin by journeying across the Drake Passage for several days. Known for being notoriously rough, crossing this body of water is often one of the highlights of every Antarctic cruise.
During your Antarctica Peninsula Basecamp Cruise, you can spot fascinating wildlife, including seal colonies and penguin rookeries. Plus, you’ll witness some of the world’s most incredible landscapes, such as giant icebergs. The ship will stay in a single area for several days, allowing you time to explore the continent and partake in many exciting activities.
Expert guides and naturalists will join you on your cruise to lectures about the continent’s flora and fauna, geography, and history. So, aside from taking part in fun activities, you’ll also get to learn some interesting insights about the region. The Antarctica Basecamp cruise is perfect for couples who want to make memories in some of the world’s most unique destinations.
#7. Heli-skiing in Iceland
For daredevil couples, one of the most exciting activities to try in winter is heli-skiing in Iceland. Offering an incomparable experience, it’s an activity which requires you to be lifted on a helicopter to the top of a mountain with pristine and untouched snow, from where you can ski or snowboard going down.
The Troll Peninsula is the best place to enjoy heli-skiing in Iceland. Nestled between two fjords, Skagarjörður and Eyjafjörður, the vast and largely unexplored area features spectacular snowy landscapes. It occupies over 4,000 square kilometres, featuring unique slopes and panoramic views of endless Alpine vistas. In addition, the vast North Atlantic Ocean surrounds the peninsula, which makes skiing summit-to-sea a captivating experience.
Expect different conditions and terrains on your skiing adventure, from fresh powder snow to perfectly set up snowy slopes. You don’t need to be an expert skier to try heli-skiing. The activity is safe for any couple in good physical shape and confident skiers.
After your thrilling adventure, treat yourselves to a relaxing soak at one of the geothermal pools in Iceland. And while you’re in the country, don’t miss the chance to visit other famous attractions, such as the Thingvellir National Park.
#8. Snowmobiling in America
A snowmobile is a motor-driven vehicle designed for travelling on snow or ice. Also known as motor sledge and snow scooter, riding this vehicle in the snowy landscapes of the United States is one of the most adrenaline-pumping activities couples can try in winter.
The United States has many places that offer the exciting opportunity to ride a snowmobile and create fun memories as you glide on the snow. Jackson Hole, USA is one of those places renowned for offering exciting winter sports, including snowmobiling. Situated in Wyoming, Jackson Hole looks incredible in winter, and snowmobiling is the best way to explore its glorious scenery and discover wildlife.
Another fantastic place for snowmobiling in the United States is Anchorage, Alaska. A true winter wonderland, snowmobiling in Anchorage is an exciting experience. You whiz past giant icebergs, glaciers, and ice caves onboard your snowmobile. The more adventurous couples can also meander through the rugged terrains of Alaska’s backcountry.
#9. Snowboarding in Switzerland
Snowboarding in the Swiss Alps is one of the most exciting snow-inspired adventures for travelling couples. It offers an exciting opportunity to glide through Europe’s most iconic mountains, such as the Matterhorn and the Eiger. The Swiss ski resorts are some of the world’s best, boasting picturesque slopes suitable for snowboarders of all ski levels.
Much like skiing, snowboarding is a fun winter sport where you descend on a snowy slope while standing on a board attached to your feet. The 4 Vallees is one of the most popular spots for snowboarding in Switzerland, combining the resorts of Thyon, Veysonnaz, Nendaz, La Tzoumaz and the Verbier. With its vast ski area of over 400 km of pistes, the 4 Vallees make an incredible destination for snowboarding.
Grindelwald is another exciting place for snowboarding in Switzerland. It’s one of the world’s most scenic mountain villages nestled in the shadow of the Eiger mountain, where you can experience a thrilling snowboarding adventure.
#10. The Northern Lights in Finland
One of the most romantic things couples can do in winter is see the Northern Lights in Finland. Imagine gazing at the sky and seeing the colourful lights with your loved one beside you! Indeed, soaking up the northern lights is a bucket list experience for many, and Finland is one of the best places to see this spectacular natural light show.
You’ll have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights in the Lapland region of Finland. There is no exact place to see the lights since it depends on various factors, such as the weather conditions. You may need to move around Lapland to search for the best locations.
Some popular places for seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland are Rovaniemi and Kemi. Here, you can connect with local guides with insider knowledge on the best viewing vantage points for the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi is known as the hometown of Santa Claus. It’s a picturesque town renowned for its fun winter activities, such as snowmobiling.
Kemi is also a fantastic place for seeing the Northern Lights. The small and quiet town is best suited for couples who prefer a serene and quiet place to marvel at the Northern Lights.