From Montana to the mountains of Russia, Switzerland or Sweden, GLAMPING.COM picks some of the winter season’s most intriguing experiences
Whether you’re a Chionophile – (n): a person that enjoys cold weather, snow – or love a good reason to cozy up, the team of experts at GLAMPING.COM welcome the winter season with recommendations for the most interesting, snowy glamping experiences.
As the trusted authority on all things glamping, the website’s exclusive collection of properties is over 800 worldwide, offers 16 types of accommodations, and the ability to filter search by what type of experience the traveler is looking for– including a “WINTER” option. Here are some “best of the best” ideas on how to make the most of your winter vacation!
1. ADRENALINE JUNKIES TAKE NOTE: SNOW-FARIS, SKIJORING, SEVEN SUMMITS
A backcountry experience is as close as Montana at The Resort at Paws Up – learn to ski by horse (Skijoring) and satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie with this winter sport. The word skijoring comes from the Norwegian word for “ski driving.” While many stateside might be new to the sport, skijoring is well-known in countries such as Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Giddyup!
There’s tons of nature to experience on a Paws Up snow-fari tour with a guided snowmobile ride to Garnet – Montana’s best-preserved Ghost Town. In the winter, you can only access Garnet by snowmobile. The only tracks you’ll see, despite your own, belong to the wildlife. Montana’s northern neighbor, Canada, also has a lot of exciting snow adventures, from trekking to ice fishing and more.
Not for the faint of heart, but with an unmatched WOW factor is the LEAPrus 3912 in Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia. This unique hotel for climbers, skiers and mountain enthusiasts is located at 3912 meters on the southern glacier of Mount Elbrus, in Russia’s Caucasus mountain range. Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe, and is one of the Seven Summits – the circuit of the highest mountains in each of the seven continents.
The LEAPrus hotel’s space capsules were designed and manufactured by the Italian company LEAP factory. The infrastructure ensures perfect thermal insulation and durability. The interior design makes you feel like you’re in a movie, while the panoramic windows give you stunning views.
2. ICE, ICE, BABY
Everyone knows ice skating is a winter classic, but contemplate trying one these more ice-centric activities this winter. Experience an unforgettable meal, while getting closer to nature, at The Tree Hotel in Sweden, where guests can dine a la ice – their ice-dining option is an exciting activity in the moonlight. Torches and candles light the evening while guests are served a three-course dinner in a tipi on an ice-covered lake. Guests sit on reindeer skins while enjoying a fanciful meal over two and a half hours.
Iceberg watching on “Iceberg Alley”, as it’s known at Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada, occurs at the end of winter, where guests can get up close and personal with chunks of Greenland’s icebergs.
Get hands on with ice sculpting at ICEHOTEL JUKKASJARVI in Sweden – it’s easier than one might think. The guide begins the class by giving you background about working with ice, and a quick introduction to the tools. Each sculptor apprentice is then given a block and chisel and off you go!
3. THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, WINTER NATURE RETREATS
The Northern Lights are one of Mother Nature’s most invigorating spectacles. Travel to Norway where the Holman Husky Lodge treats you to front row seats from winter-insulated tipi bungalows. One section of the lavvo has been replaced with a floor-to-“ceiling” window. On clear winter nights, watch the stars travel past overhead, and get a glimpse of the Northern Lights!
The Whitepod in Switzerland is perhaps the most unique winter experience of all: the serenity of the Swiss Alps, the luxurious dome lodging, while enjoying the comfort to do nothing, or everything, nature has to offer. GLAMPING.COM contributing blogger Kristen Kellogg said, “Bring the whole family, make it a friend-cation, or couples nature retreat. It’s an authentic place. An eco-luxury experience wrapped in a blanket of white you will never want to end.”
An alternative Switzerland experience is the Relais & Chateau property, La Pinte du Vieux Manoir. The Glass House – a treehouse on Lake Murten – is the most exclusive in Switzerland. Set in its own park, the Glass Diamond is a lakeside tree house where guests are truly one with nature. Its 360° panoramic views built with reflective glass from floor to ceiling, gives the privacy needed while relaxing. The exterior of this luxury tree house is made of a reflective golden coating, similar to a cut diamond. Winter at Lake Murten means pure bliss – there is a special, idyllic calm at this time of year.
GLAMPING.COM, the industry authority on all things glamping for the discerning experiential traveler, is a highly curated collection of glamping properties around the globe. GLAMPING.COM believes in extraordinary travel – destinations that offer unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With over 800 glamping sites on six continents, the company’s mission is to empower people to try this form of experiential travel with hand-selected, personally vetted properties. Find inspiration on www.glamping.com and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @glampingdotcom.