For many campers, winter is a time for quiet introspection and relaxed intermission. It is nature’s invitation to slow down and take it all in. The scenery is majestic, lit by golden hues that only come out in the cold. Time is momentarily broken, and a deep breath of crisp air reminds us that we are deeply connected to this vast web of infinite beauty. And for those intrepid four-season RVers, this moment can be found among some of the most spectacular winter views.
North America’s sweeping array of winter views is simply breathtaking. But if you’re looking to experience some of the best that winter offers all-weather campers, you’ll enjoy this list of favorites. From east to west, these destinations offer winter views that will fill you with wonder — and make your cold-weather RV trip worth every goosebump.
6 Winter Views Worthy of an RV Trip
Acadia National Park, Maine
Nothing paints a picture of a profound winter coastline like Acadia National Park in Maine. The rugged New England coastline offers breathtaking sunrises over an icy ocean. The season thins out the crowd, allowing you some peaceful isolation to soak in the winter views. The highest peak on the east coast sits atop Cadillac Mountain inside the park, with some jaw dropping vistas of the coast.
While You’re There: Recreational winter activities in Acadia include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, ice fishing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and more. The historic motor cross and carriage roads in and around the park are a great way to get around.
Snow Shoe, West Virginia
West Virginia is often overlooked as a major tourist destination. But in the wintertime, it is a gem of wondrous scenery. The wild terrain is unmatched and the snowy mountain views might just steal your heart. The Allegheny Mountains roll across the landscape like a calm ocean swell swathed in snow. The dense hardwood forests and dark evergreen trees paint a picture perfect scene of valleys and ridges that stretch endlessly.
Situated inside the Monongahela National Forest, the area is isolated from grocery stores, shopping centers and movie theatres, offering an unpolluted night sky scene. The nearby Green Bank Observatory is a federally protected “radio quiet zone,” limiting not only radio signals but light pollution. It’s an ideal place for viewing the stars, planets, and even the Milky Way.
While You’re There: Snow Shoe itself is a natural basin catching more snow on the eastern hemisphere south of New England and boasts the best skiing and snowboarding on the southeastern coast.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a prime destination for winter sightseeing, with dramatic landscapes and serene overlooks. Blowing Rock North Carolina sits on an elevated perch of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sweeping vistas and snow covered valleys will fill your sight with crystal clear panoramas.
While You’re There: Blowing Rock offers an array of cozy wintertime activities, both indoor and outdoor, including ice sculpting, winter festivals, local artisan markets, holiday dining, cross country skiing, and carriage rides. If you can, take an hour and a half drive to the Biltmore House and step back in time. Full of history and 8,000 acres of stunning grounds, you could explore the area for days and days. In the winter, especially around Christmas, the view is unmatched in the background of America’s largest home.
Big Sky, Montana
Known for its skiing and epic mountain views, Big Sky, Montana is not far from Yellowstone National Park. The region is ripe with natural wonders that fit beautifully under a blanket of snow.
While You’re There: In addition to skiing and snowboarding at Big Sky Resort, the area is home to biking and hiking trails, ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling and so much more. For families that are looking for a side of adventure with the view, a favorite activity might be a dog-sled ride through Big Sky’s winter wilderness.
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe’s winter landscape is a spectacular blend of snow capped mountains and crystal clear waters. These iconic features — shown in the feature image at the top of this article — do a staggering dance beneath a mantle of snow and dusting of frost.
While You’re There: Known for its world class skiing and snowboarding, the area offers just about any winter activity. But for breathtaking views that you can dive right into, the Heavenly Mountain Gondola will transport you into the sky in self, where the scenery will swallow you whole.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska is a world class destination with some of the most awe-inspiring panoramas imaginable. Untouched wilderness creates a shimmering white expanse under crisp, clear skies. This is a dream destination for those seeking winter view in their purest form. Nor is the spectacle confined to the landscape. Aurora borealis are common in this northern sky. People travel from all over the world to see them in Fairbanks. These phenomena will etch themselves into your memory for a lifetime. And you won’t have to go too far to see them, they will cover the night sky with otherworldly light.
While You’re There. Giant ice sculptures, mushing, and soothing geothermal hot springs are just a few of the enchanting attractions that define this winter wonderland. Adventure and exploration are waiting to blow your mind in Fairbanks. Dog sledding, also known as mushing, is a cultural and historic tradition in this dog mushing mecca. If you have the time and enterprising spirit for it, take a half a day, or even a multi day tour through some of America’s last remaining untouched wilderness!
Remember That Preparation Matters
When driving in any area that has a potential for snow accumulation, please make sure you do some research before you go. For instance, did you know that the Traction Law was passed in Colorado five years ago? It can stick you with a hefty fine if you don’t have proper snow tires or snow chains on certain highways? But that is just the beginning, avalanches are also prevalent in some areas, and can leave you stuck in traffic for hours, or even days. (This is not an exaggeration, I have been there.)
Check to ensure you’re staying off the most dangerous winter roads. Naturally, it’s also wise to make sure you are prepared if something goes wrong. Keep extra water, blankets, and food in the car for such an event. And check the road conditions and closures before you head out! Places like Yellowstone have a hefty list of road closures for most of winter. Fortunately, most of these rugged areas have government websites with up to date road closures.
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