Thinking of going overseas for the holidays? Remember it is their winter if you should go to like Europe.
It might be cold and there could be snow – depending on where you feel like going.
Here is the ultimate in snow and ice:
Svalbard.
Info is from here
I quote from their website: There are holidays, and then there are true adventures. Since 1999, our small ships, accommodating only 12 to 50 passengers, have taken adventurous travelers on once-ina-lifetime Arctic cruises through the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard.
Svalbard is an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, located between 76° and 81° North. It lies directly north of North Cape on the Norwegian mainland.
Wildlife and nature
To most visitors, Svalbard is a life changing experience. It is a truly magic world with midnight sun and pack ice, glittering glaciers and exception-
Seasons in Svalbard.
During the winter, the Svalbard archipelago is covered in ice and snow.
The midnight sun shines brightly between mid-April until the end of August. The average temperature in July is +6°C.
al wildlife – not far from the North Pole. The ice plays a central role in the Arctic ecosystem, which is both unique and vulnerable. Half of the 22 species of mammal that live on land and ice and in the sea around Svalbard are whales. Svalbard reindeer and Arctic fox are the only mammals that live entirely on land.
Simply put, you can divide the year in Svalbard into two parts: The dark and the light season. In mid-February the first rays of the sun appear over the mountain peaks, and the midnight sun period in Longyearbyen is between 20 April and 22 August. The daylight completely disappears again in early November.
It is expensive, but if you have the moola, well….
Switzerland
Maybe more into something tame? Not the real wild thing? Switzerland is probably the most safe bet in that regard.
I found this here. It is probably from their brochure, but it looks good!
Wide slopes, deep snow, cool halfpipes, awesome cross-country ski trails, varied tobogganing runs and fabulous winter hiking trails – all within quick and easy reach.
Switzerland is the ultimate winter paradise. Wheth-
er on a winter holiday, a weekend away or a day trip, fans of winter will be sure to find all they’re looking for waiting for them in Switzerland.
Sparkling lights, enticing scents, Christmas music, and a fairytale atmosphere: Christmas in Switzerland is truly magical. Stroll through Christmas markets, enjoy mulled wine or fondue, and be enchanted by festive lights – holiday experiences that delight both young and old.
Christmas in Geneva
Although the Noël au Quai Christmas market is held in the heart of Geneva, it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is the ideal place to relax with a mulled wine and delicious “moitiémoitié” fondue.
Ice skating in Zurich
The atmosphere at the Dolder Ice Complex is unique: surrounded by wooded countryside, this 6,000 square meter ice rink - the biggest artificial ice rink in Switzerland - is a quiet and relaxing place.
The complex, which has been renovated and enlarged in recent years, blends harmoniously into the background. With other leisure facilities such as a swimming pool (with wave-making equipment) and minigolf course close by the Dolder ice rink it is a popular meeting place for sports fans of all ages and an attractive day trip destination for anyone in the Zurich region.
