The 12 Coziest Frozen Lake Towns in North America

Minnesota is “The Land of 10,000 Lakes,” and in the Minneapolis area alone, there are over 20 lakes made for frozen winter adventures. Get outside for cross-country skiing or skijoring at The Trailhead, which offers affordable rentals and trail passes. Warm up at The Butcher and the Boar, a homey upscale dining spot serving hearty meat choices and fine whiskeys. Attend The Great Northern Festival, when the city embraces and celebrates its traditionally chilly winter weather. This culturally educational event encourages the community to fight against climate change (“keeping the North Cold”), running from late January through early February. Unique festival experiences range from a therapeutic Sauna Village inspired by “thermaculture” traditions and various artistic performances. Stay at The Four Seasons Minneapolis, which unveils its annual elevated, outdoor Nordic Village dining experience. It feels like an authentic woodsy encounter serving a hearty four-course menu craft alongside seasonally festive drinks with multiple insulated and heated cabins.

Traverse City, nestled into Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, offers winter adventure opportunities for all interests. Embrace the chill at one of Traverse City’s cold weather-loving wineries, like Brys Estate, which offers tastings paired with self-guided snowshoeing excursions. Snowshoe at Sleeping Bear Dunes or hit the slopes at Crystal Mountain, which offers downhill and Nordic skiing, including 59 runs (27 of which stay lit for night skiing). Get cozy at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, which has a range of soothing treatments using natural products. And swimming isn’t just for summer in this city—Delamar Traverse City’s “Snow Days” are the perfect escape from the cold, hosted at its 93-degree outdoor pool surrounded by cozy “winter cabanas” made for a super snug swimming experience (think: a dedicated, warm winter menu made for cold evenings). 

Mammoth Lakes, which boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, is made for outdoor lake activities and mountain excursions. In the winter, the destination transforms into a relaxed powder paradise. This Sierra Nevada mountain destination hosts one of the longest ski seasons in North America—typically boasting snow from mid-November through Independence Day. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors and locals can enjoy winter activities like skating at Mammoth Ice Rink, which offers public sessions and skating lessons. Mammoth Dog Teams host authentic dog sledding experiences with expertly trained, high-energy pups. Dine in the village at classic eateries like the local classic, Mammoth Pizza Co. Visitors should set their home base as Outbound Mammoth, which has easy access to the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and cozy amenities like a steam room, dry sauna, and multiple fire pits.

Incline Village in North Lake Tahoe has downhill and Nordic skiing, boasting views of the lake’s pristine blue waters. This area is home to 11 downhill ski resorts (with a mix of smaller local resorts, like Diamond Peak and Mt. Rose, and EPIC and IKON resorts, such as Northstar California and Palisades Tahoe!). It offers epic snowshoeing, ice skating, and winter hikes. Go ice skating at the Northstar Village Ice Skating Rink, or check out the popular snowshoe route Chickadee Ridge—a three-mile trail suitable for all skill levels, featuring sights of cute little chickadee birds. Spend the night at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, which is in a great location and has its own beach (beautiful whether it’s speckled with snow or sparkling with sand!). Dine on-site at Lone Eagle Grille for views of the lake and soul-warming dishes like steaks, seafood, and vegetarian dishes that can be paired with picks from the restaurant’s master sommelier.

Lake Chelan is a beautiful winter escape, tucked into the snow-capped North Cascades just three hours from Seattle. Go cross-country skiing with a view at the Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area, which offers 25 miles of well-maintained and backcountry trails for snowshoers and cross-country, single-track, and skate skiers of all levels. Go tubing at Echo Valley’s Family Ski Area or ski down uncrowded slopes. Grab a warm beverage at Local Grounds Coffee Company, or refuel with a slice of pizza, sub, or fresh salad at Company Creek Pizza. After a day of outdoor play, grab a drink at the local favorite craft brewery, Lake Chelan Brewing Company. Stay at the family-owned and operated Campbell’s Resort, sitting right on the shores of Lake Chelan, with its cozy guest rooms and tasty on-site restaurants.

Ithaca, New York, is located on the south end of Cayuga Lake and feels like a playground for downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, winter hiking, birding, skating, and sledding. The stunning waterfalls of Ithaca freeze in winter, transforming into icy gems sparkling in the cold. Hike the short and easy path to Taughannock Falls (the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains). Visit one of the three regional ski resorts—like nearby Greek Peak Mountain Resort, the largest ski resort in New York State. At Lime Hollow Nature Center, guests can ski, hike, or snowshoe one of the 12 miles of trails—including the Art Meadow Trail, which highlights a variety of interactive artwork. Stay at The Ithaca Hotel, the area’s only independently owned hotel and within walking distance of attractions like the historic Ithaca Commons in the heart of the city.

Madison, Wisconsin, is nestled between two freshwater lakes—Monona and Mendota—that freeze over in the winter, giving way to snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, ice fishing, and ice boat racing opportunities. Admire the art sculptures created each year on the frozen lakes—a decades-long University of Wisconsin tradition that began as a prank in 1979 but inspired a modern-day event where art sculptures are built on frozen Lake Mendota each year. Or attend the free annual Frozen Assets and enjoy seasonal entertainment like figure skating and large show kite demonstrations on the lake while raising money for lake improvement projects and education about protecting these natural resources. Many year-round outdoor dining options are available—some hosted in fun igloo-style domes, with heat lamps and cozy fire pits. Spend the night at The Edgewater—an upscale, historic hotel on the lake, hosting seasonal activities like its on-site Ice Rink.

Jasper, Canada, is nestled into the remote, beautiful Canadian Rockies in the province of Alberta. It’s affectionately known as the “Cabin Capital of Canada”—meaning it’s a quintessentially cozy winter escape. Ski season typically kicks off in November—and Jasper’s terrain is uncrowded, feeling like the opposite of overcrowded ski towns while offering jaw-dropping natural scenery. In addition to skiing, wintertime means many unique experiences, including ice skating on the frozen Mildred Lake, dog-sledding, or stargazing at Jasper Dark Sky Preserve (maybe even spying on the Northern Lights!). Adrenaline junkies can explore Maligne Canyon’s frozen waterfalls by embarking on an ice walk tour, ice climbing experience, or fat tire biking excursion along Jasper’s winter cycling trails. Retire to the 700-acre luxury resort Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge that overlooks Lac Beauvert, or Bear Hill Lodge with its charming cabins complete with stone fireplaces—there’s plenty of snug lodging to choose from.

Frisco, Colorado, affectionately nicknamed “The Main Street of the Rockies,” is flanked by the 10,000-foot Mount Royal and the lively Frisco Bay Marina. It’s perfectly positioned within 30 minutes of multiple renowned ski resorts (Vail, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone, Loveland, and Arapahoe Basin). Not a skier? Not a problem. Enjoy a scenic sleigh ride with Two Below Zero while admiring the snow-speckled mountains in the distance, go snowshoeing with the Frisco Nordic Center, or try tubing or sledding at Frisco Adventure Park. Dine at Butterhorn Bakery & Cafe, which has been a Frisco favorite for over forty years, serving all-day breakfast bites, delectable desserts, and even buzzy drinks. Or, check out family-owned The Uptown on Main, which is great for grabbing a hearty meal and drinking by the fire. Stay at Frisco Inn on Galena—a romantic boutique hotel in the heart of Frisco just off Main Street—in a central but less busy location.

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, known for its lovely waterfront with breathtaking views, sits on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s often called the “Oldest Summer Resort in America” since it feels like a classic New England getaway. In the winter, visitors can check out Abenaki Ski Area, the nation’s oldest community-run ski area, which offers downhill skiing and nighttime LED lighting for night skiing. Check out one of the local snowmobile trails, or stay inside and get cozy while sipping craft cocktails made with ingredients sourced from local farms and growers at Wolfe’s Tavern. Stroll around downtown and stop into one of the cute shops or art galleries that are open year-round. Sleep at Wolfeboro Inn, which is a historic property built in 1812 that blends the town’s rich history with comfortable and modern amenities. 

Burlington, Vermont, can be a delightful getaway any time of year, but in the winter, it’s a less crowded, excellent home base for skiing at the region’s mountain resorts. The town is less than an hour from five famed Vermont ski resorts—including Stowe, Smuggler’s Notch, Sugarbush, Mad River, and Bolton Valley. Explore Church Street Marketplace, which features over 100 local shops and restaurants in town. In the winter, the twinkling lights glowing on the trees of this historic pedestrian mall usher in a sense of magic. There are many great breweries in Burlington—but the brew with the nicest view is Foam Brewers, which sits near the lake with westward sights of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. After a day of exploring, head back to Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain (soon to be known as “Hotel Champlain”), which is right across the street from the water with comfy amenities like a hot cocoa bar.

Sandpoint, Idaho, sits on the banks of Lake Pend Oreille, which is oftentimes open for ice skating on The Third Avenue Pier when winter conditions are just right. The town is an excellent lakeside home base for visiting Schweitzer Mountain Resort, which hosts many like Nordic skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, fat tire biking, and scenic winter chair lift rides. In town, fuel up at The Cedar Street Bridge Public Market—an old bridge-turned-shopping mall hosting cute boutiques, eateries, and local vendors. Beer fans will revel at the selection of craft beer spots like Utara Brewing Company & Curry House, which is known for its brews and delicious food. Pend d’Oreille Winery’s tasting room is a snug spot to warm up with wine. Stay at The Lodge at Sandpoint, a charming waterfront boutique hotel with stunning views and a great location for exploring the town.