The Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 50 Ideas for Adventurous People

Are you ready to embrace the magic of winter and create unforgettable memories? This winter bucket list features 50 unique ideas for hiking, skiing, cozy getaways, and so much more.

Winter is a season that invites you to explore the beauty of nature, indulge in cozy retreats, and forge lasting connections with loved ones. Whether you're drawn to the allure of snow-covered trails, the warmth of a snug cabin, or the thrill of exhilarating winter sports, this list of 50 winter adventures is designed to inspire you to step outside, embrace the chill, and fully enjoy everything this enchanting season has to offer.

Ice Castle in Minnesota

Snowy Outdoor Adventures

1. Take a First Day Hike – Kick off the New Year by exploring a state or national park trail on January 1st. Read our Guide to First Day Hikes for inspiration. Did you miss hiking on Jan. 1? No problem, this guide recommends great locations for a hike all winter long. Tip: Check out our Guide to 30 Must-Have Hiking Gear Products.

2. Try Snowshoeing – Experience hiking in deep snow with a guided snowshoe adventure. You'll find many great places to snowshoe in the USA in this roundup.

3. Go Cross-Country Skiing – Discover peaceful snow-covered trails in your area with this guide.

4. Build an Epic Snowman – Unleash your creativity with scarves, hats, and carrots! This adorable snowman kit will have your snowman dressed in style.

5. Learn to Ski or Snowboard – Take lessons at a local ski resort. Check out this Guide to Snowboard Lessons and this Guide to Ski Lessons.

6. Ride a Snowmobile – Navigate snowy terrains swiftly on designated trails. You can either learn to snowmobile or rent equipment at these locations.

7. Try Ice Climbing – Scale frozen waterfalls with expert guides.

8. Hike to a Frozen Waterfall – Visit stunning natural wonders transformed by ice. One of our favorites is Minnehaha Falls in Minnesota.

9. Visit an Ice Castle – Walk through glowing, sculpted ice castles at places like Ice Castles USA.

10. Go Winter Camping – Brave the cold and sleep under the stars in a four-season tent.

11. Take a Polar Plunge – Jump into a freezing lake for a refreshing thrill (or for the Special Olympics!).

12. Sled Down a Massive Hill – Experience the joy of your childhood with a sledding adventure. Discover an excellent sled here.

13. Attend a Snow Festival – Celebrate winter at events like Québec's Winter Carnival or Dubuque's Snow Festival.

14. Ice Skate – Enjoy ice skating at a rink or on a frozen pond. Shop for ice skates here.

15. Build an Igloo or Snow Fort – Create your own snow hideaway.

16. Go Dog Sledding – Experience the thrill of mushing a team of huskies on one of these dog sledding excursions.

17. Spot Wildlife in the Snow – Visit a national park to see elk, deer, or snowy owls.

    
    
    
    

    

    
    

Cozy Winter Escapes

18. Stay in a Mountain Cabin – Cozy up with a fire and a hot drink after a day outdoors.

19. Book a Night in an Ice Hotel – Sleep in a magical room sculpted entirely from ice.

20. Take a Winter Train Ride – Ride scenic routes like the Durango-Silverton Train in Colorado.

21. Snuggle Up in a Treehouse Stay – Stay in a treehouse for a magical winter escape.

22. Visit a Lodge with a Fireplace – Find warmth and relaxation in a cozy mountain lodge.

23. Go Glamping in Winter Yurts – Try luxury camping in a heated winter yurt.

24. Book a Stay at a Ski-In/Ski-Out Resort – Step right onto the slopes from your door.

25. Stay in a Cave Hotel – Experience a unique winter adventure like Beckham Creek Cave Lodge.

26. Rent a Cozy Airbnb in a Small Town – Explore charming winter villages nearby.

Thrilling Winter Sports

27. Try Snow Tubing – Zoom down snowy hills in an inflatable tube.

28. Learn Winter Archery – Test your aim while bundled up in the snow.

29. Go Ice Fishing – Drill through the ice and catch fish in frozen lakes.

30. Race Down a Toboggan Run – Find a local run for an adrenaline-pumping ride.

31. Visit a Winter Zipline Park – Fly over snow-covered landscapes.

32. Try Winter Kayaking – Paddle through icy waters in a dry suit.

33. Hit the Ice for Curling – Try this quirky Olympic sport with friends.

Scenic Winter Experiences

34. Take a Winter Wildlife Safari – Explore Yellowstone National Park for bison and wolves.

35. Chase the Northern Lights – Visit Alaska for stunning skies.

36. Take a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride – Glide through snowy fields wrapped in blankets.

37. Capture Winter Photography – Practice your skills in photographing snowy landscapes.

38. Explore the World's Largest Subterranean Lake – Visit Missouri’s Bonne Terre Mine

39. Ride a Gondola Over Snow-Capped Peaks – Scenic rides are perfect for mountain views.

40. Hike or Drive Through a Snowy Forest – Enjoy the quiet beauty of winter landscapes.

41. Explore Frozen Caves or Caverns – Discover icy stalactites in winter-only cave tours.

Learning Activities

42. Take Baking Lessons – Learn new techniques and bake something new.

43. Culinary Lessons – Take a cooking class at a local culinary school.

44. Go Star Gazing in the Snow – Winter skies are exceptionally clear and luminous. Browse telescopes here.

45. Adopt a Family Winter Book Tradition – Read classics like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Your local library may host a winter reading challenge, sign up, and join a book group. Find the best books of the year here.

46. Visit a Historic Small Town in Winter – Explore towns like Hermann, MO, Pella, IA, and Hot Springs, AR.

47. Learn to Make Maple Syrup – Visit a sugar shack to see the process in winter.

48. Take a Walking Food Tour in a Cozy City – Discover local comfort foods.

49. Try Winter Wine Tasting – Warm up with bold reds at a nearby vineyard.

50. Learn Winter Survival Skills – Take a winter survival workshop or watch tutorials for practical tips.

    
    

Kick Off the New Year with Adventure

With these 50 Winter Adventure Bucket List ideas, you'll always have new ways to enjoy the season's enchantment. Whether you're after adrenaline-pumping excitement, picturesque escapes, or warm comforts, there's an option for every explorer. So wrap up warmly, head outdoors, and create unforgettable winter memories!

Need More Ideas for your Winter Bucket List?

Explore more adventures and travel inspiration on Surprising Getaways to plan your next adventure!

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