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Where to Go to Get Outside This Winter

By Amiee White Beazley

Winter doesn’t have to mean hunkering down — or even making tracks for sunnier skies. Whether you prefer to soar down the slopes or stroll through the snow on a moonlit night, the season’s forecast doesn’t call for staying indoors.
A man treks across the snow on skis
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Making First Tracks at Bachelor Gulch, Colorado

There are few things more exciting than waking up to a powder day in the mountains of Colorado. Before the sun rises you’re up, dressed in your ski gear and heading out the door. Today you’ll take part in one of Beaver Creek’s most exclusive offerings, the White Glove First Tracks program. On this private guided tour, you are the first to hit the hill before the mountain opens.
Plan an Unforgettable Ski Experience
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Snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe, California

This winter, experience the great outdoors like never before with a full moon snowshoe tour through the Tahoe National Forest. As you travel by moonlight, your guides will discuss natural history and astronomy topics while making stops to take in the views and enjoy snacks and warm beverages. After your trip, retreat back to The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe for an apres-snowshoe dip in the whirlpool.
Discover Tahoe's Winter Wonderland
Aerial view of an outdoor ice-skating ring in the mountains.
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Ice Skating in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Following a 10-minute ride from The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, you face an 800-odd-step climb to the Medeu Sports Complex. But experiencing Medeu is, without question, worth the effort. The highest open-air skating rink in the world is a national symbol of Kazakhstan and its most-visited destination.
Experience Almaty this Winter
János Hill, the highest point in Budapest
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Winter Hiking in Budapest, Hungary

Requiring little more gear than waterproof hiking boots, gloves, a hat and perhaps a pair of poles to help keep balance on snow-covered trails, hiking in the Buda Hills is a local favorite in winter. It provides access to forests and crunching snow underfoot, and allows residents to breathe the cool, fresh air and search for birds and wildlife not found in the city’s center.
Explore the Best of Budapest
A group of skiers in the woods during winter
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Backcountry Explorations in Japan

Nestled at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, the new Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is the gateway to Niseko’s best powder. The 2,191 acres of skiable terrain and access to extensive backcountry skiing makes it a favorite for adventure-seekers, and the spa and onsen provide a welcome respite after a day on the slopes.
Be One of the First to Experience Higashiyama Niseko Village