Unforgettable honeymoons don't always have to include palm trees and beach cabanas. If you look in the right places, winter retreats can also provide the trip of a lifetime. So start packing up those snow pants and scarves, these five winter destinations will have you dreaming about snowy peaks, romantic strolls, and fireside massages for your honeymoon.
Quebec, Canada
Expect old-world charm and a cosmopolitan vibe in one of North America's most enchanting cities. Meander down snowy cobblestone streets in the quaint Old Town, which features numerous specialty stores, restaurants, and galleries. Then, duck out of the cold and check out some of the city's notable museums and historic sites, like the National Museum of Fine Arts. For a most memorable honeymoon, be sure to visit during the famous Carnaval de Quebec.
Stay in a historic B&B in the Old Town or go for a contemporary boutique property downtown such as Auberge Saint-Antoine. Once the weekend arrives, consider escaping the city and visiting Mont-Tremblant, one of the top ski resorts in Canada. About four hours southwest of Quebec, Mont-Tremblant features a charming village, excellent ski conditions, and dozens of winter activities.
Innsbruck and Salzburg, Austria
As the host of two Winter Olympics, it's no secret that Innsbruck is a renowned winter destination. Winter enthusiasts have a number of top resorts to choose from, including Stubai Valley and Axamer Lizum. Meanwhile, with its colorful buildings, historic Old Town, notable museums, and lovely squares (most with backdrops of snowcapped peaks), Innsbruck is one of Europe's most romantic cities.
Be sure to take the train to dreamy Salzburg for an unforgettable weekend getaway. In addition to being Mozart's birthplace, the city's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and should not be missed. Book your room at Hotel Sacher Salzburg, easily one of the city's finest properties.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Just 80 miles from Denver, this historic mining town and winter wonderland offers a unique blend of yesterday and today, from western saloons and mining tours to ultra-modern resorts and chic restaurants.
Meanwhile, the region's first-rate outdoor activities make Breckenridge one of North America's most magnificent winter destinations. Breckenridge Ski Resort is Colorado's third largest and home to four mammoth peaks, 155 trails, 30 lifts, and five terrain parks. Nearby, the Frisco Nordic Center features more than 27 miles of cross-country skiing trails that take skiers through old growth spruce forests and next to mountain streams.
Jackson, Wyoming
Located in the heart of the Tetons, Jackson offers a one-of-a-kind winter honeymoon experience. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort boasts 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and receives over 450 inches of snow each year. The area is also home to sleigh rides, snowmobiling, dogsledding, nordic skiing, and snoeshoeing. Not to be outdone, the town of Jackson has hundreds of shops, restaurants, and galleries, and also makes for a great home base to explore the region -- particularly Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Unpack your bags at Hotel Terra, a hip, eco-friendly boutique hotel just steps from the slopes. After an eventful day, make your way over to the Mangy Moose for one of the best après-ski scenes around.
Chamonix, France
For winter honeymooners, Chamonix has it all. With the French Alps and Europe's tallest mountain in your lap (Mt. Blanc), the charming village of Chamonix boasts a wide range of accommodation options, thrilling winter activities, shopping spots, trendy restaurants, and top-notch spas. Meanwhile, world-class cities Geneva, Lyon, and Milan are all within a few hours by car.
After a day of skiing and massages, imagine snuggling up in front of a roaring fire and sipping hot chocolate in the confines of your very own mountain chalet. Now that's honeymoon bliss.
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