North Austin News

Imagine if we could control the weather and turn this scorching hot furnace we call home into a winter wonderland with a cool breeze. Now stop imagining that because we don't have superpowers. However, humans are pretty smart and invented this convenient vehicle called a plane. You might not know this, but you can book a ticket on said plane and go to any snowy destination you wish! You owe it to yourself for a chill vacation, so we'll supply you with all the coolest spots with a flurry of activities.

Aspen, Colorado (ASE)

First up are the ski resorts among the Rocky Mountains of Aspen, Colorado. Between snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snow biking, the options for faceplanting in the soft snow are endless. Aspen makes for such a spectacular getaway; we already wrote a whole blog on all the thrilling slopes families can conquer together.

The true hidden gem of Aspen is what's not covered by the snow. That's right, pack your hiking boots! Whether you like to stick to beginner-friendly paths or consider yourself an experienced backpacker, this destination is a granola traveler's dream. From strolling the Rio Grande Trail and John Denver Sanctuary to trekking Grottos Trail and Crater Lake Trail, your body may feel tired, but you'll feel rejuvenated once you see the breathtaking views. Best part? You can go from enduring a peak adrenaline rush to appreciating a lavish dinner while admiring the beautiful Bauhaus architecture of Aspen’s town square.

American Airlines provides nonstop service from Austin (AUS) to Aspen (ASE).

Amsterdam, the Netherlands (AMS)

Dreaming of a cozy winter escape? The Dutch capital transforms into a winter wonderland, offering charming streets with festive lights and canals that might just freeze over for ice skating. With temperatures ranging from 30ºF to 50ºF, it's the perfect setting to bundle up and explore the city's rich culture. Warm up with a hot drink at a local café or stroll through holiday markets filled with seasonal treats. Begin your journey at Amsterdam Central Station (or Amsterdam Central), where experiencing attractions is made effortless by its multiple ways of transportation, including metros, trams, buses, and ferries. Plus, service to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport occurs every 10 minutes from early morning to midnight.

"It's just another city; what's so good about it?" Oh, but Amsterdam is a culture-curated city that carries the past to the present. If you were a student who loved history class, this destination is targeted at you. Experience the in-depth story of Anne Frank at The Anne Frank House; this museum honors the Jewish wartime diarist through an audio tour, quotes, pictures, videos, and authentic pieces. Visit the world's most extensive display of creations by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh at the Van Gogh Museum or enjoy stories of how the Netherlands stood during the Middle Ages by visiting Rijksmuseum. After that, take a winter walk or ride through Vondelpark's snowy paths. Discover local sculptures by Picasso; spot ducks and herons braving the chill; find a cozy bench to enjoy a warm drink while taking in serene landscapes.

KLM provides nonstop service from Austin (AUS) to Amsterdam (AMS).

Vancouver, Canada (YVR)

Crave a vacation with vibrant variety? Vancouver makes incorporating great outdoors into city life seem natural. Walk along treetops on Capilano Suspension Bridge; then hop on North America's tallest aerial tramway—the Grouse Mountain Skyride. Once upon mountaintops: ooh at grizzly bear habitat; ahh at bird performance; haha at lumberjack show.

As America's third-largest park: Stanley Park transforms into winter wonderland offering activities for every traveler type—bundle up walking/cycling/cozy horse-drawn carriage riding along frosty shoreline—explore snow-dusted totem poles—enjoy serene landscape strolls—warm-up visiting nearby pub—not sold yet? There's literally aquarium smack middle beautiful park witnessing incredible rescued aquatic species like sea otters/sea lions—proximity downtown close wouldn't make sense not going.

Air Canada provides nonstop service from Austin (AUS) Vancouver (YVR).

Anchorage Alaska (ANC)

Popular misconception about Alaska state darkness blanketed miserable weather conditions—fortunately those seeking winter wonderland instead battling seasonal depression Alaska winter nothing short magical—say hello Anchorage Alaska snowy landscape illuminated stunning sunrises/sunsets creating serene backdrop adventures.

'Well what should I do all that winter beauty?' Glad asked! Book guided tour exploring majestic Matanuska Glacier hiking across icy terrain learning glacier’s fascinating history—for extra treat opt package includes hotel pickup tasting locally crafted Alaskan wines/honey—not hiking style soaring over Anchorage breathtaking winter scenery helicopter followed exhilarating dogsled tour—you might even tick whale-watching off bucket list gliding skies.

Flights from Austin (AUS) Anchorage (ANC) available multiple airlines requiring connection.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport partners multiple airlines making dream winter vacation reality—to learn all nonstop flights AUS visit https://www.austintexas.gov/department/nonstop-flights-out-aus.