Locations to See the First Snowfall

December is less than a week away and you know what that means. It’s time to break out the hot drink and curl up in a blanket while watching the snow drift around outside. Add in some travel this winter season by spending a weekend getaway at these locations—whether you enjoy staying inside or prefer watching the snow outside as you explore.

1. Salt Lake City, Utah

Arriving in Salt Lake City is equivalent to arriving in a winter wonderland. Each season, the city receives an average of 62 inches of snowfall, providing a beautifully white holiday.

2. Ludlow, Vermont

Ludlow is a charming, little-known holiday town. Over the course of your trip, wander around the quaint shops in Ludlow or take pictures of the beautiful stretches of snowy hills surrounding town. If you have extra time, bundle up and go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or build a family of snowmen!

3. Jackson, Wyoming

Fun attractions and mom-and-pop stores dot the mountainsides of Jackson, Wyoming. Overhead, the Grand Tetons draw your attention, begging for a backcountry ski or snowboard run. Watch the snow drift down as you take off on steep, powdery runs or embark on a tour in search of wolves, coyotes, elk or moose.

4. Lake Tahoe, California

Spend the first snowfall of the season outside at Lake Tahoe, California. Throughout the weekend, divide your time between walking down hiking trails, visiting the lakeside, searching for animal prints and playing in the snow before returning to your hotel room to wrap up in a blanket, sip a hot drink and look at the view outside.

5. Old Wethersfield, Connecticut

Watch as one of the country’s most timeless villages slowly becomes covered in a soft blanket of snow. After, grab your jacket and set out for a leisurely stroll down the road featuring Connecticut’s largest historic district of more than 150 buildings dating back before 1850.

6. Aspen, Colorado

This quaint town is the perfect destination if you love gorgeous views and playing in perfect, powdery snow. The winter season begins earlier than most states, so pack all your winter gear! Schedule your trip in December during the town’s “12 Days of Aspen” for free ice skating, visits with Santa, s’mores parties, parades and more.

7. McCall, Idaho

You’ll love spending the weekend exploring McCall. The area is filled with locally-owned shops, unique restaurants and a picture-perfect community tree in the middle of town. Pack your winter jackets and head over soon because McCall gets more than a hundred inches of snow each year!

8. Charlottesville, Virginia

Enjoy the special beauty found in Virginia’s winter by walking along the trails of Blue Ridge Parkway. Maximize your trip by visiting nearby vineyards, as Virginia is the country’s fifth largest wine producer. Be careful: as soon as you step foot in Charlottesville, you’ll never want to leave.

After a day of exploring the area and participating in winter activities, return of your modern and comfortable room at Best Western Hotels & Resorts to warm up as you watch the snow fall outside. Before you start booking your weekend getaway, sign up for Best Western Rewards. Registration is free, and members start earning points on their first night.