Hi all,
I will be studying in France from January through the end of March. Fortunately, I will have 4 of the 11 weeks I am there just for traveling. As the title says, where are the best places countries and what cities are the best to visit during the winter. I've been to Italy and Switzerland in August, but are there any notable places to be in January, February, or March?
Thanks for all your help!
Sicily, which can be sweltering in summer, was very pleasant during our December/January visit, if you haven't been to that part if Italy (or even if you have).
Do you ski? Do you want to learn? The French, Swiss, Italian, Austrian alps all are world-class. Even Bansko, Bulgaria could be worth a visit.
For cross-country skiing, any place with snow, but especially in Scandanavia, where it all started, is worth considering.
Easter is in April in 2015, so that wouldn't be a factor.
Scandinavians know how to enjoy winter. Norway just before, during Easter Week and just after Easter is a must do if you ski. Ski in English is ski in Norwegian and most will assume you mean cross country skiing.
The Austrian Tyrolean villages are also great especially if you ate looking at early winter (January, February) for reliable snow. Villages will groom (pack) winter trails for both skiing and walking (without skis).
Do you like Celtic music? There is a wonderful music festival in Glasgow, Celtic Connections January 15-February 1. Artists include Abbey Newton, Alasdair Fraser, Aly Bain, Shooglenifty, to name a very few of the many who will be performing. I am really want to do this someday, but haven't managed yet. There are even workshops. :)
Some of my favorite places in winter are Bavaria and Austria. Very picturesque and snowy! Salzburg is particularly beautiful I think.
The Berner-Oberland in Switzerland is terrific even for non-skiers. We spent New Year's there and loved hiking on the groomed trails and riding the lifts. We went back in Sept to see the contrast. You will be amazed at what it is like in winter if you have been in summer!
Similarly, the Dolomites have much to offer in snow sports and scenery. We particularly like the Val Gardena.
Rome and Florence are terrific at that time of year: Much quieter and less expensive (for lodging) but lots to do even in poor weather.
I've been to Italy twice in February. The hotel rates are a lot lower and there are few crowds anywhere. The weather is mild and often fairly warm and sunny, especially from Rome southward.
Andalusia is the warmest, driest part of Europe with lots to see.
Thanks all for your insights!
Although I am from New England, I've never skied (I'm aware this is a sin). I would love to learn how to ski, and not better place than the Alps! Certainly the Alps will be visited, skied or not. Are there any festivals or notable events during the winter months that are worth experiencing?
Trying to get the most of my abroad experience, particularly for my friends whom have never been outside the domestic United States, are there any cities/towns worth visiting that will encapsulate the winter atmosphere?
Thanks again for your help. As experienced travelers you all know best.
Warm, pleasant, sunny, are all in the eyes of the beholder. Antidotal experiences aren't historic averages. Rome in February ranges is from a low of 39 to a high of 57F. So count a little colder in January and a little warmer in March. Not "mild" in my book but that's just me. Rome's wettest months are Nov, Dec, Jan and Feb too i believe. So think 50F and drizzling rain. Places that have much to offer in better weather, like Paris and Rome; and places with relatively short winters always seemed to be a waste to visit in the cold. Many of us rarely return to a place so I prefer to see it when I can get something special out of it.
For cold weather I choose places with long cold winters. These are the places that have had to build a culture that capitalizes on the cold as opposed to just trying to survive it as is the case with places with shorter and milder winters. So look to the north and look to central and eastern Europe. Especially Eastern Europe if you are on a budget. My favorite is Budapest, but Prague and Vienna and the Tatras of Slovakia are great locations in the winter as well. Round Trip Paris to Budapest in the winter can be had for about USD300.
Southern Europe, especially near the Mediterranean sea, has milder winters than the north.
However it won't be beach weather and not the ideal environment for a picnic in the woods either. In winter the best strategy is to stick to visiting cities rather than the countryside or beach towns, which become ghost towns in winter. Cities like Rome, Barcelona, Florence, Seville, Venice, Vienna, etc. are just as beautiful and vibrant in winter weather as they are in the summer, less the tourist crowds.. If the weather is bad there will be plenty of activities indoor in a city. Skiing resort towns are the only non city locations that come alive in winter. If you like the snow, that would be a perfect opportunity to visit one.
Chamonix, France is all about winter during the winter. Look for events here http://www.chamonet.com/events/ , and even non-skiers can ride the Aguille du Midi tram lift way above town, check out the views of Mt. Blanc, see glaciers and ice caves, and more. Several ski areas in the greater Chamonix area offer great skiing,too.
If you're looking for something outside of France for a winter excursion, a great option is Zermatt, Switzerland.
If you want to learn to ski (alpine or nordic), there's really no better place than Colorado, although you wouldn't get an authentic European experience or food, but you might have a European (or American, or Australian, or . . . ) instructor!
Regardless of country, any large city will usually have more indoor activities, especially if you like museums. Beach and lake resorts will be pretty dead, with most accommodations closed. See also http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning/timing-your-trip. Spain has both the city/museum options and possible warmer weather. But if northern stops like Berlin, Dresden, Prague, and Vienna are on your list, I'd go ahead.
If you will be able to attend any Carnevale events in mid-February, then quite a few cities around Europe have special events. I highly recommend Carnevale in Ivrea, Italy, and you may be able to combine a couple of days here with a few days in Venice.
I'd stay south. Southern France, southern Spain, southern Italy. Not only will the weather be more manageable (but don't expect beach weather) but the days are noticeably longer.
