The 10 Most Amazing Winter Sleigh Rides in the World
Winter is the absolute best time of year to get fully immersed in the Christmas spirit and find loads of fun things to do in the snow! From Jingle Bell Balls to Pantomimes to Christmas markets, the festive season truly begins in November along with so many other celebrations around the world.
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to follow in Santa’s footsteps (or Rudolph’s hoofprints!) and go dashing through the snow!? So, here’s where you can experience the most amazing winter sleigh rides in the world!
The Best Snowy Places for a Winter Sleigh Ride
Winter is the season of Christmas, fireplaces & family! The world is full of mesmerising winter landscapes and here are the best things to do in the snow!
1. Arctic Circle Husky Sleigh, Finland
If you’ve ever wanted to visit the magical winter wonderland that is Finland, my guess is that going on a husky sledge ride is probably on your bucket list. Well, rightly so – it’s one of the most incredible winter activities you can do in that region.
Seeing the dogs in their element is so amazing, plus they are really cute!
Dog sledging can be pretty pricey, however, at around €100 an hour per person. But it’s so worth it and literally brings a totally new meaning to the phrase ‘dashing through the snow’.
2. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is a beautiful city in Eastern Austria, bordering Germany and right at the foot of the Austrian Alps. It’s the perfect winter getaway, one of the best ski resorts in Europe and one of the most popular places to go in the winter!
For just £65 each you can experience an 8-hour tour of the beautiful city including a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride. Warm up after your adventures with a steaming mug of Glühwein (a traditional, festive Austrian drink made from wine, cinnamon and sugar), a bowl of hot pumpkin soup and some stolen for dessert – utterly delicious!
Plus, whilst in Salzburg, there are plenty of other amazing things to do in the snow. Be sure to check out the Hohensalzburg Fortress for some amazing views over the city and countryside. Pay a visit to Mozart’s birthplace and see the violin he played as a child and don’t forget to wander around the delightful Austrian Christmas markets.
3. Park City, Utah
Thousands of tourists visit Park City, Utah every year. As soon as the snow hits the slopes, it becomes the perfect place for skiing, snowboarding, and incredible frosty views over the mountains.
The most popular option for a USA winter getaway here is to go for a package deal that also includes a scrumptious dinner at the Viking Yurt. Your sleigh will be pulled by snow-cats because of the steep incline of the hill – not quite as nostalgic as horses but the view from the top makes it well worth it.
After about a 30-minute sleigh ride, you’ll arrive at the Yurt for a 6-course dinner including braised short rib, vanilla and cardamom ice cream and fine wine. It’s the ultimate winter getaway and with the city lights twinkling below, you’ll feel like you’re in a Christmas film.
4. Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Lake Louise has skyrocketed in popularity over the recent years. It’s really no wonder with its crystal-clear water, stunning turquoise colour and also being one of the best winter destinations in Canada. The little hamlet in Banff National Park is just breath-taking during the festive season and a winter sleigh ride is a perfect way to see the beauty of Lake Louise western-style!
For just $37, the horse-drawn, traditional-style sleigh will take you along the beautiful lakeside trail. Admire the views of Fairmont Chateaux and see a plethora of incredible winter beauty.
It’s by far one of the best things to do in the snow but be sure to dress appropriately for winter! Wrap up warm and bring plenty of blankets because it’s certainly going to be chilly!
5. Tromso, Norway
Travelling by reindeer is still the most traditional way to get about in a sleigh. So, if true Santa Claus style is what you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed in Norway!
One of the best things to do in the snow is to take a traditional winter sleigh ride pulled by Rudolph’s ancestors, across the winter wilderness! Plus, it’ll give you a chance to take in the views across the stunning Norwegian fjords and mountains.
After the sleigh ride, you might even get to help with the daily feeding and grooming of the reindeer. Then learn about the Sami people and their history, before tucking into a delicious hot meal served in a traditional Norwegian tent.
If you’re really lucky, you may even catch sight of the breath-taking aurora borealis while you’re out there!
6. Ruhpolding, Bavaria, Germany
Bavaria is one of those places in the world that literally has something for everyone all year round! From fairy-tale castles to quaint little old towns, palaces, lakes and the famous Danube river.
In winter it becomes even more magical with the gorgeous Christmas markets in Germany. You’ll also find the best ski resorts in the Alps and, of course, the wonderful winter sleigh rides.
For just €10, ride through snowy meadows and enchanting forests in a romantic, horse-drawn carriage. Snuggle under a blanket and ride through the peaceful wilderness surrounded by trees and mountains. It’s the perfect winter getaway and you’ll literally feel like you’re the only few people in the world.
7. Les Deux Alps, France
France is one of the most popular and best ski resorts in Europe and definitely makes for a stunning winter sleigh ride. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage through the unspoilt areas of the mountains and marvel at the natural beauty.
A lot of the French Alps have sunshine for 300 days of the year, so you’re bound to see some beautiful sights of the sun’s rays bouncing off the snow-covered peaks. Certainly worth a photo, even if it is a bit chilly! The snowy landscapes provide the perfect setting for anyone to enjoy, whether you fancy a romantic or family winter getaway.
After your ride, hit the slopes or explore the French Christmas markets. Be sure to sample the wonderful cuisine and warm up after your adventures with a Vin Chaud, a traditional warm French wine.
8. Tatra National Park, Zakopane, Poland
Poland is a bit of a fairy-tale winter getaway in Europe and the Tatra Mountains are so beautiful in winter. In the mountains you can find traditional horse dawn winter sleigh rides called “Kulig” and you may also come across dog sledging too!
The mountain ranges are incredible, with tall pine trees and untouched, snow-covered ground. The mountains are also super close to Zakopane town, a gorgeous little village nestled in the countryside. It’s the perfect place to refuel after a chilly few hours in the snow.
Try the Polish hot mead – a warming combination of honey and spices – and a hot meal of Pierogi (Polish dumplings) or Rosół (a kind of chicken broth soup). Plus, Polish Christmas markets are a treat so be sure to have a wander around one while you’re there!
9. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Fancy a traditional hot-chocolate-and-cookie Christmas sleigh ride that’s both relaxing and simply stunning, then head over to Colorado. There are countless wonderful locations across the state for a winter sleigh ride that you won’t forget. My favourite is Steamboat Springs, due to the incredible amount of activities you can do there.
As well as being one of the best ski resorts, you can find snow tubing, fireworks displays, incredible sunsets and beautiful little old towns to explore. There are so many fun things to do in the snow!
Check out their sleigh ride and dinner package where you’ll be whisked off across the snow, treated to stunning scenery, hot chocolate or hot apple cider, and a delicious home-cooked meal.
10. Davos, Switzerland
Did you know that in Switzerland you are never more than 10 minutes from a lake?
All the excess water forms when the snow melts off the Alps in the summer. And in winter, all that water freezes, the lakes frost over again, and it creates the most gorgeous winter atmosphere.
Take a romantic, horse-drawn winter sleigh ride through the forests, lakes and valleys; snuggle under thick blankets as you ride past the snow-covered pine trees. Be sure to warm up after your frosty ride with a delicious Swiss hot chocolate, truly one of the best hot chocolates in the world.
Then perhaps wander down to some of the town Christmas markets, see the Christmas trees and sample some of the home-made food!
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These all look beautiful! What a fun winter activity!
I’m not one to enjoy the snow which is why I live in a warm climate, but these look amazing. I’d love to take a sleigh ride in the snow all cuddled up with a cup of hot cocoa. Beautiful photos and wonderful post. Thanks for sharing.
My most memorable sleigh ride was in Iceland last year during our Ring Road trip! We did the dog sledding experience & it was amazing! Born in Alaska & growing up in the PNW, it was a bucket list dream come true! Your list looks great…I would do it again but in Finland or Canada!
Wow! This is stunning. I love your photography choices. Thanks for sharing!
All were so gorgeous, but those Northern lights! Wow! I would love to see those in person! What wonderful experiences! Thank you for sharing!