The Best Winter Vacation Spot in Every State

Summer doesn't have a monopoly on your time away. Whether it's a one-day thing, a weekend getaway or a full-blown week-long trip, winter is still a great time to take a vacation. Even better, every state has a great spot to go so you never need to travel too far-even the ones that don't have a winter, per se. Here's our advice on those 50 places.

Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort: Yes, skiing in Alabama. It's not large, just 800 acres, but it's nonetheless a viable ski area situated in Mentone, atop Lookout Mountain in north Alabama. Cloudmont is the second-most southerly ski area in the continental U.S.

Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve: What can't you do here? As long as you're adventurous and understand that you'll be encountering cold and ice, this 3.3 million-acre park, filled with glaciers, mountains, fjords and more, is the place for you. Hike, explore, kayak, camp, see it from a boat, even see it from a small aircraft. Either way, it's phenomenal.

Sedona: OK, so the home of 100-degree temperatures isn't exactly teeming with ski resorts and skating rink, but Sedona, which is absolutely spectacular in any weather, takes on a special glow during the winter. The snowfall that sometimes hits the area makes for an unbelievably beautiful contrast with the red rocks. And the milder temperatures make hiking Cathedral Rock or Devil's Bridge much more tolerable.

Devil's Den State Park: We chose this one for the very reason that the state park itself touts-intimacy. There's nothing like renting a historic Civilian Conservation Corps cabin, exploring the wildlife in the winter and then putting the logs on in your fireplace.

Mammoth Mountain: The sunny state of California offers vacationers the choice of hitting the snowy slopes or relaxing on a sun-kissed beach-or both if you're down for a road trip. However, Mammoth Lakes has all you could need in just one city. For the outdoor enthusiast, grab your skis or snowboard and head down Mammoth Mountain. If relaxation is what you're craving, take a dip in the pool at your luxurious resort before resting settling down for a night of some much-needed rest.

Vail Valley: Some of the best skiing in the world is right here at two great resorts-Vail and Beaver Creek. At 10 miles apart, you can do both, as well as snowmobile, snowshoe and cross-country ski.

Foxwoods Resort and Mohegan Sun: These two casinos are within a half-hour of each other and they are spectacular, each in their own right. Talk about a getaway, each property offers luxurious accommodations, top-notch entertainment, delicious dining and, of course, gambling that rivals Las Vegas.

Rehoboth Beach: Yep, it's a summer must. But on the other hand, it's also a winter must. It's less crowded, the celebration of the holidays is in full swing, the shopping is tax-free and the food is still delicious.

Captiva Island: OK, so you're just not going to get a true winter experience in Florida. But Florida is just one giant winter getaway, and Captiva Island is just stunning. Located on the west coast not far from Fort Myers, Captiva is known for its exquisite beaches and natural wildlife.

Chattahoochee National Forest: It doesn't get cold in Georgia? Um, try again. It was 28 degrees at Chattahoochee National Forest at 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Rent a cabin and stay for a few days. If you're lucky and you get some of the white stuff, it's simply gorgeous. Hike the trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail, and see the waterfalls-some might even be frozen.

The North Shore: So, yeah, we think everybody realizes that Hawaii isn't a place to find winter but rather a destination to escape winter, and here's your chance to do just that while checking off a bucket list item. Winter in Hawaii means some of the biggest waves in the world on Oahu's North Shore, drawing the top surfers in the world and some of the best surf you could ask for.

Sun Valley: Lots to take in here, starting with the history. Sun Valley opened in 1936 and included the world's first chairlifts. Since then, it's become a celebrity haunt that includes the surrounding town of Sun Valley, along with its high-end shops and restaurants.

Chestnut Mountain Resort, Galena: A ski-in/ski-out resort in one of the more picturesque towns you'll find. In addition to the skiing, there is cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing and more.

Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run: A little more than two hours north of Indianapolis is one of the coolest winter attractions-the refrigerated toboggan run. The quarter-mile course includes twists, turns and a vertical drop of 90 feet. Make a weekend out of it because there are lots of other things to do, including a Nature Center.

Sundown Mountain Resort, Dubuque: As flat and filled with farmland as Iowa is, you can hit some pretty exciting slopes. Sundown has 21 runs and four lifts-and it's perfect for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

Kansas Basketball, Lawrence: Winter means college basketball-and the University of Kansas IS college basketball. One of the nation's perennially strong programs, the campus in Lawrence is home to one of the all-time great arenas, Phog Allen Fieldhouse. Watching a game here is an incredible experience.

Ohio River: This is a true tour in and of itself. The river, along Kentucky's shores, is dotted with towns that are filled with historical sites and their significance in building the infrastructure of the Commonwealth.

Beer Run: No, that's not the official name, but there are two great winter festivals in Louisiana. One is the Louisiana Winter Beer Festival in Lake Charles, which is held right after Mardi Gras ends, and the other is Sips of the Season, held in Mandeville. Where the former is more festival, held in one location, the other is more Pub Crawl to various local establishments.

Sugarloaf Mountain: 130 trails, more than 400 acres, lodging, licensed child-care facility-hat's not to love for those who love to hit the slopes?

Wisp Resort, Garrett County: You get just about everything here, including skiing, tubing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice fishing and even horse-drawn carriage rides. Stay the weekend in western Maryland and give yourself the time to take it all in.

Lowell Winterfest: Boston is Boston and Jiminy Peak is one of the better ski areas in the northeast. However, the city of Lowell's Winterfest is a two-day marathon of fun that's full of inflatable rides for the kids, food trucks, free ice skating, horse-drawn wagon rides, the night-time Merrimack Canal Light Display, a winter carnival atmosphere and more. Did we mention the all-you-can-eat chocolate festival?

Frankenmuth: Sure, there's something to be said for the Boyne ski area, but there's also something special about Frankenmuth. This amazing town north of Detroit will make you think you've been transported to a German village, complete with flower boxes on the window sills. During the holidays and winter, the city really comes alive thanks to Bronner's, the world's largest Christmas store.

Mall Of America: Yeah, yeah, we know. In the land of 10,000 lakes complete with ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hockey and more, why here? Uh, why not? The world's largest mall is a destination in its own right and close to the airport-and people are literally flying in and staying for days at a time to shop to their heart's content. You want a winter getaway? This is it.

Tishomingo State Park: Considered one of the best state parks in the country, Tishomingo State Park offers canoeing, fishing, hiking, rock-climbing and more. And, yes, it gets cold in Mississippi at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Kansas City: Normally we probably wouldn't suggest just prowling around a city for a winter getaway, but KC does cold weather right. Its downtown is spectacular and embraces the season with festivals and events.

Libby, Montana: Now THIS is winter. One of the most beautiful small towns in the world where you can ride horses on back-country trails, ski, snowboard, look up and see soaring eagles and view the absolutely stunning Kootenai Falls.

Omaha: The Children's Museum. The Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The Durham Museum, for you history buffs. See what we're driving at here? Lots of things to do in this great city and we haven't even talked about the Old Market District.

Lake Tahoe: Was there really any doubt? Sure, you could fill 52 weeks in Vegas-or at least a winter-but why pass up what is arguably an outdoor enthusiast's dream and one of the most beautiful places on earth?

Bretton Woods, Carroll: Of the many great-and underrated, given it's the east coast-ski resorts, this is the largest in the Granite State. Bretton Woods has more than 450 acres, 62 trails and a 1,500-foot vertical drop. To live in luxury during your stay, book yourself at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel, pictured above.

Vernon: Located in the northwest corner of New Jersey known as "The Skylands," Vernon features some great skiing at Mountain Creek. The area features four peaks, eight lifts and 46 trails. From the Sugar Slope trail, which you can infer from its name is for beginners, to Kamikaze, which you can infer from its name that, well, isn't for beginners, there is truly something for everyone. Snowboarding and snowtubing are also popular here.

Taos Ski Valley: We shall make this as simple as possible. Taos and the surrounding area, already famous for its pueblos and great artists' communities, offer a world-class ski area comparable to any other resort area in the world.

Lake Placid: The state of New York is underrated when it comes to winter vacation destinations. But, let's be frank-it's hard to deny a winter paradise that twice has hosted the Winter Olympics.

Blowing Rock and Boone: The beauty of this state is that when you're in the middle of it you can go three hours east and be at the beach, or three hours west and enjoy all the splendors of the mountains. Welcome to splendor here in North Carolina's High Country, including such great hiking as the Glen Burney Trail.

Lake Metigoshe State Park: One of the best start parks in the country, Lake Metigoshe serves up a little bit of everything from ice fishing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling over 250 miles of trails and more.

Butler County Donut Trail: OK, not kidding, this might be the most fun winter getaway. Like, ever. Butler County has a legitimate Donut Trail that takes you through almost a dozen donut shops that have a combined 350+ years of donut-making experience. Make sure you start the journey early, this trail is so popular that some shops sell out of donuts by 10 a.m.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: Of all the great state parks and areas we've talked about so far, you're not going to get the chance to see as much wildlife as you will in this sanctuary, including bison and mountain lions.

Mount Hood: Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, snowshoeing and more. The great thing about this area is the wealth of accommodations.

Penn State Football: Nestled in the foothills of the Nittany Mountains, Penn State's football stadium, Beaver Stadium, seats 100,000 and makes for a cool weekend getaway for a home football game. Be sure to visit The Creamery on campus for the best ice cream around. Hint: try Peachy Paterno.

Newport: This summer playground is actually a terrific city to be in during the winter, when things are calmer and less crowded. Granted, you won't be playing tennis outdoors, but you can explore Ballard Park, see how the other half lived with a home tour along Ocean Drive, or check out the Norman Bird Sanctuary.

Myrtle Beach: You'll be hard-pressed to find a snowstorm in South Carolina, but if you're looking for a winter escape, you'll also be hard-pressed to find a more entertaining place than Myrtle Beach. Far less crowded in the winter, you can see shows, shop, swim and hit any one of a hundred golf courses in the greater Myrtle Beach area.

Badlands National Park: In a word, it's glorious. But be careful. Although you can camp year-round in selected areas, it's been known to dip down to 40 degrees below zero in the winter. You can still hike, but you can also navigate the park by car. Tipi Village and the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site are musts. And, of course, the wildlife-just know that the 37 species of mammals and 206 species of birds are more difficult to spot in the winter.

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge: The sister cities are famous for their winter celebrations, featuring, literally, millions of lights. And, of course, how can you miss the Dolly Parton-themed amusement park Dollywood?

San Antonio: Again, a state where it rarely snows although there are spots in west Texas where it can get quite cold in the winter. But if the old "winter getaway" is top of mind, then nothing beats this great city and spending time at Riverwalk.

Everywhere: No, that's not the name of a town. We literally mean, everywhere. From Zion National Park to Powder Mountain to Brighton-and from Park City and Deer Valley to Snowbird and the Sundance Film Festival-Utah is one of the greatest places in the world to enjoy winter

Stowe: The Stowe Mountain Resort is known as the "Aspen of the East." It's one of the top ski areas in the country, certainly in the northeast, and also features a terrific performing arts center. It's not far from Ben & Jerry's ice cream headquarters (always a plus) and 40 minutes from Burlington, a great town on the shores of Lake Champlain.

Hot Springs Resort: The focal point of this 15,000-acre resort is The Homestead, where guests have been coming for centuries for the healing powers of the mineral springs. In the summer, plenty of golf. But in the winter, snow skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice skating.

Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound: Here's something different-a waterpark for winter. Yep, Great Wolf Lodge is completely indoor and features slides, rides, pools, mini golf even an arcade for the kids. There's a spa for adults and some great dining options, too.

Canaan Valley Resort: One of the great family ski resorts in the country, with beginner slopes for the kids and more difficult terrain for the more seasoned skiers.

Wisconsin Dells: In addition to the largest collection of waterparks per capita, the Dells are a winter paradise. Hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, the adults-only Sundara Spa Resort, an 800-seat theater featuring Broadway productions and winter ziplining-what more do you need?

Jackson Hole: Some of the best skiing in the country, to be sure. Jackson Hole has a vertical drop that might take your breath away and certainly will take a year off your life. But, it's absolutely breathtaking.