While some may look to escape the cold weather, here at dealchecker we’ve found 10 reasons to embrace the snow this year. With a wide range of winter sports and activities on offer around the globe, there’s something for everyone to try. From tobogganing and skiing, to ice climbing and under ice diving, these winter wonderlands are waiting for you to glide on through!

1. Whistler, Canada

Home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, it’s no wonder that Whistler is a favourite spot when it comes to winter sports. Although skiing and snowboarding are most definitely the most popular activities in this snowy wonderland, there is so much more than that on offer. From ice skating and dog-sledding, to tubing and zip-lining. There’s also winter bungee jumping and ice climbing for those wanting to participate in more extreme activities.

2. Dolomites, Italy

If you’re a fan of tobogganing then the Dolomites may just be the place for you this winter time. With plenty of sledding slopes and routes to slide down, beginner and expert tobogganers are both catered for here in Europe’s largest mountain plateau. There’s also moonlight tobogganing for those wanting a new experience! Skiers and snowboarders will be in their element also with a blanket of powder soft snow to glide through.

3. Val d’Isere, France

Val d’Isere is a great choice if it’s variety you’re looking for in your winter holiday! Obviously there’s lots of skiing to be done, but why not venture out a little and join in on some cross-country or some night skiing races? If hitting the slopes isn’t what you fancy though there’s tons of other activities here in the Alps. One of our favourite finds however, is ice driving. Test your driving skills behind the wheel of a range of different sports cars on an ice track. You can always opt for a passenger ride too if you don’t fancy taking control yourself.

4. Bansko, Bulgaria

A great choice for those wanting a cheap alternative for skiing and snowboarding in Europe. You really would be mad not to head over to the slopes during a winter break here in Bansko, one of Bulgaria’s most popular ski destinations. There are of course lots of other options available for guests too, with rock climbing and whitewater rafting available for those looking for some extra adventure during their stay.

5. New York

Not an obvious choice when thinking about winter sports, but New York presents many options to visitors in the colder months. Head on over to the most famous ice rink in New York at the Rockefeller Center for a bit of ice-skating. Or perhaps you’d prefer to get involved in some ice hockey in various locations across the city. There’s also sledding and for those feeling a little more daring, you can go swimming in the Atlantic with the Coney Island Polar Bear Club. Yes, you did read that correctly. We feel cold just thinking about it!

6. St. Moritz, Switzerland

Home of some of the best and most scenic slopes in the world, St. Moritz is a skier’s paradise. Not only can you fly down the slopes in daylight, but you can also head down Switzerland’s longest lit night slope for a different ski experience altogether. Hiking is popular here in St. Moritz also, with breathtaking views all around to take in, sometimes it’s nice to just take things slow and enjoy the surroundings. The resort also offers ice climbing lessons for those wanting to live life on the edge, and in this case, the edge of a waterfall!

7. Sierra Nevada, Spain

Spain! Perhaps not the most obvious option when thinking about a ski holiday, however with 20 independent ski schools operating here it’s definitely one to be considered. With unique activities such as artistic skiing, including ballet and jumps, and adventure skiing on the cards, it really is a great alternative. There’s lots to do off the slopes too with sleigh rides, snowmobiles for hire and a vibrant nightlife scene. And with a fantastic location close to Granada you can always head over for the day to warm up a little.

8. Lapland

Known mainly for it’s family-friendly atmosphere along with sleigh-rides and trips to see the famous Mr. Claus, you probably didn’t know that Lapland is also a great destination for the daredevils. Alpine skiing is a firm favourite here, which is essentially skiing without the help of tracks or routes. You can also try snow-kiting and let the wind guide you across the slopes. Ice-climbing is another popular sport with some of the best sites in the world, or perhaps you’d prefer to give diving under the ice a go instead. Whatever you decide, Lapland winter is not for the faint-hearted.

9. Zakopane, Poland

With so much to do in Zakopane it’s difficult to know where exactly to begin. Once you’ve got your ski fix out of the way then why not get involved in some of the other exciting activities on offer here? Book onto a night-time torchlight sleigh ride and see the slopes in a different light all whilst letting someone else take control. Other favourites include husky dog sledding, ice-skating and snowmobile rides.

10. Bled, Slovenia

Ice-climb up frozen waterfalls, sled until your heart’s content and snowshoe your way across a blanket of powdery snow. These are just some of the things you can do on a winter holiday here in Bled, Slovenia. Of course there’s skiing and snowboarding on offer too, however it is the famous Biathlon that steals the title for most extreme winter sport. Combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, this sport is open for visitors to try. A test of physical endurance, concentration and coordination – fancy a go?