The first snowfall of the season can bring about tranquility, joy, and an appreciation for nature. Around the country, first snowfall happens at different times, depending on many factors. If you live in a city and are sick of the congested streets and highways, why not take a short trip out of town to catch the first snowfall? You might be surprised to find quaint, small towns so close to home with a lot to offer for a winter wonderland vacation!
7 Getaway Cabins To Watch The First Snow
7. South Lake Tahoe, California
Take a 3-hour drive east from San Francisco, California and you’ll find yourself in South Lake Tahoe, California. With a name like Heavenly Ski Resort located in town, you know the first snow fall will be something special here. The ski resort boasts a village where visitors can snuggle up next to a fire and have a warm drink or shop around while the first snow fall of the season begins. Along with Heavenly, South Lake Tahoe also provides visitors with plenty of hiking trails, the lake, and a quaint collection of local stores and restaurants. Check out this cozy mountain chalet with a hot tub, a great way to enjoy the first snowfall, which averages falling around October 28th, before heading back inside to sit by the fire.
South Lake Tahoe, California
6. South Lake Tahoe, California
Just west of Denver, about and hour and 15 minutes away, is the little town of Frisco, Colorado. This town in the high country is home to just over 2,000 residents, but its proximity to some renowned ski resorts brings in visitors from all over the world. Because of its incredible location, the town calls itself the Maine Street to the Rockies, and it sure deserves it. First snowfall here usually happens around October 26th, so you’ll have an early look at some of the country’s first powder. Stay in this mountainside getaway with an indoor pool, a lake nearby, and an unbeatable view of the freshly snow-capped Rockies.
South Lake Tahoe, California
5. South Lake Tahoe, California
Wells is located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains and is the oldest town in the county. Before the first snowfall, get in one last hike at Augur Falls. A short hike to the waterfall will give way to fall foliage. The town also houses a ghost town called Whitehouse and easy access to the 91-year-old Northville-Placid Trail in the Adirondacks. First snowfall, around mid-November here, means a lot of snow-dusted trees and trails. Limited tourist traps help keep the town all about nature, a perfect setting to enjoy the snow. Bring some friends and stay in a private cabin on the shores of Charley Lake. The place has kayaks and canoes to enjoy before the snow comes, and a sauna to warm up in during those chilly nights.
South Lake Tahoe, California
4. South Lake Tahoe, California
A small town located about an hour from Duluth, Minnesota, Biwabik is the perfect getaway to catch the first snowfall. You won’t have to fight any crowds or traffic on this vacation, as the town has a population of just under 1,000. Biwabik is home to Giants Ridge, a recreational area that includes 35 ski and snowboard trails. When the first snow falls, you’ll be just 5 minutes away from the resort, so you’ll get some of the first fresh powder of the season. Stay in this pioneer-style, old-fashioned cabin and you’ll get back in touch with your natural surroundings. The 13-acre property sits along Embarrass Lake and has amenities like a wood-fire stove and an updated interior. You’ll feel cozy and at home in this vacation rental as you catch the first snowfall, around early November.
South Lake Tahoe, California
3. South Lake Tahoe, California
A short drive outside of Chicago, Naperville is a fantastic place to enjoy the first snowfall. After all, Naperville has consistently been named one of the best places in the country to live. Its downtown streets are filled with local shops and restaurants, and the city’s Riverwalk has potential to be the best place in the city to stroll down during the first snowfall. The average for the first snowfall is around mid-November. Stay in this luxury townhouse and treat yourself as you get ready for the first sight of winter. You’ll have a lake view right out of your bedroom window, a modern, spacious kitchen, and a fireplace for cozy up to with your loved one.
South Lake Tahoe, California
2. South Lake Tahoe, California
You may not have heard of this Cambridge, but you’ll definitely want to check it out if you’re looking for those first snowflakes. Under an hour away from Burlington, Cambridge, Vermont is a tiny town of just over 200 folks. The first snowfall here usually happens around early November, and it sure is a beautiful sight to see. Its location in the Lake Champlain Valley means you’ll be surrounded by old-growth white pines and dense forest. Smugglers’ Notch, a ski resort in Cambridge provides skiers and snowboarders with the fourth largest vertical drop of any ski resort in the New England area. Check out this beautiful home set among the foliage and tranquility of northern Vermont. You’ll have easy access to the ski resort or a great place to enjoy a peaceful first snowfall.
South Lake Tahoe, California
1. South Lake Tahoe, California
If you really want to get a jump start on winter, head to North Pole, Alaska where the first snowfall usually happens around late September. That’s right, September. In fact, the earliest recorded snowfall for neighboring Fairbanks was August 29th back in 1922. In North Pole you’ll be under a sky full of stars in the open wilderness. There’s even a strong possibility that you’ll catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights during your stay! Check out this cabin with an ice rink in its front yard and a fire pit to warm you up as you patiently wait for the first snowfall.
South Lake Tahoe, California
This article was written by Julianne Aiello.