5 snowy winter getaways

When winter sets in, the best thing you can do is embrace the cold weather and book yourself a magical, snowy holiday. To help you with some inspiration, we’ve collected the most captivating chalets, the most luxurious ski resorts and the best spots for watching the Northern Lights around the world.

A ski resort with its own karaoke bar, Rosenheim Hakuba’s design is a lot more traditional than its amenities. It is built in the style of an old Swiss mansion, featuring a latticed facade with a large clock, while the surrounding slopes of the Japanese Alps are dotted with snowy fir trees. Take the shuttle to the Hakuba Happo One Ski Resort for an invigorating day skiing or snowboarding, before returning to sink into the Rosenheim Hakuba's private hot springs.

Colorado is one of the snowiest states in the USA and is blessed with almost unearthly, landscapes. The Lodge at Flying Horse provides guests with views of the Rockies mountain range, blanketed in snow during the winter. The lodge's facilities include the off-season Weiskopf golf course (weather permitting), a spa, a swimming pool and luxurious lounges where you can curl up and watch snowflakes swirl past outside.

Spotting the northern lights is never guaranteed but in the valley of Haukadalur in Iceland’s Golden Circle, you'll have a high chance of witnessing this natural phenomenon. The Litli Geysir Hotel (named after the nearby hot springs) is a collection of traditional Icelandic cabins lit by the warm glow of beeswax candles and decorated in a minimalist style. There are lots of things to do in the scenic surroundings, including taking a snowmobile tour and admiring the geysir at sunrise.

When it comes to winter wonderlands, the snowy peaks and classic chalets of Chamonix are hard to beat. Ski down some of the best slopes in Europe and soar through the sky past the peak of Mont Blanc on one of the resort area's cable cars. Then warm up in chic surroundings at Le Faucigny Hotel de Charme, a contemporary chalet with a hot tub, sauna and a lounge featuring warm, charcoal-coloured walls, a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

In the Norwegian fishing village of Reine, the frost-tipped and scarlet-painted wooden Valen Cabins combine cast iron wood burners, mountain and sea views to beautiful effect. Hire a car to explore the area and its soothing scenery, or simply sit and enjoy the panorama from your porch, wrapped up warm and admiring the stars on a clear night.