Best destinations for winter holidays: where to travel to enjoy the snow, sun or skiing

Visiting other countries during the darkest and deepest winter may mean replacing grey days with much-needed vitamin D injections in warmer climates, or leaning to the festive joy of wandering the snowy cobbled streets under the twinkling fairy lights, or wearing skates or snowboards and going to the slopes.

The importance of many special destinations comes in the colder months. Cities like Prague and New York are full of warm charm in the run-up to Christmas, while Lapland enters the Northern Lights season around the same time. Head south, meanwhile, and enjoy some sunshine on a trip to a distant place (Australia, for example) or within Europe (the Canary Islands).

Whatever you're looking for this winter break, here is our selection of destinations for snow, skiing or sun.

Ski Holidays - Whistler, Canada

Canada's premier ski destination remains a legendary resort, having hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. Officially known as Whistler Blackcombe – where the two mountains form the resort – it is home to more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and more than 200 specific trails. Although mainly designed for intermediate and advanced level skiers, the ski area is also home to 35 green trails and 16 bowls.

After a day on the mountain, the city comes alive with afternoon sessions and late-night workplaces, as well as dozens of places to eat, drink and party. Favourites in the city include Garibaldi Lift Company and Merlin's Bar, while Mallard Lounge and Black's Pub offer a more relaxed afternoon and evening atmosphere.

Ski Holidays - Val Thoren, France

Val Thorens is officially Europe's highest ski resort, part of the Trois-Valais Ski Area (the largest in Europe), along with Méribel and Courchevel, among others, offering more than 600 kilometers of ski places. The city is located at an altitude of 2300 meters, and there are snow passes at an altitude of up to 3200 meters (in Sim de Caron and Buen de Bosch).

Val Thorens is one of the French resorts particularly famous for the variety and vibrancy of the afternoon offerings, mainly centered around La Folé d'Os. Located at an altitude of 2,600 metres, it offers an unforgettable place to have a drink and dance after skiing surrounded by mountain views, as in the 360 Bar - located slightly below. In the city, nightlife continues around Rue de Gberola.

Where to go to see the snow - Prague, Czech Republic

One of Europe's most picturesque cities is also a city that fully embraces the spirit of Christmas, with decorations and lights adorning the streets from late November to January. Although visiting the Czech capital is a good idea in any month, December is a particularly charming time to visit. A series of ice rinks and Christmas markets line the winding streets of Stare Mesto (Old Town), leading to the magnificent Old Town Square, the focal point of the city.

Thanks to a powerful dose of festive cheer, visitors can explore the city's various (non-Christmas) landmarks and sites, including the castle (the largest ancient castle in the world), the Cassarla Carlin arts complex and the city's icon, the Charles Bridge. As an added benefit, snowfall is common in the city in winter, with an average of about 11 days in December.

Where to go to see the snow - Abisko, Sweden

You'll be excused for not thinking about this remote village in Sweden's Lapland region, but it's one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. In fact, its Aurora Sky station claims to be "the best place on earth to see Aurora Borealis"; you have an almost 80% chance of seeing the Northern Lights if you stay for three nights or more.

Holiday packages are a popular way to visit Abisco, as they include many new activities available. Many take advantage of the nearby Abisko National Park, where hiking, figure skating, figure skating and snowboarding are available. Skiing – especially cross-country skiing – is also possible here.

Winter sun - Patagonia, Argentina, Chile

When the northern hemisphere is soaked in rain and clouds, this part of the world welcomes summer and enjoys temperatures of up to 27°C. In summer, focusing on seeing the lakes is a good option for an unforgettable trip, starting in the charming city of Pucón (easily accessible from Temuco, a fairly major airport). From there, drive towards the border and then to San Martin de los Andes, a larger city that is the gateway to the green forests and glacial lakes of Lannín National Park.

Villa La Angostura – with its Alpine-style buildings and magnificent views of Lake Nahuel Huapi – is another worthwhile destination, as is Bariloche on the other side of the lake. Those who are blessed with time will want to return across the border to Puerto Varas if they can; this German-influenced city has magnificent views of Osorno volcano from the shores of Lake Lankaho.

Winter Sun - Phuket, Thailand

Thailand's largest island is located in the Andaman Sea, across the waters from Krabi on the southwest coast. The provincial capital of the same name has a magnificent ancient city full of heritage buildings and distinctive Chinese-Portuguese architecture, although much of the focus on Phuket is either coastal resort towns or magnificent natural beauty.

The island has a series of natural attractions such as Black Rock Viewpoint and Kathu Falls, as well as magnificent coastal scenery. Apart from the white sand and remarkably turquoise waters, the beaches are gorgeous. You'll swim and sunbathe surrounded by everything from pine trees and dense forests to hills and rock formations like those in nearby Phang Nga Bay.