When the temperatures drop, it’s tempting to start dreaming about summer, but winter opens the door to a completely different kind of adventure. Think snowy landscapes, frozen lakes, husky sleds, mountain trails and even the chance to see the Northern Lights.

Winter activity holidays are a chance to embrace the season, try something new and explore destinations from a completely different perspective. Here are five reasons to make your next adventure a winter one.

Do we need to say much more? Few winter experiences are as memorable as travelling through a snowy landscape behind a team of huskies. And on a winter activity holiday, you can do more than simply enjoy the ride – you can learn how to handle the sled yourself.

On our Lake Khuvsgul Dog Sled Adventure, you'll drive your own dog sled around Mongolia's spectacular frozen Lake Khuvsgul, known as the country's 'Blue Pearl'. Or, for a more varied winter experience, our Finland Winter Activity Week includes an introduction to husky sledding alongside other classic winter activities.

Seeing the Northern Lights dance across the night sky is high on the bucket-list for many of us. Head north in winter and you can combine the search for the Aurora with a whole host of daytime adventures.

Our Finland Winter Activity Week gives you the chance to explore snowy Finnish wilderness by day, with activities including husky sledding and snowshoeing. For an even more remote experience, head inside the Arctic Circle on our Kings Trail adventure in northern Sweden and follow a classic hut-to-hut Nordic ski route.

For families, a snowy landscape can feel like stepping into another world. Our Sweden Arctic Family Adventure is designed to make the most of the icy weather, with a whole host of classic winter experiences packed into six days.

Based in Kiruna, 300km north of the Arctic Circle, the trip includes husky sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, as well as a visit to the spectacular ice hotel. There’s also the chance to see the Northern Lights, making it a true winter wonderland for the whole family.

You don't need to be an experienced skier to enjoy the mountains in winter. Snowshoeing holidays are a fantastic way to explore snowy trails, forests and mountain landscapes - and the best bit? No experience is necessary. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Our Bulgarian Snowshoe Adventure explores the unspoilt Rila and Vitosha Natural Parks, while Finland Wilderness Snowshoe Adventure takes you across frozen lakes and forested ridges in Hossa National Park.

Fancy giving cross country skiing a go? The Italian Cross Country Ski Short Break is ideal if you’re new to the sport, with three days of expert instruction in the beautiful Aosta Valley. Or, if you’re already confident on skis, you can take things up a level on our Dolomites Ski Highlights - a challenging, centre based cross country skiing adventure in the spectacular Italian Dolomites. Or head further north for Inside the Arctic Circle – Skiing the Kings Trail, a classic hut to hut Nordic ski tour through the Arctic landscapes of northern Sweden.

Winter transforms familiar landscapes. Mountains become quiet, snow-covered wildernesses, and well-known trails take on a completely different character. With fewer people around and a blanket of snow underfoot, even landscapes you know can feel completely new.

The Dolomites Snowshoe – hut to hut on the Alta Via combines five days of hut-to-hut snowshoeing with routes beneath the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo. It’s a brilliant way to experience one of Italy’s most famous mountain landscapes in its winter guise. Or head to the Alps or the Pyrenees for a challenging snowshoe adventure through the mountains of France and Spain where you can experience these mountains at their quietest.

Winter isn't just a colder version of summer. It offers a completely different way to explore – quieter landscapes, new activities and adventures that simply aren't possible at other times of year.

Ready to embrace the cold? Explore our range of winter activity holidays below and start planning your next adventure.