3. Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is another one of the best wintry destinations worth checking out even in January. The main draw, without question, is the lake–a pure, deep, majestic blue body of water encased by snow-capped mountains on all sides. Beyond that, the area offers excellent skiing, miles of trails, world-class dining with an excellent view, and–thanks to its proximity to Nevada–ample gambling for those who have the itch.