Are you fascinated by those miniature snow globes? Soft music in the background, snow drizzle and miniature models looking all merry and beautiful! Well, some of the snow-covered cities in the USA will give you just the experience, although sometimes a little brutal! In this blog, you will discover the snowiest cities in the USA and their best winter activities. Are you ready to explore? Let's look at some of the snow-covered cities of the USA where winter is bliss!
The 8 Snowiest Cities in the USA
While winter is the season for many to hibernate inside the warmth of their rooms and look forward to slow mornings, some snow fanatics often like to make the most out of winter by being outdoors, enjoying all outdoorsy activities in the snow-covered cities of the USA. Snow is fairly common across the northern US. However, some cities transform into winter wonderlands by experiencing heavier snowfall than others. While in the USA during the winter, be sure to visit these top snow-covered cities for that long-awaited winter fix. If you are in the USA for educational purposes, don't restrict yourself to academics only; instead, learn how to make the most of your time studying in the USA in our blog!
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1. Syracuse, New York
Average seasonal snowfall: 127.8 inches
Record seasonal snowfall: 192.1 inches
When it comes to the snowiest cities in the USA, Syracuse most certainly claims the throne with almost 11 feet of snow each winter! There seems to be an explanation for this as well, that is the ‘lake effect’- Lake Ontario is an oval-shaped water body embodying a "long side" and a "short side", therefore, Syracuse, located on the short side, has much less time over the lake to acquire moisture when cold Canadian air comes. While it saves the city from some epic blizzards, as seen in Buffalo, Syracuse gathers several inches of snow from November to February, making it the snowiest place in the USA! Thereby winning the crown as one of the snow-covered cities of the USA.
Winter activities you can't miss
- Undertake a Trekking journey at Beaver Lake Nature Center.
- Take a nature walk in this snow-covered city of the USA at the Baltimore Woods Nature Center.
- Visit The Rosamond Gifford Zoo- it offers the option to step outside to witness animals who thrive in the cold climate.
- Fulfil your skiing and snowboarding desires at Labrador Mountain or Song Mountain.
2. Buffalo, New York
Average Annual Snowfall: 92.0 inches
Record Seasonal Snowfall: 175.6 inches
Like Syracuse, Buffalo also faces 'the lake effect'. Being located at the eastern end of Lake Erie's 'long tail', cold air arriving from the west-southwest has plenty of time to gather moisture and instability before arriving in Buffalo, which then results in the infamous blizzards- one such turned into one of the deadliest winter storms during Christmas week in 2022. Winter in Buffalo is both spectacular and dangerous! The greatest snowfall is still the one of 1977, which recorded over 170 inches of snow. All these are enough to place Buffalo among the top snow-covered cities in the USA. Winter has its unique charm, but NYC has something for everyone all year round. Remember to make some time to explore New York in any season, here's a list of 20 things you can do in New York.
Winter activities you can't miss
- Experience the fascinating view of Niagara Falls State Park as a winter wonderland- the mist from the mighty cataracts freezes on all the trees above.
- Embrace the warmth of the evening at 'Gardens After Dark' under the tri-domed glass conservatory of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.
- Walk down to the Buffalo River, 'Riverworks', as it is the winter hotspot with weekly curling lessons and pond hockey tournaments.
3. Erie, Pennsylvania
Average Annual Snowfall: 80.9 inches
Record Seasonal Snowfall: 165.7 inches
Although Erie has occupied a spot on the list of top snow-covered cities in the USA, it certainly faces lighter to moderate snowfall rather than severe snow storms or blizzards. All thanks to its location, which is the southeastern shore of Lake Erie. It propels the cold air crossing the lake, passing through the city via only the shorter axis of the lake. Erie's second snowiest day was on December 25, 2017, recording 20.9 inches of snow. It makes Erie one of many snow-covered cities in the USA but not as dangerous as Buffalo. It is indeed one of the snow-covered cities of the USA, although snowing here is rather mild and gentler, and once started, it can keep going for quite a while!
Winter activities you can't miss
- Five miles of trails, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Asbury Woods. Experience once-in-a-lifetime ice fishing at Presque Isle Bay along with Horseshoe Pond and Misery Bay in Presque Isle State Park.
- Erie Bluffs is the largest stretch of land overlooking Lake Erie and is a great place for a natural winter hike. You can also explore some of the best hiking trails in America for an enchanting winter hike!
4. Rochester, New York
Average Annual Snowfall: 89.3 inches
Record Seasonal Snowfall: 102.0 inches
Following the list of snowiest cities in the USA, Rochester also claims its place among the top snow-covered cities in the USA. Like its predecessors, it is also not free from the 'lake effect' of Lake Ontario! However, being located farther west than Syracuse, its daily snowfall record is much lower than the other two giants of the New York Lake effect. While winter here is milder than the rest, it is still one of the snowiest places in the USA! Remember to layer up your outfits properly before heading out, and always update on the weather and temperature beforehand. Despite all that, the winter season is a magical time to visit New York. As the holiday spirit comes alive you can check out these top 20 things to do in New York in December.
Winter activities you can't miss
- Hit the slopes to ski or snowboard at either Bristol Mountain or Swain Ski Resort.
- Go for a winter walk, hike, sledging, snowshoeing, or bird watching at Mendon Ponds Park, which is the largest park with 2,500 acres and 30 miles of self-guided trails.
- Participate in events like- 'Adopt-A-Maple Tree + Pancake Breakfasts' at Kettle Ridge Farm, a traditional German cabbage walk at Genesee Country Village and Museum.
5. Anchorage, Alaska
Average Annual Snowfall: 93.6 inches
Record Seasonal Snowfall: 77.9 inches
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and occupies a spot on the list of the snowiest cities in the US. The average winter temperature here is about 19 degrees, which is not so surprising given the city is situated in the northern part. Cold air arrives as a north wind or an east wind from the deep Yukon forests, thereby cooking up cold air masses during the long polar nights. However, the cold here is still tolerable with proper clothing and measures. It is, in fact, warmer compared to Minneapolis or Chicago and also offers unique winter attractions that are enough to fight the cold and get out in the snowiest place in the USA!
Winter activities you can't miss
- Winter Biking under the supervision of local guides, such as Alaska Bike Adventures, Alaska Trail Guides, and Greatland Adventures.
- Experience the mesmerising Northern lights on a private tour with Wild Journeys Alaska.
- Try some Downhill Skiing
- Riding the Alaska Railroad is one of the top things to do in Alaska; the scenic route is something out of the world!
6. Flagstaff, Arizona
Average Annual Snowfall: 87.6 inches
Record Seasonal Snowfall: 153.9 inches
Flagstaff makes it to the list of snowiest cities in the USA, with an elevation of 6900 feet and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Its altitude forces air to rise from across the Pacific, acquiring moisture. With cold air, moisture, and rising air all in place, snowfall occurs frequently. Flagstaff is a gateway city for the Grand Canyon and other nearby natural features, which witness over 90 inches of snowfall on average each year. Despite its position as one of the snowiest cities in the USA, Flagstaff is also one of the sunniest during winter! And the epicentre of most fun activities in Arizona.
Winter activities you can't miss
- Explore the cross-country ski location in Arizona Nordic Village.
- Enjoy ice skating at Jay L. Lively Activity Center
- Arrange a filmy winter picnic at the Flagstaff Snow Park.
7. Boulder, Colorado
Average Annual Snowfall: 92.8 inches
Record Seasonal Snowfall: 145.9 inches
Out of many snow-covered cities in the USA, Boulder is mention-worthy for its beautiful mountain and most natural topography sitting at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It gives access to several mountain trails, national parks, and a sanctuary. Its proximity to the mountains and sitting at an elevation of 5,319 feet above sea level makes it moderately cold but enough to be included among the snowiest cities in the USA. The winter of 2019 and 2020 was significant, recording 150 inches of snow. During that period, Boulder was one of the snowiest cities in the USA!
Winter activities you can't miss
- Try free and guided nature hikes where you can discover winter birds, snowflakes and animal tracks in the snow.
- Enjoy skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Eldora Mountain Resort offers snowboarding in downtown Boulder.
- Discover and participate in some of the winter events like- 'Switch on the Holidays!', Warren Miller Film Premiere, Fresh Air Friday, and others.
8. Burlington, Vermont
Average Annual Snowfall: 80.2 inches
Record Seasonal Snowfall: 131.6 inches
Unlike the places so far discussed in the list of top snow-covered cities in the USA, Burlington is not in close proximity to any great lakes! Interestingly, it still finds a place among the snowiest cities in the USA because of the intense coastal storms that rise from the East Coast during the winter. According to the locals, there's at least an inch on the ground throughout winter, totalling 80.2 inches during those wintry months. This place will give you the perfect Pinterest vibes! The scenic town of Vermont was ranked among snowiest places in the USA in 2007 with 25.3 inches of new snow.
Winter activities you can't miss
- Try Cross Country Skiing at Camel's Hump Nordic.
- Enjoy the charm of snowy Burlington winter with a lovely sleigh ride along a breathtaking snow trail.
- Visit Burlington's Church Street Marketplace- strolling on a winter evening for shopping, food, art and entertainment.
Whether a winter lover or not, one must agree that there is something uniquely satisfying about snow that brings forth the holiday spirit. Although winter can be a bit extreme in some of these snowiest cities in the USA, they are indeed worth exploring! Or if you are not fond of winter, then it will be better for you to steer clear of these snowiest cities in the USA during winter! Instead, you can try these 15 best spring break destinations in the U.S. Either way, while you are busy living the American dream, make sure to find some time to experience the turning of seasons. Which is fascinating given which city you are visiting, especially winters of the snowiest places in the USA will be both chilling and memorable for you!