Best winter wonderland?

[peacetraveler22]

While most humans run toward the sea and bright sun in the winter months, I chase the frost and freezing temperatures. There's no season I love more than winter. To step outside each morning and have my nostrils slightly burn from the cold, to breathe crisp air and feel the slight shudder of my body...in these moments I feel completely alive and human. What's more romantic than sitting by a cozy fire in a secluded log cabin, with ice-covered branches and the forest as your only companions? For me, almost nothing. I've never craved sunshine or bright light, even as a child. Perhaps I'm secretly a vampire. :)

Each winter, I take a big trip to celebrate my birthday in February. The past three years I've had great journeys in Russia, but now my three-year tourist visa is expired and I don't wish to go through the hassle or cost to renew it. It's time to explore another winter wonderland this February, but where?

I've thought of the following options: Iceland, Greenland, Finland, Canada or perhaps a return to Alaska. Other suggestions? It would be preferable if the country is cheap or economical, but so far the most beautiful winter landscapes I've found are in quite expensive countries for travel. My dream is to make it to the deep Arctic or North Pole in my lifetime, but such journeys are limited and cost an insane amount of money - ranging from 10 - 30K USD!! Look here, for example. Amazing!

Which winter countries are you interested in seeing and reading about? Help me decide where to go! :)

Comments

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Cool, what month did you visit? The downside to travel in winter is the limited daylight hours, but prices are much cheaper.

[leoncia-ir.livejournal.com]

I was there in July, and the worst thing was mosquitoes near Lake Mivatn. :)
And this is November and December from my friends (sorry, Russian only): http://mishka.travel/blog/index/node/id/3609-ekspediciya-MishkaTravel-v-islandiyu-dni-pervii-i-vtoroi/
http://mishka.travel/blog/index/node/id/3613-ekspediciya-MishkaTravel-v-islandii-dni-tretii-i-chetvertii/