Bold Opinion: Winter Glamping Is the Ultimate Experience

When glamping comes to mind, you might envision beautifully decorated tents with canvas flaps open to the breeze, dining outdoors beneath twinkling lights, and enjoying the fresh air. Add a thick blanket of snow, and suddenly, that connection with nature seems less appealing.

However, winter truly showcases the magic of glamping. Whether you're nestled in a pod, tree house, glass igloo, or geodesic dome, you’ll feel one with nature while staying cozy and comfortable—even in a blizzard. The serene, snowy vistas still invite exploration, and you can roast s’mores by a wood-burning stove under the stars. Many spots boast large windows or skylights, allowing you to lounge on a soft bed and gaze for shooting stars or—if you’re fortunate—the Northern Lights. Are you feeling that cozy vibe? Explore these eight glamping destinations that might be even more enchanting in the winter.

Contemporary Pod Accommodation

This enchanting pod accommodation in central Sweden resembles something from a storybook. Its expansive windows fill the space with sunlight during the day, while at night, the wood-burning stove and underfloor heating create a cozy atmosphere. The seating area converts into a double bed, and with extra twin bunks, the pod can comfortably sleep four. After a day of hiking through the nearby woods, whip up some campfire classics in the shared kitchen before unwinding by the wood-burning stove with a good book.

Borealis Basecamp

Nestled within 100 acres of boreal forest in the Alaskan wilderness, these fiberglass igloos draw inspiration from those utilized in polar expeditions and research stations—perfectly equipped to withstand an Alaskan winter. Each of the 15 igloos features cozy beds, a full bathroom, and a 16-foot-wide skylight, allowing guests to gaze for the aurora borealis at night. The camp is ideally situated beneath the auroral oval, the region where the aurora borealis shines brightest. A spacious yurt on-site serves as a central hub and dining area, with options for mushing and snowmobiling tours available to guests.

Buubble

Experience another way to spend a winter night beneath the stars by booking a tour with the Icelandic company Buubble, which offers a night in one of its fully transparent bubble accommodations. Each heated ‘room’ includes a double bed, ventilation systems that maintain a fresh and dry environment, ample extra blankets, and unobstructed views of the breathtaking landscape. Bathrooms and kitchen facilities are available in a nearby cabin.

The company offers two exciting tours: the Golden Circle Iceland Tour, which takes you to Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Spring, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Secret Lagoon, and the South Coast Tour, featuring stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls as well as Black Sand Beach. Availability for these tours is limited, so they fill up quickly!

WhitePod Hotel

Nestled on a gentle slope at the base of the Swiss Alps, WhitePod Hotel’s 19 geodesic domes offer stunning views of the majestic mountains and the valley below. Most domes are equipped with a wood-burning stove, rustic wood furnishings, and crisp white linens. There are also four unique suites, each boasting its own character, including the Forest Suite, which features trees inside the room, and the Japanese-inspired Zen pod with a soaking tub. Guests enjoy access to private ski slopes and extensive hiking and snowshoeing trails, and they can unwind in an 1800s-era wooden chalet that houses a restaurant, a cozy fireplace, and a Swedish spa.

Montana Tree House Retreat

A dream getaway for outdoor enthusiasts, this tree house is located on seven acres of private woodland near Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort. The two-story, 500-square-foot retreat is accessed via a spiral staircase that wraps around a sturdy Douglas fir tree. It boasts two decks—one on each level—and a fully equipped kitchen. Accommodating up to four guests, it features a master suite with a queen-size bed and comfortable bench couches in the common area that can serve as extra sleeping space. While Wi-Fi is available, you might find yourself opting for a cozy evening with a cup of tea, soaking in the breathtaking winter scenery from your elevated perch instead of scrolling through social media.

Levin Iglut

Given the frequent appearances of the Northern Lights in Finland, numerous glass-igloo hotels and camps can be found across the country, including the famous Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Saariselkä. However, Levin Iglut stands out as a particularly intimate and luxurious option. Open from September to April, the 27 igloos on-site all offer unobstructed views of the sky.

Most igloos feature a cozy double bed adorned with soft blankets, a sofa bed, heated floors, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. If you choose one of the three suite igloos, you can also enjoy stargazing from a private terrace equipped with an outdoor hot tub. When you’re not cozying up to watch for the Northern Lights, you can partake in activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or even book a reindeer sleigh ride or ice fishing excursion.

AutoCamp Catskills

Glamping provider AutoCamp is renowned for converting vintage Airstreams into chic glamping lodgings in picturesque locations across the United States. One of its latest sites (opened in 2022) is the AutoCamp Catskills in New York, located about three hours north of New York City. Here, guests can choose from 65 Airstreams, each equipped with heating, a compact yet fully functional kitchen, a complete bathroom featuring toiletries from the skincare brand Ursa Major, and a small skylight strategically placed above the bed for stargazing while cozying up under the blankets.

While the Catskills are a traditional summer retreat for New Yorkers, winter brings its own unique allure. Nearby, visitors can ski, snowshoe, or hike on Hunter Mountain. After a day of outdoor adventures, AutoCamp’s Clubhouse, with its inviting sofas, fireplace, and an array of board games, offers an ideal setting to unwind and warm up.

Le Hobbit at Entre Cîmes et Racines

Indeed, this charming abode with its round windows and door is inspired by the Hobbit homes from The Lord of the Rings. One of 14 whimsical accommodations at Entre Cîmes et Racines in Québec, Le Hobbit can accommodate four guests in two double bunk beds. While there’s no electricity or central heating, a wood-burning stove ensures the stone and beautifully crafted wood interior stays toasty even in winter. Although it may be hidden beneath the snow, the house features a living roof adorned with various plants and grasses. With nine miles of paths and trails, a maze, and three streams on the property, there’s plenty to discover, even in winter—when you're not lost in another Tolkien book.

This article was initially published in 2019 and was last updated on November 19, 2023, with the latest information.