There’s an art to finding pleasure in Northwest winters that’s one part finding the beauty and serenity in a stark, frozen world—and another part hibernation. Push the boundaries of your snowy exploration this winter to make thawing by the fire all the more rewarding.

NELSON, BC

If you’ve been toying with the idea of moving to Canada, a relaxing weekend in British Columbia can double as reconnaissance. The scenic drive to Nelson takes about as long as a trip to Missoula—just over three hours.

Within the city, pop into a tea shop or restaurant for a taste of local flavors. It’s worth trying the country’s unofficially official pub food, poutine—a glorious pile of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy—at least once. Actually, exactly once. (It’s delicious, but a bit much.)

The slopes of Whitewater Ski Resort and mineral-rich waters of Ainsworth Hot Springs are both close by enough to wrap into a weekend trip.

Extreme adventurers, treat yourself to the pricey, but unbeatable experience of carving the first tracks on a mountain: Heli-skiing and cat skiing—taking a helicopter or snowmobile out to remote, unadulterated backcountry slopes—are British Columbia’s signature winter getaway.

Destination B.C.: hellobc.com

Ainsworth Hot Springs: ainsworthhotsprings.com

Whitewater Ski Resort: skiwhitewater.com

RIVERSIDE STATE PARK

Enchantment doesn’t only live in far-away places. When the snow dusts the ground, Riverside State Park’s vast terrain transforms into a scene from a Tim Burton movie — equal parts magical and and eerie.

If a weekend away isn’t in the cards, fill a thermos with hot cocoa and park at the Bowl and Pitcher for quick access to more than 50 miles of remote-feeling hiking trails.

Washington State Parks: parks.state.wa.us

PRIEST LAKE

Elkins Resort and Hills Resort on Priest Lake see their busiest months in the summer, when families swarm in for week-long lakeside getaways filled with water sports, hiking and mountain biking. In the winter, the bustle subsides and the water forms a glassy stillness. Snow dampens the the chatter of the forest so that all you can hear are your own crunching footsteps.

Spend days cross-country skiing, snowmobiling or just snowshoeing through the surrounding forest.

Warm up in a private cabin with a kitchen, fireplace and everything else you need to properly hibernate. If food becomes scarce in your den, venture out to the lodge for drinks, food and optional human interaction. (At Elkins, you can also order pizza for delivery to your cabin.)

Elkins Resort: elkinsresort.com

Hills Resort: hillsresort.com

DISHMAN HILLS

Even a short hike in the Dishman Hills Natural Area in Spokane Valley can lead to a breathtaking sunset view—albeit an early one. From Rocks of Sharon, hikers can see all the way to Idaho and as far north as Mount Spokane on a crisp, clear winter day.

The Dishman Hills Conservancy, the organization that preserves and maintains this diverse piece of nature in the midst of urban developments, leads year-round group hikes for the public—including a three-mile trek to Big Rock on December 10.

Dishman Hills Conservancy: dishmanhills.org