When the snow starts to fall, many families look forward to slowing down and enjoying the season. But for military families, slowing down isn’t always easy—or guaranteed. Leave schedules are tight. Budgets are real. And travel planning must coordinate with deployments, school calendars, and a lot of logistics.
That’s why we created this winter travel guide specifically for you.
Whether you’re a service member dreaming of a ski adventure, a parent hoping for one more snowball fight with your kids, or a military couple looking to reconnect, this guide offers real destinations, military-exclusive benefits, and practical tips to help make your trip a reality.
Close & Cozy: Easy Escapes Without the Jet Lag
You don’t have to travel around the world to find snow. Some of the best winter getaways are just a few hours away from military installations, making them perfect for long weekends, spontaneous quick trips, or winter vacations.
For families stationed in the Northeast, Lake Placid offers both charm and history. As the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics, this town features ice skating, snow tubing, and scenic hikes for those who do not ski. Fort Drum is a short drive away, and many local hotels and attractions provide military travel discounts, especially during the off-season.
Think Southern California is just beaches and sunshine? Think again. Just a short drive from Los Angeles, Big Bear features snow-covered cabins, sledding hills, and small ski resorts perfect for beginners. For families stationed at Camp Pendleton or March ARB, it’s a top-tier weekend getaway.
Renowned for its incredible terrain and deep powder, Jackson Hole is a bucket-list destination for avid skiers. Although it’s not the cheapest trip on the map, nearby installations like F.E. Warren AFB and Mountain Home AFB make it within reach. Military ID holders can often find lodging deals in the surrounding area and might qualify for discounted lift tickets when booking through their installation’s ITT office.
Just a few hours from Buckley Space Force Base, Breckenridge offers something for everyone: a charming downtown, family-friendly slopes, and some of the best snow in the Rockies. It’s also one of the easiest places to find military lodging through the Armed Forces Vacation Club, which lists weekly resort stays at discounted rates for eligible members.
Holidays Abroad: When the Snow Falls Overseas
If you’re already stationed overseas—or looking to hop on a military discount flight or use Space-A—there’s no reason winter can’t be an international affair.
Every February, Sapporo hosts its famous Snow Festival, attracting visitors worldwide to see stunning snow and ice sculptures. If you’re stationed at Misawa AB, Yokota AB, or anywhere in Japan, this is an unforgettable experience—and easily accessible via rail and regional military travel benefits.
Military families living in or visiting Vicenza or Aviano know the Dolomites are both beautiful and perfect for adventure seekers. With ski resorts like Cortina d’Ampezzo and charming towns like Ortisei, you can carve fresh tracks or sip espresso in the snow. Italy also offers rail discounts for military families and access to NATO-friendly accommodations.
If you’re stationed overseas or planning a winter Euro trip, the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort—operated by Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRC)—is a military favorite for good reason. Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, this resort offers not only skiing but also spa access, cultural tours, and family-focused programming. And yes—it’s exclusively available to members of the U.S. Armed Forces community.
How to Travel Smarter with Your Military Perks
You already know that military life offers some benefits—and when it comes to winter vacations, those benefits can provide amazing experiences for a fraction of the cost.
And here’s how you can make the most of them:
- Book with Armed Forces Vacation Club: Resorts around the world (yes, even ski resorts) offer weeklong stays for eligible members—often starting at $409 per week. Visit afvclub.com and create a free account using your military affiliation.
- Ask About Discounts Early: Many ski resorts, hotels, and attractions offer military travel discounts, but they aren’t always listed publicly. Call or email ahead and mention your status.
- Use Space-A (When You Can): Space-Available flights can be a great way to get overseas—especially to bases in Europe and Asia. But flexibility is key. If you’re traveling with family, plan to add a few extra days in case of delays.
- Talk to Your ITT Office: They often have exclusive travel packages, booking resources, and discount codes you can’t find online.
When Winter Doesn’t Go as Planned
Winter travel offers unforgettable experiences—but it also brings real risks, especially in remote or high-altitude destinations. From altitude sickness to sudden injury on the slopes, medical emergencies can escalate fast. And for military families traveling far from home, those moments can be even more complicated. That’s why having the right emergency medical support in place matters more than ever.
With Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+), you get critical backup when the unexpected happens—especially in remote or international destinations. EA+ offers:
- Emergency medical evacuation from ski resorts and mountain towns
- Transportation home for you or your children if something goes wrong
- Help finding care in unfamiliar countries or small towns
- 24/7 travel assistance that goes wherever you go
It’s not just peace of mind—it’s a practical solution that keeps your vacation from turning into a logistical nightmare.
And if your family’s protection plan isn’t complete yet, now’s a great time to explore life insurance coverage built specifically for military life. At The Uniformed Services Benefit Association® (USBA®), we offer group life insurance options that can move with you—wherever the snow (or duty) calls.
Your Winter. Your Way.
The perfect winter trip isn’t about the destination—it’s about what it gives you. Connection. Adventure. Rest.
And when you combine your military benefits with a bit of planning, you unlock the kind of experience that’s not just memorable—it’s meaningful.
Save this guide. Share it. Come back to it next year. And most importantly, take the time to make it happen.
Because you’ve earned it!
Follow us on social media @USBAInsurance
Follow us on social media @USBAInsurance