According to research by travel gurus, a quaint village in the Scottish Highlands is “guaranteed” to experience a white Christmas.
There’s nothing quite like a snowy Christmas day when you’re cosily ensconced at home with no obligations.
Recent ‘snow maps’ suggest that certain areas of Scotland, including Fort William and Inverness, stand a good chance of enjoying a white Christmas.
However, a new study released by StressFreeCarRental.com has identified Tomintoul as the go-to destination for those seeking “guaranteed” snow this festive season.
The charming Moray village was featured in a list of six ‘fairytale’ Christmas locations worldwide.
While it’s impossible to predict with certainty whether snow will fall, Tomintoul does see an average of approximately 61 days of snow annually due to its status as the highest village in the Highlands, making some snowfall a safe bet this winter, according to the Scottish Daily Express.
Tomintoul earned its place on the experts’ list thanks to its “abundance of sporting and outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding and beautiful walking trails”, as well as its “spectacular landscapes and rugged mountains”.
Nestled near the River Avon within the Cairngorms National Park, this delightful village is surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery.
Tomintoul, nestled in the heart of Speyside, is not only a stone’s throw away from the Cairngorm Mountain resort, now open for the winter season, but it’s also on the doorstep of the iconic Whisky Trail.
The village, unique with its grid pattern layout, is small enough to navigate without fear of getting lost and boasts proximity to a Dark Sky site, offering stargazers a spectacular view of the Northern Lights.
In contrast to many Scottish villages, Tomintoul’s streets are laid out in a grid, making it easy to explore without losing your way. Moreover, its location near a Dark Sky site provides an excellent opportunity for viewing the Northern Lights.
The list of idyllic winter destinations also features Inari in Finland’s Arctic Circle, Hallstat in the Austrian Alps, Mittenwald in Germany, Cortina d’Ampezzo nestled in Italy’s Dolomites, and Karpacz in Poland.
John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com, remarked: “It is a dream for many to experience a white Christmas, and there are some locations even more beautiful once winter arrives and festivities begin.”
He added: “With our favourite Christmas movies and children’s festive tales set in snowy scenes, most hope to spend the big day in a snow-blanketed location.”