Your questions

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Your questions

Question

Can you give me some suggestions about where I can expect to experience a white Christmas? Originally I was thinking Canada or maybe New York but would like some suggestions of where a white Christmas is a definite, not just slush on the ground. Is Europe really the only choice?

- A. Boundy, Sydney.

Answer

The Canadian Rockies are your best bet for Canada: head for Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise or Whistler. Another safe bet in North America is Alaska, although that would be a more expensive trip.

There are other parts of the US where you will have a very high chance of a white Christmas but you need to be specific about where you go.

According to figures from the US National Climatic Data Centre, you're pretty much guaranteed at least one inch (2.5 centimetres) of snow on the ground in parts of Maine (particularly Caribou), Michigan (Marquette and Sault Ste Marie), Minnesota (International Falls and Hibbing) and Washington state (Stampede Pass).

Stampede Pass rates as one of the safest bets, with an expectation of between 12.5 centimetres and 25 centimetres of snow.

New York City does not rate as having a high likelihood for a white Christmas, with only about a 10 per cent chance of snow on Christmas Day.

If you decide to go to Europe, the Bavaria region of southern Germany is magical in December, thanks to its snow-covered scenery, fairytale-style castles and Christmas markets. Other good options include Austria and the Swiss Alps. And in Scandinavia you'll be knee-deep in both snow and traditional celebrations on Christmas Day.

- Jane E. Fraser

If you have any travel questions, we'd love to hear from you. Write to travelshd@fairfaxmedia .com.au. Personal correspondence cannot be entered into. Only questions appearing in print will be answered. If your question is published, you will win a Lonely Planet guidebook.

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