Antarctica Joins Greenland, Lesotho, North Korea, and Sweden Set to Freeze Tourists with Extreme Cold, Avalanche Risks, and Snowstorms – Avoid These Deadly Destinations at All Costs in Lieu of Travel Nightmare!

Published on
November 19, 2025

As 2025 approaches, travellers must heed government warnings about extreme cold and heavy snow in certain regions. Antarctica remains the most inhospitable, with temperatures dropping below −60°C during winter and no tours operating from March to September. Greenland, with its remote territories, faces strong winds and extreme cold, making travel hazardous, especially in isolated areas. In Lesotho, heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures can close mountain roads from June to August, leaving travellers stranded. North Korea experiences severe cold and icy roads from December to February, limiting access to medical care. Europe’s Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, France, Andorra, Liechtenstein, and Italy warn of avalanche risks and heavy snow in mountainous areas, disrupting travel and making some areas temporarily inaccessible. Spain also faces winter storms in northern regions. While most destinations remain accessible with proper preparation, travellers should check weather warnings and plan accordingly for snow and cold weather risks.

Country/territory (region)Official government source & warningKey 2025 timeframe/impact (government guidance) Antarctica Government of Canada (Travel.gc.ca) – The natural‑disasters section explains that Antarctica is subject to extreme and unpredictable weather. From March to September temperatures can drop to −60 °C near sea level, katabatic winds can exceed 100 km/h and there is almost no sunlight; organized tours do not operate in winter. Travellers are warned to exercise a high degree of caution and be prepared for frostbite. 2025 Winter (March–September): tours stop during the Antarctic winter; extreme cold and darkness make travel nearly impossible. Summer (October–March) is less severe but still cold (–2 °C to 4 °C), so travellers must be prepared. Greenland U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) – The Greenland advisory notes that the island consists of vast stretches of remote territory with long periods of daylight and darkness, extreme cold, strong winds and rapidly changing weather. Emergency services are limited and search‑and‑rescue operations may be hampered; travellers are urged to exercise increased caution and travel with experienced guides. Winter 2025: extreme cold, strong winds and rapidly changing weather can make travel hazardous. Travel in remote areas may be dangerous year‑round because emergency response is limited. Lesotho (high‑mountain areas) Government of Canada (Travel.gc.ca) – In the Natural Disasters section, Canada warns that during winter months (June–August) Lesotho’s mountainous regions experience extreme cold and heavy snowfall, which can close roads and mountain passes. Winter 2025 (June–August): travellers going to the mountains may find roads closed and conditions inhospitable due to heavy snow and low temperatures. North Korea (DPRK) U.S. Department of State – The advisory’s Natural Disaster section states that severe winter conditions from December to February bring extreme cold, heavy snow and icy roads. These conditions strain the country’s heating infrastructure and limit access to medical care, especially outside the capital. Winter 2025–26 (Dec 2025–Feb 2026): travellers should anticipate extreme cold, heavy snow and inadequate infrastructure; the U.S. Government already advises against travel to North Korea for other reasons, and the harsh winter makes it more dangerous. Sweden (remote/mountainous areas) Government of Canada (Travel.gc.ca) – The advisory notes that heavy snowfall in winter can make certain areas difficult to reach, roads may become impassable and there is a risk of avalanches. Winter 2025: remote and mountainous regions may be temporarily inaccessible due to heavy snow and avalanche risk; travellers must monitor local conditions. Norway (remote/mountainous areas) Government of Canada (Travel.gc.ca) – Similar warning: heavy snowfall in winter can make some areas difficult to reach; roads may become impassable and avalanches are a risk. Winter 2025: travellers to mountainous areas should prepare for road closures and avalanche hazards. Switzerland (mountain villages & ski centres) Government of Canada (Travel.gc.ca) – Heavy snow in winter can make villages and ski centres difficult to reach; roads may be impassable and avalanches can occur even with light snow. Winter 2025: access to some villages and ski resorts may be disrupted by snow or avalanches. France (Alpine & Pyrenean regions) Government of Canada (Travel.gc.ca) – In mountainous areas, heavy snowfall can make it hard to reach certain villages and ski centres; roads may be impassable and avalanches are a risk. Winter 2025: travellers in the Alps and Pyrenees should be prepared for road closures and avalanche danger during snowstorms. Andorra Government of Canada (Travel.gc.ca) – Heavy snowfall in winter can make roads impassable and there is a risk of avalanches. Winter 2025: mountain roads may close during snowstorms; avalanches can occur. Liechtenstein Government of Canada (Travel.gc.ca) – Heavy snowfall in winter can make it difficult to reach some villages and ski centres; roads may be impassable and there is a risk of avalanches. Winter 2025: access to certain areas may be limited by snow or avalanche risk. Spain (northern and mountainous areas) Government of Canada (Travel.gc.ca) – The advisory warns that winter storms and heavy snowfall may occur in northern and mountainous areas and that hazardous conditions (heavy snowfall, blizzards and freezing temperatures) may affect pilgrimage routes such as the French route of the Camino de Santiago. Certain access routes on the French route are closed annually from 1 Nov to 31 Mar. Winter 2025: travellers on high‑altitude routes (e.g., Camino de Santiago) can expect closures and dangerous conditions during November–March; plan alternate routes or postpone travel. Italy (northern/mountainous regions) U.S. Department of State – The Italy advisory lists snowstorms among the top three weather hazards. It notes that snowstorms are common in the north and mountainous regions during winter and that avalanches may occur after heavy snowfall. Winter 2025: travellers should prepare for snowstorms and possible avalanches in alpine areas; carrying snow chains and monitoring weather updates is advised. Kosovo (transport) Government of Canada (Travel.gc.ca) – The safety and transport section states that roads may become impassable due to heavy snowfall, mudslides or seasonal flooding. Winter 2025: heavy snow could temporarily block roads; travellers should check local weather and road conditions.

The most inhospitable destination is Antarctica. During its winter, which runs from March through September, temperatures can plunge below minus sixty degrees Celsius near sea level, and fierce winds often exceed one hundred kilometres per hour. Darkness dominates these months and, as a result, organized tours stop operating. Even during the southern summer, temperatures rarely rise above freezing. Travellers who hope to visit must be prepared for persistent cold, sudden storms and unpredictable conditions. For most tourists, travel to Antarctica is not realistic outside of the limited summer window.

Another territory where extreme cold makes travel risky is Greenland. The island features vast, sparsely populated landscapes that endure long stretches of darkness and bitter cold during winter. Strong winds and rapidly changing weather are common. Limited search-and-rescue capabilities mean that help may take considerable time to arrive in an emergency. Anyone planning an expedition to Greenland should recognize that remote areas pose serious dangers and that travel outside coastal communities requires specialised preparation.

Lesotho illustrates how severe winter affects mountainous regions. Between June and August, the kingdom’s highlands regularly receive heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. These conditions often force the closure of roads and mountain passes, effectively cutting off access to certain areas. Travellers who plan to hike or drive in Lesotho’s mountains need to prepare for the possibility of extended isolation if a storm strikes and have adequate supplies and vehicles suited to winter conditions.

North Korea also deserves special mention. From December to February, the country faces extreme cold, heavy snow and icy roads. The combination of bitter winter weather and limited infrastructure makes travel particularly hazardous, especially outside the capital. Medical care can be hard to access, and heavy snow can compound existing safety concerns. Those factors make travel during the harshest months unwise, adding to other political and security reasons to avoid travel there.

Elsewhere, Europe’s northern and mountainous regions remain attractive destinations but demand caution. In Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, France, Andorra and Liechtenstein, heavy snowfall and avalanches are known hazards. Roads can be closed temporarily, and mountain villages or ski resorts may be cut off for days following a storm. Governments advise travellers to check forecasts, carry winter equipment such as snow chains and monitor avalanche warnings. Local authorities generally respond quickly, but travellers must respect closures and heed safety advice.

Spain’s northern provinces and mountain ranges, including popular pilgrimage routes, face winter storms that can bring heavy snow, blizzards and dangerously low temperatures. Authorities often close certain sections of routes from November through March because of the risk of sudden weather changes. Pilgrims and hikers should plan to travel outside of this window or consider alternative routes when heavy snow is predicted.

In Italy, winter snowstorms are listed among the country’s three most significant weather hazards. They are common in the northern Alps and Apennines. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly, and avalanches sometimes occur after heavy snow. Although Italian mountain towns and resorts are well prepared, travellers should still equip vehicles properly and stay informed of local weather conditions.

A key factor in determining whether an area becomes truly inhospitable is its infrastructure and emergency response capacity. Greenland and North Korea suffer from limited resources; search-and-rescue teams are sparse and heating systems may fail, which raises the risks associated with extreme weather. Conversely, alpine countries such as Switzerland, Norway and France maintain robust snow-clearing and avalanche-monitoring systems, helping to minimise danger and reopen roads quickly after storms. Nevertheless, travellers must never underestimate nature’s power and should remain ready to change plans when conditions deteriorate.