Six countries hiking enthusiasts will want to explore this winter

Does your ideal vacation include strapping on a pair of hiking boots? Here are six compelling destinations that hikers will love. These places have trails galore and stunning scenery to boot.

On foot

It’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Hike under the sun amid a lush variety of flora and fauna in:

1. New Zealand. Famous for Tongariro National Park — where you’ll recognize landscapes from Lord of the Rings — this island country has hiking trails for adventurers of all skill levels. The terrain? Rolling green fields, lush forests and volcano-covered deserts.

With its steep cliffs, immense glaciers, blue lakes and diverse wildlife, Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is without question one of the world’s most beautiful hiking spots. You have the option of doing either short day hikes or longer treks spanning several days.

Kilimanjaro might be a bit much for some but Tanzania has countless other less demanding — but equally inspiring — journeys to undertake. Steep escarpments, grassy ridges, dense forests, volcanic peaks and vistas of the Great Rift Valley, make for scenic trekking.

By snowshoe

Rather trek through a winter wonderland? Then grab your snowshoes and get yourself to:

Pristine nature and diverse wildlife (such as reindeer and snowy owls) await you at Cairngorms National Park, which is richly occupied by scenic mountain paths.

The wide variety of snowshoeing paths in the Yatsugatake mountains — not far from Tokyo — lead you over volcano peaks buried under snow. For this trek, it’s a good idea to hire a guide.

You don’t have to leave the country to experience spectacular trails and stunning vistas. Case in point: Banff National Park. This western wilderness lies in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, amid towering rock faces, deep canyons and dense pine forests. Finish your trek at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, where you’ll be dazzled by bluegreen glacial waters.