Mountains inspire awe. These huge peaks offer the viewer or climber a whole new perspective on the world. Covered in snow, they are the most beautiful and difficult places to reach.

Mount Everest in the Himalayas, on the border of Nepal and China, is the highest mountain in the world. It is 29,035 feet (8,850 meters) above sea level.

Aconcagua is located in the Andes Mountains in Argentina. It is 22,831 feet (6,959 meters).

Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is located in central Alaska at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level.

Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, Africa, is 5,895 meters above sea level,

Mount Elbrus is located in Russia's Caucasus Mountains, south of Moscow, and has two peaks at 8,510 feet (5,642 meters) and 18,356 feet (5,595 meters) respectively.

Mount Vinson in Antarctica rises 16,050 feet (4,892 meters) above sea level.

Mount Fuji in Japan is 12,385 feet (3,776 meters) above sea level.

Mont Blanc in Chamonix, in the French Alps, rises to 3,402 feet (1,037 meters).

Do you like snow peaks? Climate change poses a threat to these mountains. According to the Washington Post, hiking on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest is too dangerous because of melting snow. The Washington Post reports that the Khumbu glacier is retreating at an average rate of 65 feet a year, increasing the risk of avalanches.

In Africa, the ice sheet on top of Mount Kilimanjaro is rapidly retreating and will be gone in less than 15 years, according to The New York Times.

Switzerland is a country of beautiful snow mountains, peaceful nature and chocolate. Its fascinating mix of cultures and languages, coupled with exquisite entertainment and accommodation, make it the perfect place to travel in winter.

If winter sports are your thing, you can find many ski resorts where you can enjoy a week of skiing, snowboarding, and much more.

Zermatt is one of the most famous winter resorts. It's a small town, but it has over 200 kilometers of ski slopes. The views from the Zermatt Hotel are stunning and a must for those who love winter and mountains.

Iceland is small and sparsely populated, but it is one of the most attractive holiday destinations. People choose it especially during the summer months, but it can also be fun to travel during the coldest months.

When it snows, Iceland turns into a white, dreamy place where you can be surrounded by nature. Walking on a glacier or watching the Northern lights is one of the most popular activities for tourists.

Austria is famous for its historic cities, beautiful old buildings and Christmas decorations. In Austria, Christmas is traditionally celebrated with beautiful lights and decorations all over the city. A winter visit to Vienna is a great opportunity to enjoy the city's snowy landscape, as well as to sample traditional food during the Christmas season.

When it's too cold, you can always find a haven in Vern's cafes for a hot chocolate or a slice of Sachercake, which is more than great.