Winter Misery: The Top 10 States for Braving the Cold

As winter approaches, many people can't help but feel a sense of dread wash over them. For Michiganders in particular, winter is a time of grueling commutes, icy isolation, and general malaise. But which states are truly the most miserable when it comes to winter weather?

To find out, we weighed various factors such as winter recreation opportunities against the harsh realities of brutal weather, treacherous roads, and those pesky giant mini-mountains of gray/brown sludge that seem to sprout up in parking lots. And let's be blunt – there are few states that you actually want to visit during the colder months.

From Hawaii ranking dead last on our list to both Dakotas making it into the top 10, every state has its own unique brand of winter misery. For those who live in areas with little to no snowfall, the cold and darkness can be just as oppressive. And for those who do get to enjoy some winter recreation, there's always the risk of getting stuck in traffic behind an SUV that slid into a ditch.

So why do we bother? Why do we put ourselves through the misery of shoveling snow, bundling up against the cold, and facing down terrifying commutes? Maybe it's because misery loves company. Maybe it's because we're all just trying to find ways to make the best of a bad situation.

Or maybe it's because we secretly enjoy the thrill of scraping off our cars in subzero temperatures, or the rush of adrenaline that comes with driving on icy roads. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: winter can be a real challenge, and some states are definitely better equipped to handle the cold than others.

So if you're looking for a winter wonderland experience, you might want to consider skipping the top 10 most miserable states and opting for a fairytale ski town instead. But if you're stuck in one of these places, just remember that misery loves company – and maybe, just maybe, that's what makes it all worth it.

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