Snow temperatures 40°C. Instead, visitors to the newly designated White Sands National Park can venture into pillowy dunes that dazzle all those who forget their sunglasses. Previously a national monument, White Sands has now become the 62nd member of the US national parks family. It protects just under half of a 275-square-mile dunefield, the world’s largest expanse of gypsum sand. This is seldom found elsewhere as it soon dissolves in water. As well as hikes beyond the loop-drive into the dunes, visitors can skid down the slopes on sleds - with no mittens or bobble hats needed.
nps.gov/whsa; seven-day entry from £12 for one person or £20 per vehicle
NEW US NATIONAL PARK