damn it i was going to mention syberia as well

christmas nights in to dreams ..well there IS snow in it

lord of the rings war in the north there is a gorgeous looking snow level and you really do get the chills when you play it

metal gear solid is set in alaska

and silent hill shattered memories a retelling of silent hill 1 and the fallout of silent hill 3

Well, Neverwinter Nights would be kinda the opposite.

Play Morrowind: Bloodmoon! Superb atmospheric stuff, AND you get viking knockoffs! :D

(borrowed from Runehamster)

Skyrim with the mods Wet and Cold, and Frostfall. You'll shiver while you play.

On Gamersgate:
- Alpha Polaris

Here on Gog:
- Richard & Alice (meh...)
- The Banner Saga
- Penumbra

and my recommendation:

- The Blackwell Epiphany

Sins of a Solar Empire Trinity (You can get it on Gamersgate or possibly physical disc).

You can easily get lost in this game until Spring.

Edit additional mod info:

This Star Wars Requiem mod might add a few extra hours, and help you stay indoors till next winter... ::P

http://sins.imperial.cc/index.cgi?id=sins

Max Payne - takes place during the worst blizzard in the history of new york city.

I finished it during the Great Blizzard of '13.

Now whenever there's even a dusting of snow I feel a hankering to pick up a game of Max Payne.

Also, it was made by Finns who seem to have a deeper appreciation for cold, dark winter.

Highly recommended.

The Long Dark - Your out in the snowy forests of northern California. Very desolate and depressing...

James Pond II: Codename Robocod.

That game just cries winter. At least Christmas. And the "hub world" is outside a blue castle, and it's snowing.

For winter, I'd definitely suggest Icewind Dale. Good storyline, wintery atmosphere and a soundtrack by Jeremy Soule, the guy how did the Elder Scrolls soundtracks.

Definitely, Icewind Dale. That games screams "Winter!!" all over the place. There is no better choice for a winter game.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim!

Has nobody mentioned Little Inferno?

...a game about burning stuff... because its cold outside!

alright! almost five years have passed, tons of new games were released - so what are your favourites nowadays that just ooze with wintery and snowy atmosphere? there's barely any snow here anymore so I need something to get into the winter mood :D

a little old inspiration for you ;)

thanks for all the suggestions!

Kona. It's winter themed...& also on sale. :-)

Vikings - Wolves of Midgard

https://www.gog.com/game/vikings_wolves_of_midgard

I actually enjoyed the game but according to the reviews here your mileage may vary. Thought I'd mention it as I found it fun and it's on sale right now too.