The Best Mountain Towns in the U.S. for a Winter Adventure

Time to embrace the high life.

Quintessential mountain towns tend to raise sweeping imagery of snow - cap peaks and shimmering lake , Black Diamond slopesand mellow - desert hikes , and rustic saloons oraprès - skihappy hours by a crepitate fireplace . In truth , mountain Ithiel Town come in all way of chassis and size , from winter wonderland to vibrant summer oases , and from the granite stylings of New England to the glacial backdrop ofAlaska .

Natural beauty and adrenaline away , what key a great heap town from a good one is a sense of evergreen allure . Not restrain to seasonal attractions , these are places with amenities and activeness twelvemonth - round , be it leaf - peeping in the crepuscle , camping in the outpouring , or ( by nature ) a wintery ski season . They ’re place of astounding beauty , where hardcore hiking track may share turf with luxury lodges , folksy ecumenical depot , humanity - family wineries and restaurants , and homophile bars . Suffice to say that no two muckle townsfolk are quite the same , but each offers its own unequaled charm . Here are 15 of our favorite towns in the phantom of giants .

Moab, Utah

Flanked by the La Sal Mountains in the high desert of easterly Utah , Moab is the ultimate destination for Adrenalin - junkies and nature - lovers . The mountains , which bulk large in the distance , constantly snow - capped , provide a salient juxtaposition against the cerise rocks , arches , canyons , and mesa that populate the town — a community of just 4,000 that teem with holidaymaker , specially in the spring and tumble . The enceinte draw here isArches National Park , a position that ’s become so popularthat it postulate timed unveiling and draw lines large enough to rivalDisney World . There ’s alsoCanyonlands National ParkandDead Horse Point State Park , both of which are higher elevation ( take : coolheaded temps than Arches ) and lower trial ( read : less of those Disney - esque line of reasoning ) . A hike to the famous Delicate Arch is worthy of any bucket list , but for something a bit more frisson , script a leisurely raft trip down the mighty Colorado River withMoab Adventure Center , and keep your eye pare for bald eagle and Costner ’s westerly movie set . Red Cliffs Lodge , a historic cabin - clad property on the river , looks like something plucked from a Western film itself — utter with its own on - siteMuseum of Film and Western Heritage , and real - deal mountain culinary art atThe Cowboy Grill , where dining compartment can match Carya illinoensis - crust red trout with red cliff aspect .

North Conway, New Hampshire

Hot take : New Hampshire is the most underrated state in New England . It does n’t have the national park or the lobster rolls of next - room access Maine , nor the bougie ski resort or Bernie Sanders fanfare of Vermont . To the south , Boston absorb all the airwave in the room , while Rhode Island ’s seaside mansions and Connecticut ’s clammy ( in a estimable room ) pizza pie supply some regional lick , along with closer proximity to the rest of the mid - Atlantic . But you ’d be neglectful not to spend prison term in New Hampshire’sWhite Mountains , which are low - key the tallest and gnarliest apex in the nor'-east . Here , amidst a heap of cunning mountain towns , North Conway is a bustling residential district that feels absolutely maintain in time , where tourists line up to exploreZeb ’s General Store , banquet on char - grilled steak tip atHorsefeathers , and putt their room throughpirate - theme mini - golf courses . North Conway is also conveniently proximal to some of the state ’s sensation attraction , let in the spectacularly scenicKancamagus Highway , which practically glows orange in the nightfall , Polar Caves Parkfor Ice Age - era caving , and the mightyMount Washington — the tallest peak in the northeast has ascenic trainthat’ll chug you to the summit .

Taos, New Mexico

Taos is plausibly good make out for its wintertime skiing ( and itsmartinis literally buried in snow ) . But once summertime thaws the incline , Taos takes on a whole Modern hue . What the Sangre de Cristo Mountains surrounding thisNew Mexico adventurer’sparadise lack in size , they more than make up for in character . And whether you’refly sportfishing , pile biking , horseback riding , hot aura ballooning , river rafting , hot springing , or llama ( yes , llama ) trekking , a arresting peck panorama is almost always in sight . The townspeople itself is an creative person ’ settlement replete with the adobe brick - field hut charisma ofSanta Feand more than80 art gallery . But at any time of yr , plan to people - watch while sipping margarita at the livelyAdobe BaratTaos Inn , or savor a New Mexico gullible chile flight of steps at El Monte Sagrado’sAnaconda Bar , where a replica anaconda literally drop from the roof .

Estes Park, Colorado

We could have dedicated an total list to Rocky Mountain towns in general ( we have ) , or loaded this clause with an abundance ofgreat Colorado towns . But if we were to choose one representative from the Rocky Mountain State , our hearts remain in Estes Park . And ifThe Stanleyhotel ’s influence is any testament , Stephen King would agree . The historic , castle - like hotel is a marquee attraction in this gateway townspeople toRocky Mountain National Park — every bit notable and infamous as the breathing in forThe Shining(and the hotel even offersShining - themedtours , if you ’re so inclined ) . Beyond those hallowed grounds , Estes Park ticks all the boxes for a quintessential mountain town : taffy shop for days , chili con carne served on just about every carte in town , godforsaken elk roving the streets , and of class , hundreds of miles of hike trails in one of America ’s most iconic national parks . Visit in recent - wintertime to experience one of the rickety festival around : Frozen Dead Guy Days . The on - the - nose affair , which include everything from aZombie Bar CrawltoShining - themed jazz brunch , is an annual solemnisation of the cryogenically frozen clay of Norwegian human being , “ Grandpa ” Bredo Morstoel .

Truckee, California

No ego - respecting lean - maker would omitLake Tahoefrom a digest of top mint towns , so of grade you should enjoy everything that makes the area a magnet for reveller ( give our attentiveness to Reno ) . But if you seek a abatement from the pack ski Sir Oliver Joseph Lodge and gambling floors that steal a fleck ofSouth Lake Tahoe’ssoul , you’re able to keep your chakras unclouded in the locals - friendly North Lake Tahoe town of Truckee . While it ’s one of the world’spremier ski / snowboard destinations , what really take a shit Truckee a top mountain spot is the zippy - yet - laid - back action in the historic business district orbit — a cool down - out crapulence atMoody’sor a snack atJax At The Tracksdiner both offer a bird’s - middle view into the ok art of clean mountain living .

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Some debate that CDA is n’t tightlipped enough to the hills to be a rightful mountain Ithiel Town . Those people , we suspect , just do n’t desire to deal . The rich - blue Ethel Waters ofLakeCoeur d’Alenecombined with vivacious true pine forests , colorful sunsets , otiose beaches , and a shudder vibration conspire to make this a perfect mountain / lake getaway , peculiarly in the quiet , relaxed bubble when summer crowds have already top out but the atmospheric condition ’s still lovely . you’re able to also boost theNorthern Idaho Centennial Trail , grab a burger ( no nipper ) at the iconicHudson ’s Hamburgers , or golfone of the world ’s top courseswith a be adrift green on the 14th hole . Just be sure toalsotake clip to explore quirky Wallace , a township that arrogate to be the kernel of the macrocosm — aclaim we were having much too funto difference of opinion last time we conk to chew the fat .

Livingston, Montana

ThisYellowstone - adjacent town of 8,000 — which competently serves as part of thebackdropfor theYellowstoneseries — exists at the intersection of rustic westerly mystique and esthetic reflection . Here , free spirits and nature lover converge , draw and quarter to the region ’s unique fly ball sportfishing , raft , and more spoil put up by the sensational Absarokas Range . Sidle up to the de facto town center — the perpetually hummingMurray Bar — before exploring a thickly packed compendium of pub and eating house on the walkable Main Street . Or , hazard out under the big sky . Maybe you ’re off for a soaking at nearbyChico Hot Springs , or to brave the river and squeeze your inner Jim Harrison . Just out of doors of township , theOld Saloonlives up to its name with a rustic , woodsy motif that dates back to 1902 , while the nearbyUnder Canvasoffers more forward-looking amenities in the way of stargazing glamping tents , bison burgers , and guided adventure excursions , like fly fishing on the Yellowstone River .

Homer, Alaska

Whether you call it the “ Halibut Fishing Capital of the World ” or the “ Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea , ” there is no deny the potent pull of this delicious little town on the southerly termination of the Kenai Peninsula ’s Sterling Highway . Take in views of the massive Kenai Mountains by gravy holder or woodworking plane , or drive out onto the Homer Spit ( the world ’s longest road into sea waters ) to eagle - see and drink at theiconic Salty Dawg Saloon . A boat ride to Alaska ’s only state wildlife parkland , Kachemak Bay State Park , will have you mingling with whales and sea otters or , if you prefer to stick closer to habitation , research the funky townspeople ’s hippie vibes ( at places likePtarmigan Arts ) and pick apart back a few with local fishermen atHomer Brewing Company .

Lewisburg, West Virginia

Lewisburg has a antic artistic production scene , but not the variety that is computer code for “ there ’s nothing to do here if you ’re not into gallery - hopping and poetry reading . ” There is everything to do here . account buffs bonk the show full screenNorth House Museum & Archives , which offers guided tours as well asBlack chronicle and cemetery manner of walking . turn theLost World Caverns , or go for an early break of the day rise and get lunch at theStardust Cafe . Wind down with a hand - crafted cider atHawk boss . Go antiquate , then , if it ’s summertime , hit the Saturday granger market , whose ado belies the fact that the township domiciliate under 4,000 resident physician . On the first Friday of the months April through December , starting at 5 pm , you could find nutrient and art vender and live medicine downtown ( the event is helpfully calledFirst Fridays After Five ) . Oh , and when you ’re here you ’re also an hour from one of America ’s new home parks , New River Gorge , which makes Lewisburg a capital foundation ingroup and a true address unto itself .

Lead-Deadwood, South Dakota

Frankly , it ’s timeSouth Dakotagets its just due . Along withrobust Indigenous chronicle and culture , wholesale national green , andtotally flaky roadside attracter , thisutterly underrated stateboasts some of the best mountain scene not just in the Midwest , but in the full country . Take , for example , Lead - Deadwood , a dyad of former mining hub that sit amongst the peaks and forests of the Black Hills . apart from the attractor of the area during the cold month — come winter , nearbyTerry Peakturns both city into peachy jump - off points for skiers and snowboarder who like their slope uncrowded and calm — you’ll happen a bunch of unusual goodies : one of two neutrino reactors in the worldly concern , thesaloon where Wild Bill Hickok was killed , haunted opera house houses , and more Wild West fun . You ’re also an easy ride to bucket list attractions likeCrazy Horse Memorial , Sylvan Lake , and Custer State Park . Suffice to say , the likelihood of a boring conversation ‘ round these parts is fabulously low .

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

With historical Victorian computer architecture , rainbow stair , and winding streets , you ’d be hard - pressed to find a town as distinct as this footling Ozark jewel . The entire city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places , which means you could consider your burger and Bloody Marys at theBalcony Baror the drag shows atEureka Livea lesson in history . And when you ’re done " learning " and are ready to explore , there’szip - lining , cave tours , boat outing on the lake , and postcard - perfect foliage in the fall . Eureka Springs also holds the preeminence of being thequeerest mountain town on this list , as evidenced by its surplus of queer - have clientele ( likeWanderoo Lodge ) , omnipresent Pride flags , itsclothing - optional gay resort , and the fact that about athird of its residents key as LGBTQIA+ . Just do n’t pass up a slip toQuigley ’s Castle , the “ Ozarks Strangest Dwelling , ” that sport a zany stone - apparel manor surrounded by more than 400 varieties of flower .

Lake Chelan, Washington

With its namesake 1,500 - ft - deep watercourse cut a stunning 50 - stat mi belt through the impossibly lushOkanogan - Wenatchee National Forest , Lake Chelan is at once a sensational mountain town and centralWashington ’s undecomposed lake town . The hamlet is equally likeable for summer boater as it is for pulverisation hound score the slopes ofEcho Valley . It ’s also , low - key , one of the serious wine terminus thanks to themore than 30 tasting roomsshowcasing a preference of the unique mountain terroir . Add in a quintessentially Pacific Northwest Main Street full of momma - and - tonic restaurants and cake , and you ’ve got an all - season knockout .

Jackson, Wyoming

At the gateway to the Grand Tetons and not far from mightyYellowstone , people often ding Jackson as a playground for the plentiful and lenient . just . But that also means this tiny townspeople has a stellar food for thought and drinkable fit that caters to all tastes . Here , restaurant likeGun Barrelserve fantastic steaks for the white tablecloth - averse , whilePersephoneslings twee Curcuma longa lattes and truffled prosciutto sandwich from a cottage - like space , and the iconicMillion Dollar Cowboy Baris what would fall out if somebody reimagined the Old West saloon as a multi - tiered musical theme park . Meanwhile , beer lover cluster to the legendarySnake River Brewing . If you do n’t desire to fray articulatio cubiti with anyone , at least you may take hold of a great beer and a meal in a cunning town before operate full Grizzly Adams in the wild nearby .

Sisters, Oregon

With its so - adorable - it’s - almost - hokey western facades and small - town seriousness , Sisters shine brightly even as nearby mount metropolisBendsteals the spotlight . pass the daylight browsing autochthonic graphics and antiques among the metropolis ’s many gallery in the darkness of the toweringThree sis mountainsand be sure to snap up a pint and beefburger at the exceptionalThree Creeks Brewing . Then explore theDeschutes National Forest , where rubble field of volcanic rock candy point to an explosive bequest , roaring rivers are wait to be swum and raft , and those soaring tip are a attractor for hikers . If you ’re here in the summer , do n’t log Z’s on theSisters Rodeo , which might not be Oregon ’s most iconic roundup ( that ’s in Pendleton ) , but notwithstanding offer a rootin ’ , tootin ’ good time paired with fresh heap gentle wind .

Stowe, Vermont

Itty teeny-weeny Stowe is probably the Vermont that you ’re think of everytime you smell maple syrup . Thanks to the gunpowder - perfect slopes ofMount Mansfield , the surrounding cross - country / snowshoe lead , and the wealth of not bad lodges , the town of 600 or so is announce as the “ Ski Capital of the East . ” But even if you hate coke , you ’ll fall in love with this postcard - ready New England township ’s needed covered bridgework , sorcerous eateries , and incredible brewery including Heady Topper creator atThe Alchemist . It ’s also a name and address for folio - peeper thanks to the annual burst of colors — best observe via gondola — and home to some of the most spectacular hike and squeamish darn people in the region … both of which you’re able to experience during amaple sirup open housebecause , again , this is the Vermont you were thinking of .

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