Nothing screams the holidays like a mountain town covered in a blanket of snow. But narrowing down the right destination can be tricky. Many mountain towns offer outdoor recreational opportunities. Access to ski resorts is almost a guarantee, but some towns offer more unique opportunities, slide tubing, snowshoeing, and fishing. However, travelers should note that activities are dependent on the season (and weather conditions).
In some cases, mountain towns will be small and quaint. Some have limited populations due to their location and climates, whereas others will be more populous. It’s easy to find a mountain town with the vibe of a metropolitan area, as many offer an abundance of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options.
For travelers hoping to make a mountainside trip, it’s important to consider what they want out of the destination. Below, we look at 10 of the top mountain towns in America. While they all offer stunning mountainous views, they’re certainly not identical. But they’re bound to have a little bit of something for everyone.
10 Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is a charming mountainside town that’s known for offering a variety of child-friendly attractions in the summer. But winter is also a prime time to see the city. It receives an average of 9 inches of snow in the winter, making for picturesque views. Visitors can see the most from the Space Needle observation tower as well as the Sky Lift, a 2.1 aerial mile cable car.
9 Truckee, California
An excellent alternative to Lake Tahoe is Truckee, California, which considers itself a “gateway to the Sierra Nevada Mountains.” This is a peaceful mountain resort that offers the quaintness of a small town but still gives off a similar vibe to bigger ski resorts in the area. Visitors can find a variety of outdoor sports and plenty of snow – the town averages 168 inches of snow per year.
8 Burlington, Vermont
This is already a popular tourist destination, even for travelers not looking specifically for a mountain down. Burlington is located on a hillside that slopes towards Lake Champlain and the western Adirondack mountains (offering its visitors impeccable views).
There are tons of winter activities and sports to take advantage of in Burlington. But there’s also a selection of posh restaurants, accommodations, and shopping options to please everyone.
7 Mountain Village, Colorado
Sitting at an elevation of 9,540 feet, this tiny mountain town has become a hotspot for tourists. It offers a variety of big hotels, luxury condos, and ski resorts, many of which offer access to the slopes within minutes. It’s a must-see for travelers that enjoy different kinds of winter sports.
6 North Conway, New Hampshire
This stunning town is located in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, making it a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts. It experiences four seasons, so visitors can use the lake for swimming in the summer and skating on it in the winter. It also has great options for people longing to get spectacular views of the White Mountains.
5 Bend, Oregon
This town is located on the eastern edge of Cascades Mountain, giving it a beautiful view of the snow tops year-round. Bend has snow most of the year, usually from October to April or May, though it usually just gets a few inches at a time.
It’s the perfect destination for travelers who want access to winter sports and activities but don’t want to deal with a ton of snow.
4 Aspen, Colorado
Another must-see town in Colorado is Aspen. This mountain town has become known as one of the world’s premiere ski destinations and offers a variety of shopping, food, and accommodation options. For half the year, Aspen often has an average of 1-inch of snow on the ground.
3 Homer, Alaska
When visiting Alaska, skip Anchorage and head to Homer. Located on the tip of the Kenai Peninsula on Kachemak Bay, Homer is known for its stunning views of the snowy mountains. It’s a small town with a quaint feeling, but it still has plenty of options for entertainment, including outdoor sports. It's also a premiere place for fishing.
2 Bethel, Maine
Bethel has become known for offering a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in all seasons, and winter is an especially great time to go. The town is located on the quiet side of the White Mountains.
The town also features a variety of entertainment, restaurant, and shopping options to please visitors looking for more of a city vibe. Make sure to check out the Sundar River ski resort and the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum.
1 Bozeman, Montana
For a mountain town with a lot of snow, check out Bozeman. It gets up to 82 inches of snow per year, making it a proper winter wonderland. Bozeman has got one of the largest populations in a mountainous region. It offers plenty of outdoor opportunities in addition to beautiful views. It also provides easy access to Yellowstone National Park.