Photo by Sean Pavone at Shutterstock
Whether you want to go hiking, skiing or you’re just traveling for the views, mountain getaways will always provide an air of excitement and adventure. Luckily, our country has its fair share of striking peaks and rugged mountain ranges to choose from.
It also has plenty of charming alpine towns that go along with them. Some mountain towns will provide adrenaline-filled excursions, while others offer cozy atmospheres that are excellent for relaxing after a day of fun.
But, with so many options available, deciding which opportunities to prioritize may seem daunting. So to help you out, we’ve rounded up a selection of the 5 best mountain towns to visit in America.
Use this list to plan a future trip, and tell us your favorite towns in the comments to have a say in our next post!
Obviously named for the Aspen trees and sitting at the eastern edge of the White River National Forest with an elevation of 7,907 feet, Aspen, a former mining mountain town in central Colorado on the Roaring Fork River, is known for being one of the most desirable and expensive ski resorts in the US.
With famous peaks surpassing 14,000 feet and an average snowfall of over 300 inches yearly, it’s a prestigious ski destination nationally AND globally. Because of the silver collapse at the end of the 19th century, the area gained a reputation as a ghost town.
Still, it was revitalized thanks to Chicago industrialist Walter Paepcke in the 1930s. The Aspen Institute of 1950 was followed by the establishment of the Aspen Music Festival and School shortly after, which comprises a popular pastime today for the locals and tourists during summer.
The summer residency of Utah’s Ballet West, the Aspen Theatre in the Park, and the renowned film festival also make Aspen a vacation destination for the film industry in our country.
Perched up high in the Wasatch Mountains, this city is famed for its epic slopes and beautiful fluffy powder. No surprise, given that the state boasts “the greatest snow on Earth” and even trademarked the phrase in 1975.
The Holy Grail for winter sports enthusiasts is home to two world-class resorts and over 400 miles of trails, which are also gorgeous in the summers.
Located a mere 35 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, this area is easily accessible and home to many accommodations that attract multitudes of vacationers during its winter season.
And don’t worry! You don’t have to be an experienced Olympian to get a feel for all that Park City offers. Take a stroll down the city’s charming Historic Park City area or visit the High West Distillery and Saloon.
For some family fun, grab your warmest winter gear for an afternoon of snow tubing at Gorgoza Park. Or hit the slopes and then lounge in the lodge where you can enjoy the city’s bustling après-ski scene.
This mountain town was established as a trading post for Fort Sherman in 1879 to become our country’s second largest mining town after discovering silver in 1883. After inaugurating the railroad in 1886, it was converted into a resort town a few decades later.
Nowadays, Coeur d’Alene is home to one of the largest Christmas lights festivals in the US during the populated ski season and includes a scenic getaway each month of the year.
The Coeur d’Alene National Forest’s proximity and the gorgeous backdrop of mountains against the glistening waters make for an irresistible getaway.
During summer, this beautiful mountain town is an ultimate piece of heaven for those looking to unwind.
There are many activities and opportunities to relax on the 30-mile lake beach front for incredible views of the forested mountains, Silverwood Theme Park, the vibrant downtown art scene, river cruises, and all of the surrounding natural beauty.
Jackson Hole has kept its Old West roots and offers great outdoor adventure. With Grand Teton National Park to your north and miles of national forest in every direction you look, the Jackson Hole valley has remained relatively isolated from the flourishing travel industry.
Instead, it has survived in local industries like logging, ranching, and, during the 19th century, fur trading. Nowadays, this mountain town has encouraged the rise of tourism.
Former blue-collar settlements like Jackson and Grand Teton now boast unique art and performance venues and mega ski resorts that have transformed the region into an up-and-coming winter wonderland.
Ready to unwind? Splurge on the Amangani or stay downtown at Anvil Hotel, a revamped 1950s lodge.
Fun Fact: Teton County is one of 10 places in the US where people live the longest!
Think you might recognize this mountain town? Fun fact: Charlie Chaplin’s 1925 film “Gold Rush” was shot in the snowy mountains of this location. Truckee overflows with outdoor adventures, from skiing to mountain biking.
But sometimes, you just need a nice place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine. Well, the Truckee River Winery offers just that.
You can sample some wine while snuggling up around the fireplace in the barrel room, or you can find a lovely tranquil spot overlooking the horseshoe pits. Foodies will love Morgan’s Lobster Shack which brings the taste of East Coast grub to the Tahoe Basin.
At the same time, take a bite out of the northeast when you order a lobster roll and savor a slice of New Orleans with the po’ boy, but with oysters. And if you’re wondering where you should stay, forget about those old boring hotels! Consider sleeping in your own private cabin.
You can make Glacier Luxury Lodge your home away from home while you overlook the picturesque mountain range from a spacious timber-framed home.
The unique mountain town of Leavenworth is located in the Chelan County of Washington, two hours away from Seattle, and it features a genuine Alps experience without having to leave the country.
European architecture of the downtown area includes a gingerbread house-like McDonalds and Safeway that only add to the authenticity of the experience.
In the wintertime, you can enjoy ice climbing, skiing, and sleigh rides, and the experience is complete with the most charming European Christmas vibe.
On the other hand, in the summer, the mountains-sourced, mellow-flowing rivers, Icicle and Wenatchee, offer tubing, rafting, paddle boarding, and canoeing.
Hikers and mountain climbers can beat the peaks, followed by a laid back evening at a local wineries or breweries.
With Bavarian cuisine on the menu, including schnitzel, sausages, sauerkraut, pastries, and authentic potato salad, you can chow down with some real German beer while surrounded by the picturesque views of the mountains.
The best thing about these mountain towns, no matter which you choose to go to, is that they’re just as majestic in the summertime as they are in winter. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags! Adventure awaits!
If you’re not a fan of mountain towns and you want some more ideas on where to go for your next getaway? We’ve got the perfect spots! Check out: 5 Best Low-Budget Beach Vacations in the US
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Jackson Hole, WY, is my favorite mountain town. I love the tranquility and the beauty of the northern Rockies. We've been there from the East Coast about 6 times and we just don't get tired of this area: the beauty of the fauna and the excitement of seeing the wildlife, elk and deer, and an occasional bear with cubs. Wonderful!
Your description of the Jackson Hole area in Wyoming didn't do it justice. There were no mention of wither the well-known Snow King Ski area located just a few blocks from the center of town, the daily presentation of the "Clover, the Killer" skit, or the Jackson Hole Ski Area with it's magnificent Arial Tramway which is one of the longest of its kind in the country. Abd finally no selection of famous Mountain Towns of America can be complete without mention of Ketchum, Idaho, and the Sun Valley Ski Area ! Two others that deserve consideration are the Grand Targhee Ski Area in Idaho, with its base elevation of 8,000 feet and vertical rise of 2,000 feet to the top of the chair lift, and the Big Sky Ski Area and Resort north of West Yellowstone, Montan.
We went for a week to Jackson Hole and I thought it was a big nothing. The only part worthwhile was our day tour of the nearby park. The town itself doesn’t have much of interest. I recommend Colorado instead.
I'm surprised that you did not include the iconic town of Ketchum, Idaho with it's most famous, and one of the first, ski areas, Sun Valley. And then there is always the well known resorts and ski areas of New York, New Hampshire and Vermont as well.
Just returned from Jackson Hole, my fifth time. So beautiful, whether it is Fall or winter. Yellowstone is so beautiful and it's not far away. Had an awesome trip there several years ago to see the wolves in winter. What a spiritual journey. Love this area.
I guess you've never been in the nc and va. mountains.