15 Laid Back Ski Towns

snow covered mountains in the dolomites, italy — Canva

If your dream vacation resembles a Hallmark movie, I imagine you’ve been scanning Google Flights for trips to hot spots like Jackson Hole, Aspen, and Salt Lake City. While these destinations offer the “winter wonderland” fantasy you desire, the tourist seasons can become crowded, noisy, and the antithesis of your vision. Luckily, the Hallmark dream is alive and well in many quaint and cozy ski towns worldwide. Whether you are visiting for the thrill of skiing or the mountainside aesthetic, these towns all encapsulate the childlike wonder and nostalgia within us all.

Quechee Gorge, Vermont

a red barn in the snow metal print — Trip Advisor

Beloved for its hiking trails, beginner family ski mountain—Ski Quechee, and proximity to Killington Ski Resort, Quechee Gorge is a great vacation spot for all ages and abilities. With less than 300 residents and no chain restaurants, Quechee is a guaranteed escape from the stress of your everyday life. It is home to a couple of quaint inns and antique shops that could be based on a storybook. The locals joke that visitors must genuinely enjoy the company they’re traveling with, given the ample time and abundant space Quechee offers. There is no expectation to walk around in designer clothes from head to toe—as expected at some higher-end resort towns. Quechee is truly no frills.

Great Barrington, Massachusetts

the sun is shining brightly over a ski slope — Wikimedia Commons

Home to family ski mountain, Ski Butternut, various hiking trails, and locally owned restaurants and businesses—Great Barrington is a small-town gem in the heart of the Berkshires in Massachusets. Ski lift lines are short, and dinner reservations aren’t needed in this neck of the woods. Enjoy tranquility, peace, and nature in one of New England’s best-kept winter secrets.

Les Gets, France

a person is standing on top of a snow covered mountain — pidjoe from Getty Images Signature

Nestled in the French Alps, Les Gets, France, is known for its relaxed atmosphere, traditional charm, mountain views, and friendly community. Walking to and from the mountain on the village’s snow-covered streets resembles what it would be like to walk through a real-life snow globe. While Les Gets maintains the same traditional alpine architecture and stunning landscapes as its more famous neighbors, Morzine and Avoriaz, it is more intimate and low-key.

Crested Butte, Colorado

a view from the top of a mountain with snow covered mountains in the background — Canva

Once an old mining town, Crested Butte has become a quirky, laid-back, renowned ski destination. For those looking for a more authentic and cozy ski getaway, tourists enjoy excellent skiing and a rustic village with cozy bars and cafes to unwind after a long day on the slopes. The streets are lined with Victorian-style buildings that have a timeless feel.