With ski season in full bloom, it’s time to start planning a few trips. Winter ski season is fun for the whole family. The thrillseekers can unite on the mountain, and the less adventurous can stay behind and enjoy the local resort’s spa services and wine selections.
Below, we’ve curated a list of 15 different options to bring all your dreams to life. Whether you’d like to head to the northern corners of Switzerland, France, or Italy or set sail for America, we have a nice selection to help you bring all your snow-covered dreams to life.
Davis, West Virginia
Let’s begin with one of the lesser-known ski towns – Davis, West Virginia. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sort of place, with a population of little more than 600 people. But that’s a large part of its charm. With a brewery, a pizza joint, and a place to snag a few burritos, it has everything you need. Minutes away, you’ll also enjoy easy access to two downhill ski resorts – Canaan Valley and Timberline Mountain.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Snow-capped mountains in Switzerland certainly seem like the quintessential ski destination. One of the reasons Zermatt is such a chart-topper is because it affords magnificent views of the Matterhorn. When you’re not swishing down the slopes, be sure to take a round-trip ride on the Gornergrat Railway. Traveling from Zermatt to the summit of the Gornergrat delivers stunning scenery.
Leavenworth, Washington
If you’d like to escape into a Bavarian dream, Leavenworth will take you there. Its entire downtown is designed after this theme, complete with a bevy of beer gardens to enjoy when you’re not on the slopes. Then, of course, when you’re ready to sail down a mountain with the greatest of ease, it’s off to the Stevens Pass Ski Area!
Chamonix, France
The name alone sounds very luxurious, doesn’t it? It’s actually a shortened version of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, given its location at the base of the famous mountain. When it’s time to give your skis a rest, take a ride on the Aiguille du Midi cable car. You’ll find yourself 12,000 feet in the air, the closest you can get to the summit of Mont Blanc without climbing or hiking it.
North Conway, New Hampshire
Back to another storybook town, this time on the East Coast. Nestled into Mount Washington Valley, this village is as pretty as a picture all on its own. But, when it’s time to ski, you’ll find Cranmore Mountain Resort just outside the downtown area, as well as six more alpine resorts only an hour away. Indeed, the options abound in this corner of the country, whether you want to ski or stroll through a Hallmark movie-style village.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Switzerland is inescapable in an article about the best mountain towns. So, let’s go back – this time, to Grindelwald. You’ll enjoy easy access to the slopes and views of the hills everywhere you turn. Like Chamonix, you simply must seek out the cable car when you’re here. It’ll take you to the summit of First Mountain in the heart of the Bernese Alps. Stay for a little while and enjoy a meal at Berhaur First, overlooking the upper Grindelwald glacier as well as the Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish is one of Montana’s finest ski hubs. While you’re here, the two main resorts are Whitefish Mountain Resort and Great Northern Power Guides. Certainly, you’ll enjoy your easy access to the slopes if you stay at either of these hotspots. But we have another suggestion for you: the Montana Treehouse Retreat. It’s a unique luxury accommodation that will, indeed, feel like you’re staying in a treehouse ,and it only puts you 20 minutes away from the splendors of Whitefish.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Let’s move over to Italy, where Cortina d’Ampezzo will charm you, given its location in the Italian Dolomites. In fact, it’s so picturesque, it’s called the “Queen of the Dolomites,” featuring an array of hotels and resorts. When you’re ready to hit the slopes, there’s a cable car in the center of town that’s happy to sail you up to the Faloria ski area with medium and difficult skiing options, as well as a snowboard park.
Copper Harbor, Michigan
If you like traveling to more remote destinations to thrill-seek, Copper Harbor is happy to deliver. As a former mining outpost, it’s pretty far out there at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Be prepared for a lack of cell phone service and a huge amount of snow, thanks to the lake effect that only the Great Lakes can provide. As an add-on, you can also cat-ski at the nearby Mount Bohemia.
Krün, Germany
While Leavenworth tips its cap to the Bavarian lifestyle, you can experience the real deal in Krün. Located in the Upper Bavarian district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you’ll have ample opportunities to ski, thanks to the Wetterstein and Karwendel mountain ranges. When you’re not skiing, take some time to drive around and see the area’s famous Baroque churches with onion domes and pretty little farmhouses.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid won’t have the same feel as, say, Copper Harbor because it’s a major tourist destination. But, as a two-time host of the Olympics, there’s enough excitement to make allowances for the crowds. Here, you’ll be able to try your hand at an Olympic-size ski jump after you’ve sailed down the well-groomed cross-country trails. You can also hop in a bobsled, go for a ride on a dogsled, or ice skate for date night. The town itself is equally charming, with lovely shops to dip in and out of and oodles of eateries to satiate every appetite.
Lech, Austria
We’ve gotten close to Austria a few times with some of our other destinations, so let’s finally take the plunge. Stepping into Lech is like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale. At night, the town lights up like a Christmas village with mountain views everywhere you turn. When it’s ski time, its location at the epicenter of the Arlberg means you’ll have easy access to both Warth-Schröcken and St Anton.
Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman is becoming more and more popular for its downtown delights, as well as its easy access to a plethora of mountain ranges for skiing in the winter, and hiking and biking in the summer. Most people flock to Big Sky Resort when they want to hit the slopes. But we can’t forget about Bridger Bowl, either, with its 2,700 feet of vertical drop. At the base of Bridger Bowl, you’ll also find a lovely après ski scene filled with like-minded adventure seekers.
Geilo, Norway
Halfway between Oslo and Bergen, locals and travelers alike love to frequent the slopes in this inland region. With easy access via the Bergen train line, you can hop on board and make your way to a host of well-groomed cross-country trails. With over 46 to choose from, no one in your party will be disappointed. Then, when you’re ready for a meal or a drink, you can simply pop off your skis and walk straight into the center of town.
Stowe, Vermont
Actually, we take it back. Stowe deserves the title of Hallmark movie town. We often talk about it when leaf peppers unite in the fall. But it doesn’t disappoint all winter long, either. With over 485 acres of skiable terrain, there’s no shortage of opportunities to soar like an eagle. Then, when you take your boots off, you simply must walk around the downtown area to be charmed by all the restaurants and boutiques.
Ready to Fly?
Whether you’re a beginner, a pro, or just like to watch from the resort, any one of these mountain towns will dazzle and delight. Certainly, Switzerland and Italy will not disappoint. But, each coast of America is also happy to provide new opportunities to fly.
Before you go, be sure to check out our extensive library of destination guides. Whether you’re headed to Europe, America, or further abroad, we’ll help you tailor the perfect itinerary to fulfill all your dreams.