12 Must-Visit Mountain Towns for Winter Adventures

If you find yourself falling into the winter blues, there’s only one thing to do: fully embrace them by tucking into a majestic mountain town for a few nights. As the snow fills the air and the chocolate warms your heart, it turns the drudgery of those short days into dazzling delights. 

Together, let’s take a tour through some of the best mountain towns around the world, starting with the States and then moving further abroad. When we’re done, the only question that will remain is whether or not you’d like to venture to the Swiss, French, or Italian Alps. 

Breckenridge, Colorado

When it comes to snow-capped mountains, Colorado knows a thing or two about it. In a state with beautiful resorts like Aspen and Vail, we chose Breckenridge for its smaller, quainter feel. Nestled 10,000 feet in the sky, Breckenridge is pretty as a picture. Its Main Street, often dazzling with twinkling lights, is within shouting distance of a bevy of Airbnbs and hotels. For easy access to the lifts, you might enjoy the Grand Colorado on Peak 8, so you ski in and ski out to your heart’s delight before heading into town for a delicious dinner. 

Whitefish, Montana

Also home to a portion of The Rockies, Montana is happy to blow you away with its mountainscapes. After the first wintry sunset here, you’ll understand why the state garnered the nickname Big Sky Country. Although there are resorts right in town to help you ski in and ski out with ease, we’d actually recommend something more unique just a few miles away – Montana Treehouse Retreat. Imagine being nestled into a luxury treehouse with the one you love, tucked under a blanket, as you take in those gorgeous panoramas of a winter wonderland. 

Bellingham, Washington

Now, let’s head to the tippy top of Washington state – a mountain town close enough to kiss the Canadian border. Bellingham is actually a popular port for ferries, in addition to Seattle, in case you want to carry on to the Last Frontier. Then, if you look to the east, you’ll stumble upon Mount Baker, a snow-capped volcano with thrilling ski runs. When you’re ready to explore the town, you’ll be equally delighted, and if you need to escape the cold, the Whatcom Museum will be happy to oblige with its interactive exhibitions about art, nature, and Northwestern history.

Murphys, California

It’s easy to associate California with the glistening shorelines of San Diego and Malibu. But, they have a fair amount of mountain towns to nestle into on a cold winter’s night. Murphys is particularly intriguing because it’s a former boom town from the gold mining days. But, instead of fading away into a ghost town, it pivoted and is now known for its wine scene. If, instead of skiing, you’d like to warm up with a wine tasting, Ironstone Vineyards is ready to serve. And, when you’re ready to bundle up and go for a wintry hike, Calaveras Big Trees State Park will deliver the panoramas of your dreams.