North AmericaThe 24 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S., RankedFrom Lake Placid to Cordova and some select places in between, here’s our (highly subjective) list of the nation’s best mountain towns. Before telling us where we went wrong, please take a moment to acknowledge the courage and gall it takes to attempt such an impossible feat.Graham AverillJanuary 6, 2022
Colorado Vacation Stops5 Best Colorado Mountain Towns, According to a LocalAfter 30-plus years of exploring, these ski mountain towns are year round favorites for our editor.Mikaela RulandMarch 4, 2026
TripsYou Can Visit These 4 Legendary Mountain Towns Without a CarWhen you think of eco-friendly mountain towns, places like Vail and Park City probably don't top the list. But get ready to be surprised: These big-ticket destinations have made serious investments in sustainability.Alisha McDarrisApril 21, 2026
Resort SkiingThe 7 Best Ski Towns For Families, Retirees, Hardcore Skiers, and MoreSKI's top picks for the best mountain communities to live out your ski-town dreams.Claire BarberAugust 12, 2024
North AmericaThe 9 Best Mountain Towns to See Fall FoliageThese great towns are in the middle of glorious mountains with spectacular leaf-peeping, mega views, and fun things to do...and eat...and drinkGraham AverillSeptember 12, 2023
North AmericaThe 10 Most Festive Mountain Towns in America, Ranked by a Christmas SuperfanNothing beats a beautiful mountain town around the holidays. Here the ones we've kept secret.emilee coblentzDecember 10, 2025Comment Icon3
North AmericaDreaming of Snow? These Mountain Towns Know How to Make the Most of It.With a La Niña winter on the horizon, these alpine getaways from Jasper to Steamboat Springs should have epic snow in store and unlimited adventure potentialCrai S BowerNovember 24, 2025Comment Icon1
North America9 Beautiful Mountain Towns in the SoutheastOur National Parks columnist, who lives in Asheville, North Carolina, shares his favorite southern towns for outdoor access, wilderness, and scenery. Who says the West is best?Graham AverillAugust 26, 2024
North AmericaMountain Towns With Cabins You Can Actually Afford to BuyAs people get called back to the office in cities, now might be a good time to chase the mountain-living dream, especially in these lesser-known areasGraham AverillDecember 7, 2023
Resort Skiing"A Place That's Still Authentically Itself:" The 7 Most Down-to-Earth Ski Towns in North AmericaLong before ski towns became luxury playgrounds, they looked a lot like these places: independent, quirky, and built around a love of skiing.Samantha BermanJuly 27, 2026Comment Icon5
Snow SportsThese 7 Secret Ski Towns Are America's Most Down-to-EarthEscape the crowds at these underrated ski towns. Discover secret powder stashes, affordable local mountain vibes, and great après spots.Samantha BermanSeptember 21, 2026
North America7 of the Most Affordable Mountain Towns in AmericaMountain living is sweet—but it often comes with a hefty price tag. These towns are a little easier on the wallet.Heather HansmanDecember 16, 2023
DestinationsThe World's Best Small Adventure TownsFrom Chamonix, France, to Highlands, North Carolina, these towns deliver serious outdoor fun, adventure thrills, and an indie spirit.Jen MurphyJanuary 7, 2026Comment Icon1
TripsTired of Bougie Mountain Towns? Try These Gritty Escapes Instead.These towns are gateways to incredible hiking, but their hard edges haven't yet been sanded down by over-tourism or gentrification.Will BrendzaJuly 27, 2026Comment Icon1
North AmericaMountain Towns With Cabins You Can Actually Afford to Buy in 2026You do not need millions to own a property near the trails. These five up-and-coming mountain towns offer scenic views and homes well below the national average.Graham AverillMay 30, 2026Comment Icon6
Travel AdviceShould We Keep the Most Affordable Mountain Towns a Secret? Our Columnist Weighs In.Our columnist gets hate mail for sharing affordable mountain towns. Rising housing costs and crowded trails are real challenges, but trying to keep beautiful places a secret is not the solution he argues.Graham AverillJuly 16, 2026Comment Icon10
LodgingBest Ski Towns in North America: Jackson, Wyo.An authentic vibe melds with an adventurous spirit in this playground that's a stone's throw from some of the best skiing in the West.Gordy MegrozFebruary 18, 2019
EssaysI Knew It Was Time to Move to a Mountain Town. I Just Didn’t Know Which One.Weary of Seattle, one longtime ski bum heard the high peaks calling her back—but felt paralyzed by decision. So she made a spreadsheet and took a road trip, visiting friends across the United States to look for a new home that fit the bill.Heather HansmanDecember 15, 2023
North AmericaThe Best Mountain Bike Towns in the U.S., RankedA lifetime cyclist and avid mountain biker, our columnist ranks the most mountain bike-friendly small towns across America. The towns that made the cut have a lot of singletrack. But just as important as miles of trail is the vibe.Graham AverillMay 27, 2026Comment Icon33
North AmericaThe Top 9 Small Adventure Towns in the U.S.These tiny hamlets, with less than 6,000 locals, provide the perfect blend of quaint vibes and outdoor funGraham AverillApril 16, 2025Comment Icon8
