The 12 BESt

mountain towns in the u.s.

FROM OLD STANDBYS SUCH AS ASPEN AND STOWE TO A FEW SPOTS YOU'VE PROBABLY NEVER EVEN HEARD OF (WHAT'S UP, HAMBURG?), THESE ARE THE BEST MOUNTAIN TOWNS IN AMERICA.

MARK VANDENBERG

1. STOWE, VT

There are ski slopes, backcountry trails, waterfalls & The Current's annual outdoor sculpture show. While the downtown area has shops, restaurants, breweries & inns.

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This tourist mecca thrills visitors with its spellbinding natural beauty, rustic charm, high-end hotels, ski areas & access to 2 national parks.

2. JACKSON HOLE, WY

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3. ASPEN, CO

Few places (if any) manage to marry the rustic and refined quite like Aspen. Of course, the slopes are killer.

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No matter the season you visit, there's always something to do – from hiking & whitewater rafting to skiing & snowshoeing when the temperature drops.

4. GATLINBURG, TN

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For avid skiers, Beech Mountain Resort lies to the north. Just outside of town, you'll find trails & the mile-high swinging bridge.

5. BANNER ELK, NC

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6. HOOD RIVER, OR

Mount Hood provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking & soaking in scenic vistas. Les we forget the wineries & craft breweries just outside of town.

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7. NORTH CONWAY, NH

Freedom to do whatever you want – climbing rock faces, hiking, rafting on the Saco River, shopping along Main Street & perusing art galleries.

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8. LEAVENWORTH, MA

Between the German restaurants, beer halls, ski slops and the Nutcracker Museum, you might forget you're still in America.

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The perfect home base for exploring Acadia National Park. (We'd highly recommend catching the sunrise from the overlook at Cadillac Mountain).

9. BAR HARBOR, ME

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10. LAKE PLACID, NY

With its unique mix of Adirondack ambiance, gorgeous scenery & adrenaline-rush activities, it's certainly a contender for the best mountain town.

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11. TELLURIDE, CO

Protected by the snow-capped San Juan Mountains, this mining hub turned four-season vacation destination entices travelers with its abundant recreation.

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12. SUN VALLEY, ID

Besides conquering advanced runs (or bunny hills if that's more your speed), visit the pedestrian-friendly village & the Sun Valley Museum of Art. 

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