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
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
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
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 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, 2025
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, 2026
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, 2025
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 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
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, 2026
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, 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
TripsGo Hiking by Train in These 4 Gorgeous Rail-Accessible Mountain TownsNo TSA fuss, no parking lot madness. Take the rail to these four hiking towns flush with beautiful trails.Alisha McDarrisAugust 11, 2025
Gateway TownsOur 11 Favorite Towns Near Great SmokyFrom the glitz of Gatlinburg to the peace and quiet of Maggie Valley, these are the towns to check out for your next Great Smoky Mountains National Park vacation.Mikaela RulandApril 1, 2026
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, 2025
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, 2026
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, 2026
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
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
LodgingBest Ski Towns in North America: Park City, UtahFrom its beginnings as a silver mining town, this ski town has blossomed into a hub for dining, lodging, culture, and great skiing.Samantha BermanDecember 31, 2019
