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It’s officially the cold weather season and travelers are either trying to avoid winter weather in sunny countries or embrace as much winter fun as possible before the snow melts.
If you’re a traveler looking for a white winter wonderland, what better place to find it than a mountain town?
Mountain towns come in all shapes and sizes. Near ski slopes you will find bustling cities full of hustle and bustle, activities and nightlife. Or you can cozy up at the foot of a mountain at off-trail destinations.
We researched travel polls, expert advice, and first-hand traveler experiences to find the top 5 American mountain towns to visit in the 2024 winter season.
Take a look and see which one is right for you!
Top mountain town for winter activities: Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes, California was named the “#1 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the US” this year. US News’ readers and travel experts. Once you see the views, you’ll understand why!
Surrounded by mountains, lakes and hot springs, this beautiful city attracts an average of 1.3 million winter visitors per year.
At this warm winter holiday destination you can enjoy skiing on one of the more than 150 ski slopes or take a snowmobile excursion through the country.
If you’re looking for a place where you’re sure to find plenty of snow, Mammoth Lakes is an excellent spot. According to the New York TimesMammoth Lakes was the snowiest place in North America in January 2023.
Top mountain town for rugged beauty: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Historically speaking Jackson holeWyoming derived its main income from logging and ranching. However, in recent years it has become a coveted travel destination.
Part of the charm of this popular western mountain town is its rugged beauty and new attractions such as ski slopes, resorts and art venues.
This city is also close to Yellowstone National Park and the Teton Mountain Range. You can look for elk while sledding through the National Elk Refuge with an experienced naturalist. Don’t miss the annual Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race held at the end of January!
Jackson Hole has captured the hearts of famous stars such as Harrison Ford, Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey and others.
Top remote mountain town: Tubac, Arizona
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway in a mountain town, add Tubac, Arizona to your itinerary.
This city is located between the Tumacacori and Santa Rita mountain ranges. The population is only about 1,200, but it is vibrant with art, culture and good food.
In fact, Tubac was named the number one small town arts scene in 2021 USA today.
You can enjoy strolling through art museums and hip boutiques and sipping wine at a nearby winery. Or practice your swing on the year-round golf course featured in the film Pewter cup.
Besides the art, this city’s claim to fame is the 18th-century Spanish Fort San Ignacio de Tubac, located in the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.
The relaxing scenery in this state park is a sight to behold and is full of this city’s unique history.
Top mountain town for year-round fun: Vail, Colorado
Vail is one of the best ski towns in the US and the world. Here you can get out your skis and snowboards and dust off your winter sports skills.
Whether you’re a professional skier or still trying to conquer the snow slopes, you can enjoy the amazing views this city offers.
This mountain town is nestled among 5,289 hectares of skiable land and lush forests. The Bavarian-style architecture makes you feel like you’re on vacation in Europe without ever leaving North America.
When the snow melts, there’s still a lot of fun to be had. You can raft the Blue River, enjoy music festivals, or take a hot air balloon ride while looking down on the White River National Forrest.
Top Mountain Town for Culture: Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico is rated by Triple A as one of the best winter holiday destinations in the US This city is deeply rooted in Native American culture and is home to Taos Pueblo, a World Heritage Site.
There are many breathtaking views in and around this mountain town.
Some of the top attractions include the city’s adobe architecture, one of the highest bridges in the world, and the national monument, San Francisco de Asis Church.
This church is still active, but is also a work of art that attracts visitors from all over the world. You may recognize the structure from Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings and Ansel Adam’s photographs.
Nearby is the Taos Ski Valley resort, which averages 120 inches of snow per year. Snowshoeing in the Carson National Forest and swimming in the Stagecoach Hot Springs are also top winter activities for Taos residents and tourists.
Taos, New Mexico offers a bit of art, culture and fun for North American tourists and world travelers.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
