For many travelers, the mountains offer the perfect escape: crisp air, breathtaking views, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re into skiing, hiking, biking, or simply relaxing with a hot drink in a cozy lodge, the U.S. is home to some truly incredible mountain resort towns. Here are some of our top mountain resort destinations that should be on every traveler’s bucket list…
Park City, Utah
Park City is a dream destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and summer adventurers. Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, this former silver mining town is home to two world-class ski resorts: Park City Mountain and Deer Valley. Together, they offer hundreds of ski runs, terrain parks, and scenic trails.
In the warmer months, the slopes transform into a haven for mountain bikers and hikers. Park City also boasts one of the best-preserved historic downtowns in the West, lined with charming boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants. Don’t miss the famous Sundance Film Festival each January, which brings a creative buzz to the town.
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Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is synonymous with luxury, but it also offers rich cultural experiences and jaw-dropping natural beauty. With four ski mountains—Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk—this destination is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
In summer, the mountains are alive with wildflowers and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Downtown Aspen is stylish yet laid-back, offering high-end shopping, fine dining, and a thriving arts scene. The town also hosts world-class events like the Aspen Music Festival and Ideas Festival, making it as intellectually stimulating as it is scenic.
Check out our Aspen Travel Guide →
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Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge combines old-world charm with modern mountain adventure. Originally a gold rush town, it has retained its historic roots with a picturesque Main Street filled with Victorian architecture, quirky shops, and lively restaurants.
Breckenridge spans five peaks and offers a great mix of terrain for skiers and snowboarders. In summer, enjoy hiking, zip-lining, fly fishing, and mountain biking. The town also hosts fun seasonal events like the International Snow Sculpture Championships and Oktoberfest, creating a festive atmosphere year-round.
Check out our Breckenridge Travel Guide →
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Vail & Beaver Creek, Colorado
Vail and Beaver Creek are just a short drive apart, and together they offer one of the most expansive and luxurious mountain experiences in the country. Vail Mountain boasts over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, including the legendary Back Bowls, while Beaver Creek is known for its upscale ambiance, perfectly groomed runs, and family-friendly vibe.
Both resorts offer excellent summer activities like scenic gondola rides, hiking, and mountain biking. Vail Village and Beaver Creek’s European-inspired pedestrian areas are perfect for après-ski strolls, complete with boutique shopping and gourmet dining.
Check out our Vail Beaver Creek Travel Guide →
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Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Known as “Ski Town, U.S.A.,” Steamboat Springs has a reputation for producing Olympic athletes and providing some of the best powder skiing in the state. The town’s namesake springs offer a chance to soak and relax after a day on the slopes or trails.
Steamboat also shines in summer with activities like tubing the Yampa River, hiking Fish Creek Falls, or mountain biking along the Emerald Mountain trail system. The charming downtown is rich with Western heritage, featuring cowboy bars, art galleries, and farm-to-table eateries that reflect the town’s frontier roots.
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Big Bear Lake, California
Big Bear is Southern California’s favorite mountain escape, offering year-round adventure just a couple of hours from Los Angeles. In winter, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain deliver solid skiing and snowboarding without the need to hop on a plane. In summer, the area transforms with boating, paddleboarding, and fishing on Big Bear Lake, as well as miles of hiking and biking trails.
The downtown village is quaint and family-friendly, full of cafes, sweet shops, and rustic lodges. It’s the perfect spot for a quick mountain fix, whether you’re a city dweller needing a weekend getaway or a family looking for outdoor fun.
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Lake Tahoe (California & Nevada)
Straddling the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a four-season paradise that blends the best of mountains and lakes. In winter, Tahoe boasts over a dozen ski resorts, including Heavenly, Northstar, and Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley), offering everything from groomed runs to backcountry powder.
During the summer, the lake becomes the main attraction—perfect for kayaking, sailing, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beach. The surrounding mountains offer hiking, mountain biking, and breathtaking views of one of the clearest alpine lakes in the world. Tahoe’s small towns—like South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City—offer plenty of dining, nightlife, and shopping to keep visitors entertained.
Check out our Lake Tahoe travel guide →
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Plan Your Mountain Getaway
Whether you’re carving down ski slopes, hiking alpine trails, or sipping hot cocoa by the fire, these mountain resort destinations offer something special for every kind of traveler. From the posh peaks of Aspen to the laid-back vibe of Big Bear, the U.S. has a mountain town to match your style—and then some.