Peterson Sorenson
Some people love the thrill of speeding down a mountain. Others prefer hot cocoa, scenic train rides, and cozy fireside lounging. If you belong to the second group, these ten towns prove you don’t need a pair of skis to have the perfect snowy getaway.
Aspen, Colorado
A ski town without skiing? Absolutely! Aspen delivers beyond the slopes with upscale shops and relaxing spa retreats. The Silver Queen Gondola offers breathtaking mountain views, while a warm fire and a glass of wine make for a relaxing evening after a long day.
Park City, Utah
The energy shifts when the Sundance Film Festival takes over, turning the town into a hub for film lovers. Main Street feels like a time machine, especially when you’re sipping small-batch spirits at local distilleries. Plus, the fresh snowfall only makes the experience feel even more cinematic.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid has just the right mix of activities for a laid-back winter trip. Olympic history is everywhere, and Mirror Lake is great for an afternoon walk or a ride through the snow. The cold is more cozy than biting, mainly when you’re sitting beside a bright fire with a traditional warm drink in your hand.
Truckee, California
A saloon that serves espresso? That happens to be in Truckee. This former logging town has become a winter retreat full of historic charm and stylish cafes. Mix in bookstores, art spaces, and relaxed window shopping; the slopes aren’t the only reason to stay a while.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
There’s nothing like watching bison roam through snowy fields! It’s winter magic at its finest. A guided tour through Grand Teton National Park gives you front-row seats. And after braving the chill? A long soak in Granite Hot Springs is exactly what your cold limbs will thank you for.
Leavenworth, Washington
Here, the soft snow falls as lights flicker against the dark sky, and the air carries the scent of roasted nuts! Leavenworth is a place that brings the holiday spirit to life with mulled wine in hand and cheerful music all around. The slopes may be far away, but the magic is right here.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride doesn’t just ask you to slow down. It kind of insists. Between the free gondola rides and jaw-dropping views, relaxing comes easy. Add in charming old buildings and a few hidden lounges, and you’ve got the perfect mix of historical and modern comfort.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley knows how to do mountain town magic. There’s live music in the air, friendly faces all around, and no shortage of cozy retreats to chill. When it gets cold, that glowing cabin fire hits differently! It’s the kind of place you don’t want to leave.
Taos, New Mexico
There’s something special about Taos in the cold. Frost clings to red adobe like nature’s highlight reel, and the pueblo quietly tells stories of the past. Meanwhile, artists fill the town with fresh energy. By nightfall, you’ll feel that a warm kiva fire is the only place you want to be.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe feels like it was lifted straight from a postcard—snow-covered bridges, charming historic inns, and maple syrup farms dotting the backdrop! As sleigh bells echo through the crisp air, fires crackle inside comfy gathering spots, wrapping the town in warmth. Every moment here captures the quiet magic of a season made to be savored.
