These 7 Charming Mountain Towns Are Perfect for Families

While we can’t deny how enticing a family beach vacation sounds, when you want to switch it up a bit, mountain towns are a great way to spend a long weekend or week away, getting some fresh air and fresh scenery. Whether you’re hoping for an all-out family ski trip over the winter or a little high alpine summer fun, mountain towns are often teeming with fun outdoor activities, events, and great local dining and shopping.

What makes up a “true” mountain town could be up for debate, but the for sure things include access to the outdoors, a relatively small population, and a local culture elevated by the outdoors. There’s a pretty solid roster of towns across the US that meet the criteria, especially depending on what mountain sports you’re in pursuit of. Here are just a few of our favorites that all happen to have skiing nearby for winter trips, because after all, this is POWDER.

1. Durango, CO

Durango is an outdoor paradise nestled in southern Colorado’s high mountains. In its early days, Durango was a mining town and railroad hub but has since transformed into one of the West’s best, and slightly less crowded mountain towns. In the winter, Durango is just an hour from some of Colorado’s steepest and deepest skiing at Silverton Mountain, which is not for the faint of heart. It’s also just 30 minutes from Purgatory Ski Resort, which remains one of the more affordable resorts in the country.

In the summer, the Animas River runs right through Durango and offers amazing options for whitewater rafting of all levels. Durango is also known for its extensive trail network and for producing some of the world’s best mountain bikers, given how good the biking is. 45 minutes from town sits one of the coolest National Parks in the state, Mesa Verde, which offers incredible hikes and views as well as an extensive history of the state’s native peoples.

2. Leavenworth, WA

Arrive in Leavenworth, Washington, and you might do a double-take thinking you’ve accidentally ended up in Germany. The Bavarian theme throughout the downtown area has earned the town the nickname Little Bavaria, beer gardens and all. In the winter, jet up to Stevens Pass to ski some of Washington’s most epic terrain or ride the bike park at Stevens Pass in the summer for all the lift-accessed bike trails you could dream of.

The Wenatchee River also has some of the most fun and splashy whitewater rafting in the area. When the water drops at the end of summer, check out Icicle Creek for fly fishing as well. When you’ve gotten your fair share of playing in the Cascades by day, check out one of the many local breweries and beer gardens the town has to offer for a great Bavarian après.

3. Bozeman, MT

Bozeman is home to so much more than just Montana State University, but it’s no surprise that so many outdoor-loving college students end up there. For winter trips, Bozeman is about an hour from Big Sky, which is known to have some of Montana’s most legendary terrain, like the Big Couloir.

Closer to town is Bridger Bowl, a local’s mountain with steep, gnarly terrain and a fantastic local ski scene. Looking for another winter sport while in Bozeman? Look no further than Hyalite Canyon, which is one of the best ice climbing spots in the US. In the summer, the Lower Gallatin River has fantastic whitewater rafting and fly fishing. To top it all off, Yellowstone National Park is just 70 miles from Bozeman and can be done as a day trip to see its amazing geysers, wildlife, and waterfalls.

4. Truckee, CA

Just north of Lake Tahoe, Truckee is the locals’ town in the area. In the winter, skiers can take their pick of mountains with resorts like Palisades Tahoe, Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Heavenly, and Mt. Rose all just a stone’s throw away. It’s no wonder so many professional skiers live in the area!

5. Steamboat Springs, CO

A town that was once home to all cowboys and ranchers has blossomed into a mountain town full of history and passionate outdoors people. Skiers will love Steamboat Resort’s Champagne Powder and picturesque (and fun to ski!) aspen tree glades. For those looking for a more Mom n’ Pop ski experience, head to Howelson Hill, right in town, which has produced some of the most Olympians per capita with its massive Nordic ski jumps and steep alpine terrain.

In the summer, Steamboat has miles of meticulously maintained mountain bike trails on Emerald Mountain and Buff Pass, as well as lift-accessed downhill riding at the Steamboat Bike Park. Gravel riders will also love Steamboat’s smooth and speedy gravel roads and can drop in for the annual SBTGRVL race. The Yampa River flows right through downtown Steamboat and offers whitewater rafting in the early season when the water is high, as well as inner tubing and fly fishing as the water drops late in the summer. Float down the river and hop out for a drink at Sunpie’s Bistro along the way.

For all your mountain town craft beer needs, Steamboat has a handful of great local breweries, including Mountain Tap, and one of our all-time favorites, Storm Peak Brewing. Rest and reset those tired muscles from a day of skiing or biking at beautiful and remote Strawberry Park Hot Springs up near Buff Pass or Old Town Hot Springs right in downtown.

6. Hood River, OR

The Columbia River Gorge is truly one of the most magical places in the PNW and makes for an incredible vacation spot. Just an hour and some change from Portland, Oregon, and PDX, Hood River has everything and more that a mountain town should offer. Just about any time of year, you can hop up to Government Camp and spend the day volcano skiing on Mt. Hood.

In the summer, lots of week-long ski and mountain bike camps are offered for kids at Mt. Hood and in the surrounding area. Mountain bikers will also love Hood River, with options like Post Canyon and Sandy Ridge, which have dozens of trails of all types. Need to cool down? Hop across the bridge and try out whitewater rafting on the White Salmon River or windsurfing on the Columbia.

The Columbia Gorge is also wine country, and there are tons of great wineries as well as craft breweries in the White Salmon and Hood River area, including one of our favorites, Everybody’s Brewing.

7. Jackson, WY

Jackson, Wyoming is known to be one of the ultimate mountain towns all year round. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort barely needs an introduction for skiers and is some of the steepest and deepest skiing in the country. In the summer, JHMR transforms its ski mountain into a mountain playground complete with a bike park, via ferrata, hiking trails, and sightseeing off the aerial tram.

Just south of town, you can also whitewater raft the Snake River through rapids like Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter for some splashy river fun. Perhaps most notable is Grand Teton National Park, just up the road. Home to some of the best views, trails, mountains, and wildlife in the country, Grand Teton is not to be missed on a trip to Jackson.

There are dozens of ways to enjoy the park, whether you’re looking for a long day on the trail or a short day on Jenny Lake. Jackson also has tons of great dining options in downtown and Teton Village. Grab a burger and a beer on the deck at Roadhouse Brewing or treat yourself to a five-star meal at Snake River Grill—the options are endless.