11 Best The United States Towns For A Winter Getaway
Are you searching for a southern, northern, or western town perfect for the ideal winter getaway with friends or family? The towns within the United States have you covered. From the picturesque western town of Mammoth Lakes, California, to the snowy ski town of Aspen, Colorado, to the coastal town of Bar Harbor, Maine, these eleven towns below are some of the best towns to check out this winter. Whether you want peaceful hikes through spectacular forests, a phenomenal skiing experience at an elegant resort, or a home away from home, there is something for everyone in these eleven towns.
Aspen, Colorado
Home of Aspen Snowmass, the quaint ski town of Aspen, Colorado has a plethora of winter attractions that make it worth considering for a winter getaway. From the attractions available at Aspen Snowmass, including the use of four ski mountains, to some phenomenal parks in close proximity to downtown, including John Denver Sanctuary, this fabulous small town is perfect for those who love snow.
Along with spectacular winter activities, like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowshoeing, the vicinity around Aspen is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts through some other aspects as well. Several scenic trails are nearby, including Crater Lake Trail, Four Pass Loop, and Cathedral Lake Trail. The Silver Queen Gondola is also in Aspen, offering stunning views of the vicinity as it climbs up Aspen Mountain.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Northeast of Chattanooga, the picturesque town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers some stunning attractions that will astound one’s mind, like watching the fall foliage attain their seasonal colors while enjoying spectacular views of the Great Smokies from the Gatlinburg Tram. Ober Gatlinburg is also in Gatlingburg. This fabulous ski resort offers some amazing skiing and snowboarding, as well as ice-skating, tubing, snowshoeing and sledding.
Gatlinburg is also home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with some of the best hiking, even during the winter season. From ice-encrusted creeks and streams to a quietude difficult to attain elsewhere, enjoy scenic trails like Laurel Falls and Alum Cave. There is also downtown Gatlinburg to explore. The Village, with over thirty German-themed shops, will entertain as much as it amazes.
Ely, Minnesota
Another phenomenal snow-covered locale, the small town of Ely, Minnesota is home to several great outdoor attractions, like the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center. The wolf center, just east of downtown, and the bear center, just west of downtown, both offer a slightly more intimate understanding to how valuable these two truly remarkable species are.
Miners Lake is also near downtown Ely. Providing activities including hiking the scenic four-mile Trezona Trail, this majestic lake is beautiful during the winter as well as the summer. And Deer Ridge Resort, situated only a few miles outside of town, offers not only skiing and snowboarding but also has some great dog-sledding opportunities. You can also experience delicious local cuisine at the Evergreen Restaurant, which is a part of Deer Ridge.
North Conway, New Hampshire
One of the best areas in New England if you wish to spend time skiing, the town of North Conway, New Hampshire is perfect for that winter weekend getaway. It is home to Mount Cranmore and Cranmore Mtn. Resort, as well as eight miles away from Attitash Mountain in Bartlett. Mount Cranmore offers seven different lifts and over 150 acres of skiable terrain, as well as spacious condominiums perfect for the entire family.
North Conway Village, as it is lovingly called by the locals, has its own share of awesome amenities, including several factory outlet stores, like L.L. Bean, Settler’s Green, and Eastern Mountain Sports. North Conway is also home to the Conway Scenic Railroad. This fabulous attraction is open year-round, offering scenic train rides through Crawford Notch and the majestic White Mountains.
Red River, New Mexico
Home to Enchanted Circle Byway, circling Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico, the quaint town of Red River offers several awesome year-round attractions, including Enchanted Forest Cross-Country Ski Area, with twenty miles of groomed trails for classic and free-style skiing and ten miles of snowshoeing trails. They even have six four-season bikes available to rent, possessing fat tires perfect for rough or even snowy terrain.
Red River is also home to some great lodging choices, for a perfect winter getaway with friends or family. The Ponderosa Lodge and Three Bears Lodge, both on Main Street, are in downtown Red River. Three Bears has individual cabins with woodsy interiors, while the Ponderosa offers fully-furnished kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces in their rooms. Yesterday’s Diner is also downtown on Main Street.
Harbor Springs, Michigan
On the waters of Lake Michigan and Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs is home to Nub’s Nob Ski Area & Resort. Beginning as a small ski hill, and then turning into fifty-plus ski slopes on three different peaks, this winter wonderland is perfect for those who love skiing. The resort itself, northeast of Harbor Springs, features some awesome amenities, including two different lodges with phenomenal dining, cozy lounges with magnificent fireplaces, and quaint, cozy rooms.
Downtown Harbor Springs has its own share of attractions that make Michigan well worth spending a weekend. Andrew J. Blackbird Museum, dedicated to the Native American rights advocate, and contained inside his 1820 house, has a plethora of awe-inspiring Native American artifacts. There are also several golf courses in the area, including the Donald Ross Memorial Golf Course.
Bar Harbor, Maine
The picturesque town of Bar Harbor, along the Maine coastline, is home to Acadia National Park. Along with photographing some phenomenal lighthouses, like the Bass Harbor Head Light on Mount Desert Island, there are several stunning trails in the area., including Jordan Pond and Jesup Path. There are also miles of carriage roads within the park that are ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Downtown Bar Harbor also has its own share of attractions during the winter. The Shore Path offers spectacular views of Frenchman Bay, and the Thirsty Whale, on Cottage Street, serves not only the famous Lobster Roll, but other delicacies that can only be found in New England. The Inn on Mount Desert is a great place to stay for the weekend, as it is a cozy inn that is conveniently near many of the local shops in downtown Bar Harbor.
Jackson, Wyoming
The quaint town of Jackson has a plethora of awesome attractions available during the winter season. From the National Elk Refuge, where guests can experience the untamed majesty of these beautiful creatures, to Granite Hot Springs Pool, natural hot springs with an ambiance of phenomenal mountain vistas, Jackson, Wyoming is a true oasis within nature, even in the winter.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort also calls Jackson home. With a variety of amazing amenities, including over 130 named ski trails, a freeform heated pool, and three different restaurants, this fabulous resort is the ideal place to spend a weekend away from home during the winter. The Antler Arches of Jackson are a worthwhile attraction as well. Consisting of over 2,000 sets of antlers within four different arches, the entire weight of this masterpiece is more than seven tons.
Ketchum, Idaho
Approximately four hours west of Jackson, Wyoming, the town of Ketchum, Idaho is home to several winter activities that urge guests to return. From Frenchman’s Bend, home to several hot springs including Big Medicine and Travertine, to Galena Lodge, with spectacular activities, like snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, and skiing, this pastoral town within Sun Valley is the perfect escape.
Downtown Ketchum is also worth visiting during the winter season. Phenomenal attractions like Sawtooth Botanical Garden, which is open year-round, offers their guests the experience of their greenhouses, as well as some great events, like Dark Sky Dinner, held from December to February. Wood River Museum is also located within downtown Ketchum. Its exhibits feature central Idaho and the resiliency of its people.
Mammoth Lakes, California
The town of Mammoth Lakes, located across the state of California from the city of San Francisco, is home to several awesome winter attractions, like Wild Willie’s Hot Springs, Crystal Lake, and Horseshoe Lake. While only a few amenities are available at these attractions during the winter, both lakes do offer phenomenal fishing. The Hot Springs are also worth visiting, especially during the warmest part of the day.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort calls Mammoth Lakes, California home as well. With phenomenal outdoor attributes, including 28 ski lifts —such as chairlifts and gondolas —as well as 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, this fabulous ski resort is the perfect escape. And, for some great dining, the Stove Restaurant and the Mogul Restaurant are both in Mammoth Lakes.
Park City, Utah
The quaint town of Park City has a variety of awesome winter attractions as well, including Deer Valley Resort. This fantastic four-season resort has over 2,000 acres of skiable landscape, a relaxing spa, and is even a fabulous wedding and event venue. Guests can also enjoy dining at its best at one of a variety of choices within the resort, including Deer Valley Cafe, Cast & Cut, and Edgar’s Apres.
Downtown Park City, Utah is also home to an abundance of year-round attributes, including a variety of historic buildings, like the Egyptian Theater, opening in 1926, and Washington School House Hotel, built in 1889 and named after the former president, George Washington. Park City Museum is also worth a visit. Permanent exhibits include Mega Mine and The Dungeon: Park City’s Territorial Jail.
Whether you want to spend a weekend skiing, wish to check out a delicacy you are not able to attain at home, or just want to escape with a sweetheart, America has it all. From spectacular views from the Silver Queen Gondola in Aspen to delicious seafood treats at the Thirsty Whale in Bar Harbor, the perfect winter getaway can be found within the eleven towns scattered across the landscape of the United States mentioned above.
