20 Most Beautiful Winter Towns in the U.S.

Plan a trip to these real-life winter wonderlands.

With the abundance of snowy scenery in the U.S. each winter, there's no need to go abroad to have a magical cold-weather vacation. The chilly season brings out the best in picturesque towns across the country, from Alaska to Vermont. Cozy inns, fireside cocoa, ice skating, twinkling lights, and a dusting of fresh flakes turn all the communities on this list into frosty travel fantasies. If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to live — or at least vacation — inside a snow globe, these real-life winter wonderlands are proof that it would be oh-so-pretty.

Aspen, Colorado

For avid skiers and snowboarders, après-skiers, and really anyone who favors a glamorous winter vacation that doesn’t require a passport, Aspen needs no introduction. Colorado’s most alluring see-and-be-seen resort town has legendary slopeside action, plus upscale boutiques, cool galleries, renowned restaurants, and luxurious accommodations like Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection that buzz with stylish guests all season long.

Leavenworth, Washington

"Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh" isn’t just a song lyric but an actual experience in Leavenworth. This Bavarian village in the Cascade Mountains goes all out for the holidays with decorations, carolers, and yes, even sleigh rides, which are offered each day from Mountain Springs Lodge just north of town. Even when you take the festive stuff out of the equation, it’s still the perfect winter getaway with alpine-style buildings that look even prettier after a snowfall, hearty German food, and proximity to nearby ski areas.

Whitefish, Montana

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish is a winter lover's dream. Travelers keen on getting outside won’t have to look far for thrilling opportunities to mingle with Jack Frost. Whitefish Mountain Resort supplies 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, and when you tire of downhill riding, there are plenty of places in and around Whitefish where you can try your hand at snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. Glacier National Park is also nearby, and it's particularly tranquil at this time of year.

Woodstock, Vermont

Vermont isn’t lacking in outstanding winter escapes, but anyone who's visited during the colder months will tell you that Woodstock is one of the best. This adorable town sets itself apart with rolling hills, old covered bridges, and historic architecture. When your toes start to tingle after walking around, warm up with a fireside cocktail or local craft brew at Richardson's Tavern inside the Woodstock Inn & Resort.

Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson is a beloved vacation destination in all four seasons, but it's especially enticing in the winter. Two ski resorts are located here (with a third just an hour's drive away), and Grand Teton National Park at the edge of town offers visitors the chance to see elk and other wildlife frolicking in the snow. Less outdoorsy activities include browsing in Jackson's charming shops and posing for photos in front of arches made of elk antlers in the town square. At the end of the day, unwind with a massage and a dip in the hot tub at a luxury resort like Amangani.

Related: 21 Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole — Including National Parks, Hot Springs, and Cowboy Bars

Telluride, Colorado

Colorado has a bevy of dazzling winter destinations, but even with stiff competition, Telluride continues to top lists. Set in a box canyon surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains on three sides, this former mining town has a booming historic district and sits at the base of the popular Telluride Ski Resort. Visitors have the option of starting slow with bunny hills, swooshing down black diamonds, or simply riding the scenic gondola.

Lenox, Massachusetts

A well-established summer escape for New Englanders, this Berkshires town is also an enchanting choice in the winter, when snow dusts the scenery and the many museums, theaters, and music halls host their seasonal happenings. Having multiple ski areas within driving distance certainly doesn’t hurt either.

Related: 15 Best Things to Do in the Berkshires

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport's winter visitors can enjoy scenic coastal walks and a community that's as charming as ever, minus the peak-season swarms of tourists. Additional draws include fresh seafood and independent boutiques, plus better rates on waterfront stays at Cape Arundel Inn & Resort and the Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club.

Galena, Illinois

The ideal stop on a road trip from Chicago, Galena turns on the charm with its antique shops, museums, and well-preserved 19th-century buildings. It’s even harder to beat this old mining town in the winter, when the forecast frequently calls for snow. That's when Galena Cellars Winery coaxes chilly visitors inside its Main Street tasting room with the promise of mulled wine.

Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic is a quaint old town on the Connecticut shore that’s well known for its long-standing maritime traditions (and for the 1988 film "Mystic Pizza"), but it's a sleeper hit in the winter. Highlights of the colder months include old-school sea captains' homes decked out with twinkling lights, the Mystic River Bascule Bridge sparkling with icicles, and the peaceful atmosphere. Hot cocoa and Mystic cream doughnuts from Young Buns are the perfect seasonal sweet treats.

Lake Placid, New York

A favorite upstate New York destination for winter sports, Lake Placid is basically built around a love of all things outdoors. The roughly 100 inches of snow that falls annually transforms the already idyllic region into a hot spot for cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. It’s also cool (no pun intended) to see Olympic venues like Whiteface Mountain during the time of year they were designed to be used.

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

With a nickname like the “Switzerland of America” and a location in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, it’s fair to assume that Jim Thorpe is an epic alpine escape in the winter. Prospective travelers looking for a little convincing only need to turn their attention to the ski slopes, serene woodland trails, and heritage-rich attractions. The annual Winterfest celebration held in February features ice carvings, live entertainment, scenic train rides, and the "Mug Walk," where souvenir mug-carrying participants can snag giveaways and discounts at some of the town's best restaurants and shops.

Fairbanks, Alaska

While the conversation surrounding the northern lights typically revolves around the far reaches of Iceland or Norway, Fairbanks provides nightly opportunities to see the aurora borealis without leaving the country. During the day, travelers can choose between active and leisure pursuits or try a bit of both. That might look like dog mushing in the morning, followed by an afternoon of soaking in the hot springs.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe offers visitors an idyllic Vermont winter vacation. Heaps of snow envelop this picture-perfect town, creating outdoor fun from downhill skiing and ice skating to snowmobiling and fat biking. Photographers and sightseers will love the frozen Bingham Falls, the town's multiple covered bridges, and the quintessential New England architecture. The Trapp Family Lodge, an Austrian-style resort founded by the von Trapp clan immortalized in “The Sound of Music,” is the ideal place to unwind after an active day.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

“Michigan’s Little Bavaria” really gets into the yuletide spirit. Winter in Frankenmuth could make even the most staunch snowbird change their tune with its powder-draped storybook buildings, outdoor ice rink in Zehnder Park, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Don’t miss Bronner’s, advertised as the world’s largest Christmas store.

Mammoth Lakes, California

The mountains surrounding Mammoth Lakes receive an average snowfall of 400 inches annually. That just gives this community in the Sierra Nevada range even more of a glow. The town is home to Mammoth Mountain, one of the country's largest ski resorts and the location of California's highest chairlift-serviced peak — but the outdoor action doesn't end there. There are miles of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling here, too.

North Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway draws droves of winter travelers searching for outdoor recreation and the chance to admire some breathtaking scenery. The picturesque New Hampshire town is a paradise for skiing, snowboarding, and family-friendly sledding, and if you'd prefer to take in your nature views from the comfort of a heated coach, you can, thanks to the Conway Scenic Railroad. Opt for an out-and-back journey if you just want the fun of riding the rails, or hop off at a location like Attitash Station to do some ice skating or shopping before returning to the train.

Lanesboro, Minnesota

Winter in Lanesboro — a gem of a town that’s tucked away in the bluffs of the Root River Valley, about two hours southeast of the Twin Cities — looks like a painting. Take advantage of the powder that covers the 60-mile Root River State Trail System by embarking on a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing expedition. Need a respite from the frigid weather? Nab tickets to a play at the Commonweal Theatre Company.

Custer, South Dakota

Winter is one of the best and most beautiful times to visit Custer. This small town in the Black Hills of South Dakota gives off Hallmark-movie vibes when the historic downtown shimmers under a flurry of snow. Custer State Park boasts 71,000 acres of peaks, pine trees, and rolling plains where buffalo roam. It’s also a thrill-a-minute destination for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

Sun Valley, Idaho

The ski area at Sun Valley was designed to be "America’s first destination ski resort." It encompasses two peaks — Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain — and offers diverse terrain that includes both beginner-friendly and expert-level slopes. If you’d rather do something with less of a steep learning curve, consider snowshoeing, indoor bowling, or a scenic sleigh ride.

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