Embraced as a treasured pastime in North America, skiing and snowboarding are ideal to get the adrenaline flowing during the winter months. However, during the rest of the year, we sometimes forget the tremendous benefits of the fresh mountain air and remarkable landscape panoramas. That’s why we’ve drawn up a ist of the most spectacular North American ski towns that boast impressive year-round fun and adventure for visitors of any age.
Whether you’re looking for some alpine action, a cultural festival extravaganza, or a round of golf surrounded by scenic ski mountain views in the distance – these excellent ski towns in North America are worthy of a visit any time of year.
Kickstarting our tour of North American ski towns is Homewood, California. Situated under the protective shelter of Ellis Peak and on the banks of the stunning Lake Tahoe, Homewood is a must-visit ski town, regardless of the season.
Famed for being one of the prettiest ski towns in North America, it’s also home to the fantastic Rubicon Trail. Here, you can go for some 4×4 and off-highway vehicle (OHV) action, which takes in the uninterrupted views of the beautiful California countryside west of Lake Tahoe. During the warmer months, you can also enjoy a more relaxing pursuit at the Coyote Moon Golf Course, which benefits from an equally magnificent mountain golfing in the region.
The crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, framed by the amazing mountains in the distance, make for a fabulous water sports playground in the summer. Lakeside beaches are family-friendly spots to swim, but you can join the team at West Shore Sports, where you and your friends can hire paddleboards and kayaks for plenty of fun on the water. \
Maximize your stay when visiting Homewood with a great night’s sleep every night at the tranquil Best Western Plus Truckee-Tahoe Hotel in nearby Truckee, California.
Heading across the border into Canada, our next much-loved ski town in North America sees us arriving at Nelson, British Columbia. This culture-rich mountain town in the heart of the Kootenay region is stacked with activities throughout every season.
With the awe-inspiring Selkirk Mountains offering remarkable skiing and snowboarding opportunities, a winter getaway to Nelson guarantees an exciting and engaging experience. But a trip to Nelson wouldn’t be complete unless you visited the award-winning Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, which provides a fascinating and interactive insight into Nelson’s rich cultural history.
The Kootenay region around this Nelson is also famous for its summertime whitewater rafting, and nowhere does it better than the crew at Endless Adventure for a journey down the Slocan River rapids. And after a day of action-packed escapades, you can also enjoy Baker Street for an afternoon of shopping and fine dining in the historic town center.
Experience the best parts of our favored North American ski towns when you stay at the Prestige Lakeside Resort in Nelson, British Columbia.
With mountain views in every direction, Fernie in British Columbia unquestionably earns its place on our list of the best North American ski towns. Given its proximity to these wonderful mountains, it’s not a surprise that Fernie offers guests a splendid array of alpine pursuits, any time of year.
Of course, throughout the winter, the ski areas around Fernie come alive for the skiers and snowboarders among you. Fortunately, when the snow melts, the mountainous terrain becomes a brilliant hot spot for hikers looking to enjoy the breathtaking Mount Fernie Provincial Park and Fairy Creek Falls hiking trails.
Mountain bike enthusiasts also flock to Fernie for its premier mountain biking trails – ranging in difficulty to suit beginners through to professional athletes. On the other hand, you can chat with the friendly staff at Kootenay Fly Shop & Guiding Company for some expert tips, rods, reels, and world-class trout fishing on the Elk River.
Ski towns in Canada don’t get much better than Fernie, British Columbia, but regardless of when you visit, book your accommodation to experience these epic activities while staying at the Best Western Plus Fernie Mountain Lodge.
We’re heading for Idaho next on our tour of top North American ski towns and Ketchum in the Gem State. Ketchum is well known for its surplus of outdoor activities, offering patrons all-year-round action and adventure.
Though one of the smallest ski towns in North America on our list, there certainly isn’t a shortage of things to do in Ketchum. Made popular by its top-rated skiing runs, Bald Mountain – also fondly known as ‘Baldy’ – is a top attraction for both winter and summertime visitors. In fact, Bald Mountain has become the picturesque backdrop and preferential summer wedding venue for hundreds of couples tying the knot in Idaho.
Ketchum also benefits from the rejuvenating natural springs that grace the area, and a visit to bathe in the Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs is a rewarding venture when you’re in town. However, if you have a good head for heights, join the team at Sawtooth Mountain Guides for a fabulous rock-climbing quest in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which is suitable for climbers of any abilities.
Enhance your vacation to Ketchum, Idaho, any time of year when you stay at the beautiful Best Western Plus Kentwood Lodge.
The last stop on our tour of top North American ski towns is Cedar City, Utah, ideally situated for skiing enthusiasts looking to carve their way down the slopes of the nearby Brian Head Peak. Wintertime visitors are treated to the impressive scenes of the snowshoe and cross-country ski trails of Zion National Park.
Cedar City also happens to be one of the highest ski towns in North America on our nominations and sits at an elevation of over 5,800 feet. When combined with the region’s dark-sky nights, this makes for the perfect setting as an ideal spot to stargaze at any point on the calendar. Although not to be eclipsed by the outdoor attractions Cedar City has to offer, the town also hosts the unique Utah Shakespeare Festival every year.
Nestled in the captivating landscape of the western Colorado Plateau is the extraordinary geographical feature known as the Cedar Breaks National Monument – a half-mile deep, colorful natural amphitheater that is a must-see location for keen hikers. After a full day of exploration, we highly recommend rounding off your Cedar City adventure with a visit to the taproom of the Policy Kings Brewery Company to try their delightful locally brewed craft beers.
Make the most of a fantastic family-friendly trip to Cedar City, Utah, when you stay at the elegant Best Western Town & Country Inn.