USA TODAY 10Best
Best ski town? Readers vote North Conway, New Hampshire
Best Ski Town (2020)
What makes a great ski town? Some would say it's convenient access to the slopes, for others, maybe it's the variety of restaurants, bars, shops and accommodations. Yet others might gravitate toward a small town vibe or historic atmosphere.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Ski Town are as follows:
- Nelson - British Columbia
- Jackson Hole - Wyoming
- Alta - Utah
- Breckenridge - Colorado
- Aspen - Colorado
- Banff - Alberta
- Stowe - Vermont
- Bethel - Maine
- Rossland - British Columbia
- North Conway - New Hampshire
Photo courtesy of iStock / StephenBridger
No. 10:
Located not far from Whitewater Ski Resort, the town of Nelson has personality in spades. On the shores of Kootenay Lake and surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, Nelson sees rugged adventurers rub elbows with hippies and bohemians in its excellent cafes, bars and galleries centered around pedestrian-friendly Baker Street.
Photo courtesy of Visit Jackson Hole
No. 9:
Big slopes meet the Wild West in Jackson Hole, Wyoming's most popular winter resort. While the town's western heritage is still on display at places like the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and Mangy Moose, Jackson caters to luxury travelers as well with some of the country's swankiest ski accommodations. Travelers off the slopes can take a scenic sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge.
Photo courtesy of Alta Ski Area / Rocko Menzyk
No. 8:
This ski town in the Wasatch Mountain Range of Utah sits at an elevation of 8,950 feet and is home to only 383 permanent residents. The town is home to several classic ski bars (like the Peruvian Bar) and a quieter, more local scene that some of Utah’s glitzier resort towns.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Inden/Miles / Colorado Tourism
No. 7:
Breckenridge, established during the Colorado gold rush of the 1800s, is home to Colorado's largest historic district and an equally historic après-ski scene; the Gold Pan Saloon is the oldest bar west of the Mississippi. Great restaurants, an art district and free bus service to Keystone and Copper Mountain make Breckenridge a winning and very atmospheric destination.
Photo courtesy of Aspen Chamber
No. 6:
It can be pricey. It can be hyped. But Aspen has long been one of the world's great ski towns, and for good reason. The downtown area is dotted with stellar restaurants, galleries and boutiques, and après options include slopeside Ajax Tavern, iconic J-Bar at the Hotel Jerome and the excellent Aspen Brewing Company. With four ski areas within a 10-mile radius, Aspen is hard to beat.
Photo courtesy of Noel Hendrickson / Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
No. 5:
Walk 15 minutes in just about any direction from the town of Banff, and you'll find yourself surrounded by the majestic wilderness of Banff National Park. The resort town and gateway to the surrounding park boasts a surprising number of shops, art galleries, bars and excellent restaurants for its size.
No. 4:
Steepled churches and clapboard houses make Stowe a quintessential New England ski town, complete with excellent options for both downhill and Nordic skiers. While there are plenty of fine dining establishments and luxury resorts catering to well-heeled travelers, there's a lively apres scene as well, especially at The Matterhorn. Rest day activities can include a tasting at the famous Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory just down the road in Waterbury.
No. 3:
Visitors staying in Bethel enjoy easy access to Sunday River (pictured), home to some of the best snow conditions in the East. Head to the Foggy Goggle or Matterhorn for a lively après-ski scene, or try out one of the many restaurants dotting the streets of this cute New England village.
Photo courtesy of Destination BC / Steve Ogle
No. 2:
Not only is Rossland a skier's paradise with Red Mountain Resort nearby, it's also one of North America's top spots for mountain biking. The unpretentious small town—once a gold mining outpost—has plenty for the non-skier as well, including spas, boutique shopping and a variety of restaurants ranging from casual pubs and pizza to sushi and Thai.
Photo courtesy of WiseguyCreative.com
No. 1:
Nestled within the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire, North Conway sits within a half-hour drive of more than a dozen alpine and Nordic ski resorts. Visitors off the slopes can explore the town's pastel-hued Victorian architecture oozing New England charm. The Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center makes for an excellent rest-day diversion.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning towns!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Constance Beverley
A former Wall Street lawyer turned winter sports... Read More
A former Wall Street lawyer turned winter sports activist, Constance Beverley joined the Share Winter Foundation as the CEO in 2017. Share Winter Foundation strives to (1) improve the lives, health and fitness of youth through winter sports, and (2) create a more diverse and inclusive winter sports community. In addition to her work with the Share Winter Foundation, Constance has worked with other winter sports organizations including the Kelly Clark Foundation, SheJumps, STOKED, and Boarding for Breast Cancer.
Constance Beverley
A former Wall Street lawyer turned winter sports activist, Constance Beverley joined the Share Winter Foundation as the CEO in 2017. Share Winter Foundation strives to (1) improve the lives, health and fitness of youth through winter sports, and (2) create a more diverse and inclusive winter sports community. In addition to her work with the Share Winter Foundation, Constance has worked with other winter sports organizations including the Kelly Clark Foundation, SheJumps, STOKED, and Boarding for Breast Cancer.
Elena Hight
Kauai born and Lake Tahoe raised, Elena Hight is a... Read More
Kauai born and Lake Tahoe raised, Elena Hight is a stand out amongst professional snowboarding’s best. At 13 years old, Elena became the first female to land a 900 in competition. She went on to win 6 X-games medals, attend two Winter Olympics and in 2013, became the first snowboarder, male or female, to land a double backside alley-oop rodeo at the Winter X Games. Always at the forefront of progression, Elena has lead the way throughout her competition career and continues to do so stepping into big mountain riding. In addition to snowboarding, Elena’s passions lie in outdoor adventure, health and wellness and advocating for environmental protection.
Elena Hight
Kauai born and Lake Tahoe raised, Elena Hight is a stand out amongst professional snowboarding’s best. At 13 years old, Elena became the first female to land a 900 in competition. She went on to win 6 X-games medals, attend two Winter Olympics and in 2013, became the first snowboarder, male or female, to land a double backside alley-oop rodeo at the Winter X Games. Always at the forefront of progression, Elena has lead the way throughout her competition career and continues to do so stepping into big mountain riding. In addition to snowboarding, Elena’s passions lie in outdoor adventure, health and wellness and advocating for environmental protection.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in... Read More
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Lyndell Keating
Lyndell Keating is one of the directors of Read More
Lyndell Keating is one of the directors of Powderhounds, a ski and snowboard travel website that reviews snow destinations around the world to facilitate readers in their pursuit of the perfect powder stash. Lyndell has skied at 200-plus ski resorts and a multitude of cat skiing, heli skiing and backcountry bucket list areas.
Lyndell Keating
Lyndell Keating is one of the directors of Powderhounds, a ski and snowboard travel website that reviews snow destinations around the world to facilitate readers in their pursuit of the perfect powder stash. Lyndell has skied at 200-plus ski resorts and a multitude of cat skiing, heli skiing and backcountry bucket list areas.
