Best Ski Towns to Live in Year Round
Any Winter sport fanatic can tell you, the hardest part about having such a passion lies in the difficulty of finding the right location requirements for said hobby- to speak nothing of how it is limited to one season only. While other hobbyists such as surfers have this same issue, many major cities also happen to be situated along coasts and beaches. Mountain towns are generally much smaller, due to the difficulty of building in such uneven terrain.
However, despite all this, there are in fact options available which provide comfortable year round living for those wanting to remain as close to the snow as possible. We’ve assembled a list of our top picks.
Fraser, Colorado (Near Winter Park)
An amazing mountain community in its own right, Fraser also has the added benefit of having the great Rocky Mountains as well as Denver and Winter Park nearby. With about 1,500 residents, Fraser is close enough to Winter Park to be a short drive, but far enough away to still have an authentic mountain town vibe.
From nature to the big city to small town charm and nearby resorts — Fraser has just about everything for everyone.
In summer, Fraser and the greater Grand County community is known as ‘Mountain Bike Capital USA‘ so it’s a fantastic place to be in the summer months as well as late spring and early fall. From mountain biking, fishing and camping, there are so many fun options when it’s warm. The nearby Winter Park Ski Resort is a world-class destination for power hounds as well and if you want to try something different, check out the Colorado Adventure Park.
All-in-all anytime is a good time to play, work, and live in Fraser, Colorado.
Jackson, Wyoming
The problem with many ski towns is that they generally tend to be very seasonal. Those living in most ski towns will notice that during the winter there is a rush of economic activity. Jackson is an interesting location seeing as that it manages to continue to do well for itself all year around.
This is mostly due to the amenities and high-quality living environment offered by the town. As such, this town’s fiscal success is a strong indicator of just how friendly it is to those looking to stay year-round.
Whitefish, Montana
While it’s true that the state isn’t necessarily the most memorable or famous, that doesn’t mean Whitefish is incapable of standing out.
Whitefish is home to a certain type of local charm which makes it unique. It’s a special small town quirkiness reminiscent of films such as Fargo or series such as Twin Peaks. It’s the perfect place to meet the locals- as well as become one!
It’s proximity to Canada also opens up a whole slew of options to the would be resident. Whether it’s access to Canadian ski slopes in the Winter, or trendy Canadian cities in the Summer, it provides variety and choice.
Truckee, CA
Located on the near of the gorgeous Lake Tahoe, Truckee is an un-swanky town despite it’s close proximity to some of the Ritz surrounding Northstar ski resort just up the road. From dive bars to local boutiques, there’s a good ol’ mountain vibe in Truckee that makes it a very pleasant place to spend time.
Whether it’s summer or winter there’s no shortage of options for entertainment. Whether it’s mountain biking or snowboarding, you have your choice of Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley, Northstar and a plethora of other resorts to choose from. The natural setting around Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains is gorgeous and a great place to camp and explore.
Durango, Colorado
Located near the San Juan Mountains, the amount of ski slope options available to enthusiasts are absolutely dizzying. Even when the slopes are closed, the mountains still provide access to a great number of nature preserves and hiking trails!
What’s great about this town and makes it stand out is the culture. The people of Durango know how to have fun and come together as a community. There are several events and activities which occur every year, such as the Snowdown Festival in the winter, ensuring that there’s always something to do here.
