4 Best Mountain Towns To Visit This Winter 

Don’t have the budget to afford visiting an expensive ski resort or staying in luxury accommodations this winter? You’re in luck, believe it or not. There are plenty of fantastic mountain towns across the United States where you can enjoy the scenery, hit the slopes and enjoy days of adventure without digging yourself into debt.

GOBankingRates reached out to several travel experts for their top recommendations on mountain towns worth visiting in the winter months. See which four towns should be on your winter travel destinations radar.

Alex Penadés is the chief marketing officer at Avantio, a company that specializes in vacation rental software. Penadés told GOBankingRates Avantio recently conducted research alongside vacation rental data company Key Data to determine which Colorado ski towns are among the cheapest for travelers on a budget. 

While travelers may want to visit popular destinations such as Aspen and Vail, the cost of their stays could amount to hundreds, if not thousands, per night. It’s critical to think outside the box if you want to save money and explore other, more affordable Colorado mountain towns instead.

“The cheapest place to ski this season is Winter Park,” Penadés said. “Rates are less than half what they are in the most expensive towns at $485 a night, a 5% decrease from last year.”

Avantio and Key Data’s research on the cheapest Colorado ski towns revealed that Crested Butte took second place behind Winter Park. According to Penadés, rates are $605 a night in the town known for its flurry of winter-friendly outdoor activities like skiing and mountain biking.

“For guests looking for a good deal this ski season, try swapping the big-name luxury resorts for less well-known areas where you’ll get more for your money,” Penadés said. “Leaving your booking until the last minute can also yield good discounts, but it’s a risky strategy, especially if you want the very best properties or if you’re traveling in a larger group.”

Kelly Eisenman, owner of Kelly Eisenman Travel Co., always recommends Big Sky to clients seeking a mountain town that offers an exciting blend of adventure and understated luxury. According to Eisenman, visitors to Big Sky can enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, dog sledding, taking a dip in the hot springs and riding on snowmobiles.

While there are a number of luxury accommodations scattered throughout the area, it’s possible to find and stay at budget-friendly alternatives.

Eisenman recommends The Wilson Hotel in Big Sky’s Town Center as an affordable stay with walkability to local dining and shops. GOBankingRates did a little sleuthing on the cost of a five-night stay at The Wilson Hotel between Jan. 16 and Jan. 21 and found rates start at $546 a night.

Those who want to see the breathtaking sights of New England are recommended to visit Stowe by Aaron Sutherland, founder of luxury travel company Jetsetter Lifestyle. 

“Stowe exudes classic New England charm with its picturesque village, historic covered bridges and challenging ski slopes on Mount Mansfield,” Sutherland said.

For accommodations, Sutherland recommended Topnotch Resort with rates that start at $400 a night. GOBankingRates conducted a search for a five-night stay between Jan. 23 and Jan. 28 and found flexible rates start at $449.

Editor’s note: Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact locations listed.