With half the annual visitor count of nearby Banff, Jasper offers a decidedly laidback and unpretentious base for winter adventure. This small community got its start as a railway town. Today, it’s the gateway to Jasper National Park and a place where skiers and snowboarders come to soak in natural hot springs and eat at one of the many local restaurants.
Photo courtesy of Jasper

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.
Photo courtesy of WiseguyCreative.com

Part working cowboy town, part ski resort, Steamboat Springs is much more down-to-earth than other resorts in the state. It's also one of the few ski resorts in the nation with a hot springs near the base, perfect for relaxing sore muscles after a long day on the slopes.
Photo courtesy of Matt Inden/Miles

Taos started as a pueblo tucked within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico. Today, the vibrant ski town encompasses a thriving artists colony, trendy boutiques, posh eco-friendly resorts and plenty of restaurants serving up spicy New Mexico green chile.
Photo courtesy of Taos

Situated at the base of the underrated Whitefish Mountain Resort, the town of Whitefish is part rustic Western, part artsy chic. While only about 6,600 people call the town home, it boasts an impressive collection of restaurants, family-run stores and a lively apres scene at places like The Great Northern Bar & Grill and Caseys. Glacier National Park is just a short drive away.
Photo courtesy of Brian Schott/ Explore Whitefish

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 Destination BC/Steve Ogle

Park City offers the feel of a historic Wild West mining town with the amenities of a world class ski resort. Main Street is lined with top-notch bars and restaurants, while the Sundance Film Festival each January is one of the hottest tickets in town. The U.S. Ski Team trains at Park City Mountain Resort, so you know the skiing is good.
Photo courtesy of Visit Park City

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.
Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

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 iStock / Adventure_Photo

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 iStock / StephenBridger