USA TODAY 10Best
Bethel, Maine named America's best ski town
Best Ski Town (2019)
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:
Photo courtesy of Visit Jackson Hole
No. 10: Jackson Hole - Wyoming
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 iStock / SEASTOCK
No. 9: Sandpoint - Idaho
The cozy town of Sandpoint sits on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille between three different mountain ranges in the northern tip of Idaho. Natural attractions are understandably a draw throughout the year, but the town itself boasts a thriving art community, quirky shopping and a full events calendar.
Photo courtesy of Scott Thompson / Truckee
No. 8: Truckee - California
A former logging and railroad town, Truckee has 12 downhill and eight Nordic ski resorts within a 10-mile radius. But convenience isn't Truckee's only appeal; the town has a dining scene that offers everything from hearty comfort food to fine dining, as well as plenty of off-slope activities like starlight snowshoeing, dogsledding or cruising on Lake Tahoe.
No. 7: Stowe - Vermont
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 Steamboat Ski Resort/Larry Pierce
No. 6: Steamboat Springs - Colorado
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 Jay Dash Photography / Visit Ogden
No. 5: Ogden - Utah
Ogden on the border of the Wasatch Range has access to three ski resorts – Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley – all with snow that rivals the more crowded Alta, Snowbird and Park City. The friendly town offers an affordable winter base with an excellent assortment of restaurants and lively après ski scene.
Photo courtesy of iStock / MonaMakela
No. 4: Taos - New Mexico
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 Tourism Jasper
No. 3: Jasper - Alberta
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 WiseguyCreative.com
No. 2: North Conway - New Hampshire
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.
No. 1: Bethel - Maine
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.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning ski 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
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.
KC Deane
Professional skier, mountain biker and brand... Read More
Professional skier, mountain biker and brand ambassador, KC Deane has graced the pages of almost every ski magazine and has been featured in the top ski films for a decade. He has quickly made a name for himself as one of the top riders in mountain biking. After skiing professionally for nine years, Deane attended Red Bull Rampage in 2012 as a spectator. He was immediately inspired and realized that he had an opportunity to bring his experience from big mountain skiing to big mountain biking. He is now one of the only dual sport professional athletes in action sports.
KC Deane
Professional skier, mountain biker and brand ambassador, KC Deane has graced the pages of almost every ski magazine and has been featured in the top ski films for a decade. He has quickly made a name for himself as one of the top riders in mountain biking. After skiing professionally for nine years, Deane attended Red Bull Rampage in 2012 as a spectator. He was immediately inspired and realized that he had an opportunity to bring his experience from big mountain skiing to big mountain biking. He is now one of the only dual sport professional athletes in action sports.
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.