Travel

These Ultra-Chill Ski Towns Have All the Powder and Half the Crowds

Where mountain thrills meet small-town chill.

Photo courtesy of Explore Whitefish
Photo courtesy of Explore Whitefish
Photo courtesy of Explore Whitefish

EDITOR’S NOTE: Many of the towns listed here are in states requiring quarantine upon arrival, and towns and resorts are implementing and enforcing strict safety policies. We strongly urge you to consult the CDC, state, local, and resort travel policies before you even think of visiting. Better still, use this list to plan for the future.There are gorgeous mountain towns where the skiing is underwhelming. And there are legendary mountains where the nearest civilization is a speck on the horizon. America’s greatest ski towns combine the best of both. They’re places where people who have never touched a ski will find themselves as invigorated as somebody who just spent a day rocketing down black-diamond slopes, and where both will come together over a fantastic meal at a restaurant or a brewery almost guaranteed to be adorned with antlers. 

In choosing our favorite ski towns, we factored in both sides of the equation, skipping larger cities and most of the obvious choices (we still love you, Aspen) to focus on slopes less traversed. Among them you’ll find sky-high après-ski spots and unexpected treasures hidden deep in the northern reaches of the U.S. And in each, you’ll find an uncommonly great community that just so happens to host white-knuckle skiing. 

David A Litman / shutterstock
David A Litman / shutterstock
David A Litman / shutterstock

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

A historic epicenter where the Old West meets winter sports, the aspen-strewn slopes of Steamboat lie at a lower elevation than most of Colorado’s resorts, but don’t be fooled-you’re still bottoming out at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. Plus, the town is rife with culinary fare surprising for such a casual place. Start with breakfast (and creative cocktails) at Yampa Valley Kitchen and ramp up your appetite for an authentic, multi-course French meal at Sauvage before a brisk walk to the magically frozen Fish Creek Falls. One of the standout features of this funky ski town is, of course, the opportunity to soak in steamy mineral water at Old Town Hot Springs or Strawberry Park Hot Springs after hitting the slopes.
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Ski Sante Fe
Ski Sante Fe
Ski Sante Fe

Santa Fe, New Mexico

You probably never thought of this summer tourist hub-also America’s second oldest city, dating back to 1610–as a ski town. Clearly, you do not know Santa Fe. Lying about 16 miles away is possibly the country’s best-kept alpine secret. Ski Santa Fe boasts more than 80 trails, a bounty of powder, and you will be hard-pressed to wait in a lift line. In town, indulge in the southwestern city’s unique offerings: Find unbeatable, upscale Mexican fare at Sazón, visit the psychedelic living museum that is Meow Wolf or the less cerebral New Mexico History Museum, or stroll the Palace of the Governors, where Native American artists display their original handmade jewelry, ornaments, and artwork.
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Homewood Mountain Resort
Homewood Mountain Resort
Homewood Mountain Resort

Tahoe City, California

Of the numerous towns and ski resorts that surround Lake Tahoe, this hamlet of shops and restaurants can be considered sleepy. Situated directly on the lakeshore, in summer it’s bustling with boaters, SUPers, and kayakers. In the colder months, the view of the twinkling town from the quiet pier or Fanny Bridge is magical. Find the family scene at the sledding hill and ice rink at the Winter Sports Park; comfort food amid antiques and vintage toys at Rosie’s Café; and IrishcCoffee, fresh fish tacos, rustic chic rooms, and romantic lake views at Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge. Head 10 minutes up the road and feel like you’re plummeting directly into the lake down the slopes of Homewood Mountain Resort.
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Brian Head Resort
Brian Head Resort
Brian Head Resort

Cedar City, Utah

Southern Utah falls off the radar for many powder hounds, which is a shame, because Brian Head Resort is actually the state’s highest ski area (base elevation: 9,600 feet), among its least crowded, and-adjacent to the vibrant red walls and towering hoodoos of neighboring Cedar Breaks National Monument-uniquely scenic. Just over 30 miles away, historic, holiday light-illuminated Cedar City is an epicenter for festivals and cultural offerings, including a year-round farmers market and taste bud delights like I.G. Winery and Centro Pizzeria. Off-slope adventures range from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to snowmobiling and ice-skating. You might even find T-shirt weather and a rare dearth of crowds at nearby Zion National Park.
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Timberline Lodge & Ski Area
Timberline Lodge & Ski Area
Timberline Lodge & Ski Area

Government Camp, Oregon

An alpine timber village towering about 4,000 feet over nearby Portland, Government Camp punches well above the weight of its 200 or so residents. A stone’s throw from Mt. Hood’s best and most ripping resorts-Meadows, Timberline, Ski Bowl, and Summit-the village is a ski town in distillate. Grab a fresh Ice Axe IPA at Mt. Hood Brewing, some prime rib at Charlie’s Mountain View, or a legendary Ratskeller pizza before retiring to your digs, be them a cozy A-frame cabin or a resort room. Even better, Govy sits amid the unmatched splendor of the Mt. Hood National Forest and west of Bend, more a ski city than a ski town, but nonetheless an essential destination. 
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Discover Flagstaff
Discover Flagstaff
Discover Flagstaff

Flagstaff, Arizona

A stark contrast to Arizona’s reputation as a scorched-earth cacti wilderness, Flagstaff thrives in the shadows of the San Francisco peaks, home to the largest resort in Arizona: Snowbowl. The resort is a village unto itself, with a high-speed gondola and great lodges. But Flagstaff is a misunderstood marvel. Grab a pint at Mother Road Brewery or a beer cocktail at Historic, stroll the historic downtown’s boutiques, and inhale some of the best pizza in Arizona at Pizzicletta. For some non-vertical, strap on some cross-country skis to explore the sprawling Arizona Nordic Village. And don’t forget to look up: You’re in the first designated International Dark Sky City, so whether you’re stargazing from the launch of a black-diamond run or the comfort of a yurt, it will be spectacular. 
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Go Stowe
Go Stowe
Go Stowe

Stowe, Vermont

Seemingly every town in Vermont could be classified as a ski town, but this serene little hamlet on Mount Mansfield feels practically focus-grouped into a Northeastern paradise. At Stowe Mountain Resort you’ll find some of the best skiing in the northeast, with runs suited for rookies and double-diamond adrenaline junkies alike. But even if you hate skiing, Stowe is pure Vermont, from its quintessential small-town New England vibes to its ridiculous wealth of beer: This is home to The Alchemist-purveyors of Heady Topper, perhaps America’s most coveted beer-and Von Trapp Brewery, operated by the descendants of the Sound of Music family, who also run a gorgeous alpine lodge. Oh, and there are some hippies making ice cream down the road, too. 
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Explore Whitefish
Explore Whitefish
Explore Whitefish

Whitefish, Montana

With its remarkably preserved 1905 aesthetic, Whitefish’s vintage Old West charms pair wonderfully with a vibrant food scene-don’t skip Montana-inspired dishes at the James Beard-nominated Cafe Kandahar-and some characteristically great Montana beer (58 handles worth) at Montana Tap House. Throw in gorgeous Whitefish Lake, and suddenly you’re looking at a great mountain town that’s also a sleeper food destination and a great lake getaway-and one that’s taking the concept of recreating responsibility very seriously during the pandemic in order to sustain what makes it great and keep its residents safe. Oh, right, and the ski-town thing: The Big Mountain’s Whitefish Mountain Resort is consistently ranked among the best in the west, with a 2,353-foot drop, 3,000 acres of terrain, and a stellar view of the jagged peaks of Glacier Park’s continental divide. As with the town, the mountain is not suffering any COVID flippancy: refuse to mask up in the ski line and they’ll shut the whole thing down until you do. Nobody wants to be that guy. Especially that high above sea level. 
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Visit Taos
Visit Taos
Visit Taos

Taos, New Mexico

The largest ski area in New Mexico, Taos Ski Valley is known for its steeps (40 percent is expert-rated), but the real appeal of this area is the adobe-laden town 20 miles down the road. Sitting at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, Taos is a hot spot for visitors in the summer and fall, but its beige-colored historic district and plaza take on other-worldly charm in winter. Take in views of the Sangre de Cristo peaks or the sheer walls of the Rio Grande Gorge on a snowshoe adventure, explore the town’s art galleries, soak in nearby hot springs, or fuel up with some iteration of green chile at the authentic but unassuming La Cueva Café.
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 Walter Bibikow/ Stone/ Getty Images
Walter Bibikow/ Stone/ Getty Images
Walter Bibikow/ Stone/ Getty Images

Crested Butte, Colorado

Popping with wildflowers and art festivals in the summer, the bigger crowds clear CB’s white blanketed landscapes in winter making peace for visitors of the gliding (downhill and cross-country) variety, making it a fantastic alternative to Colorado’s better-known and more thronged ski towns (we still love you, Aspen). Jagged and standing on its own like something straight out of a cartoon, Crested Butte Mountain is indisputably the area’s centerpiece. The resort has terrain for every level of skier or rider, including more double black-rated runs than any resort in Colorado. An old mining town, the main drag (Elk Ave.) is warm and rustic, sprinkled with a handful of saloons but also a couple decent sushi bars and a dangerously delicious rum distillery.
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Marquette Mountain
Marquette Mountain
Marquette Mountain

Marquette, Michigan

A frigid but lively polestar on the shores of Lake Superior, great restaurants and craft beer abound along with one of the Midwest’s most popular ski hills. With only a 600-foot vertical rise and three chairlifts, Marquette Mountain may be small, but it’s got steeps and tallies more than 200 inches of snow per year. Outside the slopes and near endless cross-country trails, the real thrill of this area comes on two wheels; more than 75 miles of trail surround Marquette, groomed for fat tires. If pedaling in a blizzard doesn’t endear you to the hardcore but super friendly Yoopers, sipping local suds certainly will. Blackrocks Brewery, Ore Dock Brewing Company, Drifa Brewing, and Barrel & Beam are all beer snob-worthy stops in a college town also crawling with cozy dives.
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Visit Park City
Visit Park City
Visit Park City

Park City, Utah

A hub of America’s last Winter Olympics in 2002, Park City is not only home to America’s most enormous ski resort (covering a whopping 7,300 acres, including 41 chairlifts and 341 trails), but also an alluring old mining town. Dating back to the silver rush 150 years ago, Park City’s historic buildings maintain their original facades. If you’re not tackling new terrain on skis or boards, you could spend equally as much time exploring the town’s multitude of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, breweries, and spas. Grab a warming libation at High West Saloon, located in an old livery stable, or spike your adrenaline and heart rate via snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, dog sledding, snow biking, ice skating, or tubing outside of town. 
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Thrillist senior editor Andy Kryza contributed to this list.

A Denver native, freelance writer Shauna Farnell loves a throwback ski lodge but has never donned one-piece outerwear. Follow her on Twitter @shaunafarnell or on Instagram @mountaingirlinthecity.

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Travel

Ditch your Phone for ‘Dome Life’ in this Pastoral Paradise Outside Port Macquarie 

A responsible, sustainable travel choice for escaping big city life for a few days.

nature domes port macquarie
Photo: Nature Domes

The urge to get as far away as possible from the incessant noise and pressures of ‘big city life’ has witnessed increasingly more of us turn to off-grid adventures for our holidays: Booking.com polled travellers at the start of 2023 and 55% of us wanted to spend our holidays ‘off-grid’.  Achieving total disconnection from the unyielding demands of our digitised lives via some kind of off-grid nature time—soft or adventurous—is positioned not only as a holiday but, indeed, a necessity for our mental health. 

Tom’s Creek Nature Domes, an accommodation collection of geodesic domes dotted across a lush rural property in Greater Port Macquarie (a few hours’ drive from Sydney, NSW), offers a travel experience that is truly ‘off-grid’. In the figurative ‘wellness travel’ sense of the word, and literally, they run on their own independent power supply—bolstered by solar—and rely not on the town grid. 

Ten minutes before you arrive at the gates for a stay at Tom’s Creek Nature Domes, your phone goes into ‘SOS ONLY’. Apple Maps gives up, and you’re pushed out of your comfort zone, driving down unsealed roads in the dark, dodging dozens of dozing cows. Then, you must ditch your car altogether and hoist yourself into an open-air, all-terrain 4WD with gargantuan wheels. It’s great fun being driven through muddy gullies in this buggy; you feel like Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park.  As your buggy pulls in front of your personal Nature Dome, it’s not far off that “Welcome…to Jurassic Park” jaw-dropping moment—your futuristic-looking home is completely engulfed by thriving native bushland; beyond the outdoor campfire lie expansive hills and valleys of green farmland, dotted with sheep and trees. You’re almost waiting to see a roaming brachiosaurus glide past, munching on a towering gum tree…instead, a few inquisitive llamas trot past your Dome to check out their new visitor. 

To fully capture the awe of inhabiting a geodesic dome for a few days, a little history of these futuristic-looking spherical structures helps. Consisting of interlocking triangular skeletal struts supported by (often transparent) light walls, geodesic domes were developed in the 20th century by American engineer and architect R. Buckminster Fuller, and were used for arenas. Smaller incarnations have evolved into a ‘future-proof’ form of modern housing: domes are able to withstand harsh elements due to the stability provided by the durable materials of their construction and their large surface area to volume ratio (which helps minimize wind impact and prevents the structure from collapsing). As housing, they’re also hugely energy efficient – their curved shape helps to conserve heat and reduce energy costs, making them less susceptible to temperature changes outside. The ample light let in by their panels further reduces the need for artificial power. 

Due to their low environmental impact, they’re an ideal sustainable travel choice. Of course, Tom’s Creek Nature Domes’ owner-operators, Cardia and Lee Forsyth, know all this, which is why they have set up their one-of-a-kind Nature Domes experience for the modern traveller. It’s also no surprise to learn that owner Lee is an electrical engineer—experienced in renewable energy—and that he designed the whole set-up. As well as the off-grid power supply, rainwater tanks are used, and the outdoor hot tub is heated by a wood fire—your campfire heats up your tub water via a large metal coil. Like most places in regional Australia, the nights get cold – but rather than blast a heater, the Domes provide you with hot water bottles, warm blankets, lush robes and heavy curtains to ward off the chill.

nature domes port macquarie
Photo: Nature Domes

You’ll need to be self-sufficient during your stay at the Domes, bringing your own food. Support local businesses and stock up in the town of Wauchope on your drive-in (and grab some pastries and coffee at Baked Culture while you’re at it). There’s a stovetop, fridge (stocked as per a mini bar), BBQs, lanterns and mozzie coils, and you can even order DIY S’More packs for fireside fun. The interiors of the Domes have a cosy, stylish fit-out, with a modern bathroom (and a proper flushing toilet—none of that drop bush toilet stuff). As there’s no mobile reception, pack a good book or make the most of treasures that lie waiting to be discovered at every turn: a bed chest full of board games, a cupboard crammed with retro DVDs, a stargazing telescope (the skies are ablaze come night time). Many of these activities are ideal for couples, but there’s plenty on offer for solo travellers, such as yoga mats, locally-made face masks and bath bombs for hot tub soaks. 

It’s these thoughtful human touches that reinforce the benefit of making a responsible travel choice by booking local and giving your money to a tourism operator in the Greater Port Macquarie Region, such as Tom’s Creek Nature Domes. The owners are still working on the property following the setbacks of COVID-19, and flooding in the region —a new series of Domes designed with families and groups in mind is under construction, along with an open-air, barn-style dining hall and garden stage. Once ready, the venue will be ideal for wedding celebrations, with wedding parties able to book out the property. They’ve already got one couple—who honeymooned at the Domes—ready and waiting. Just need to train up the llamas for ring-bearer duties! 

An abundance of favourite moments come to mind from my two-night stay at Tom’s Creek: sipping champagne and gourmet picnicking at the top of a hill on a giant swing under a tree, with a bird’s eye view of the entire property (the ‘Mountain Top picnic’ is a must-do activity add on during your stay), lying on a deckchair at night wrapped in a blanket gazing up at starry constellations and eating hot melted marshmallows, to revelling in the joys of travellers before me, scrawled on notes in a jar of wishes left by the telescope (you’re encouraged to write your own to add to the jar). But I’ll leave you with a gratitude journal entry I made while staying there. I will preface this by saying that I don’t actually keep a gratitude journal, but Tom’s Creek Nature Domes is just the kind of place that makes you want to start one. And so, waking up on my second morning at Tom’s —lacking any 4G bars to facilitate my bad habit of a morning Instagram scroll—I finally opened up a notebook and made my first journal entry:

‘I am grateful to wake up after a deep sleep and breathe in the biggest breaths of this clean air, purified by nature and scented with eucalyptus and rain. I am grateful for this steaming hot coffee brewed on a fire. I feel accomplished at having made myself. I am grateful for the skittish sheep that made me laugh as I enjoyed a long nature walk at dawn and the animated billy goats and friendly llamas overlooking my shoulder as I write this: agreeable company for any solo traveller. I’m grateful for total peace, absolute stillness.” 

Off-grid holiday status: unlocked.

Where: Tom’s Creek Nature Domes, Port Macquarie, 2001 Toms Creek Rd
Price: $450 per night, book at the Natura Domes website.

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