10 Ski Towns to Visit Even If You Don't Ski

So, you're not a two-planker or a snowboard shredder. You'd rather not rip down triple black diamonds or gear up for a day in the park, and heaven forbid you have to ride up a chairlift. That's OK. There's still plenty of fun to be had in ski towns around the U.S.

These 10 mountain destinations from New Hampshire to New Mexico cater not just to skiers and snowboarders but also to people just looking for a winter fix, whether that looks like low-key snowshoeing or spa treatments and killer après. Pack your sweaters and get excited for some of these ski towns ideal for non-skiers.

Windham, New York

Up for snowshoeing, winter hiking, and sipping superb vino? Off to the Great Northern Catskills you go. Power up with s'mores pancakes or a Catskill omelet made with herbs from the garden at the Catskill Mountain Country Store before hiking in Elm Ridge Wild Forest. Alternatively, a stroll along the Windham Path is a little more low-key and provides awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks. There's also tubing at Windham Mountain if you're feeling more adventurous.

When you aren't exploring the winter wonderland that is Windham, treat yourself to a massage or facial at Alpine Spa and sample the local culinary scene with stops at The Windham Local and Millrock Restaurant. For a tipple, head to Ze Windham Wine Bar or The Vineyard at Windham.

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

While other Aspen visitors are out skiing in the cold, indulge in some pampering at Viewline Resort Snowmass' Lupine Spa or have a warm beverage inside The Gant's rooftop glass igloo, the Golden Globe. If you feel like partaking in wintry outdoor activities, you can go snowshoeing or take a ride on a fat bike. Viewline Resort even offers snow biking lessons. Hop aboard the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, which winds through the snowy forest at speeds of up to 28 mph. Riders control the brakes, so you could also take a leisurely, scenic ride if that's more your speed.

Once you're worked up an appetite, savor the locally reared beef brisket at nearby Slow Groovin' BBQ. There are also s'mores carts that look like giant marshmallows often parked at Snowmass Base Village and on Snowmass Mall.

Beech Mountain, North Carolina

There's much to savor in the highest town in the Eastern U.S. If snow tubing, snowshoeing, and frosty jaunts on Beech Mountain's almost 30 miles of trails aren't for you, then embark on the Avery County Barn Quilt Trail in your warm and cozy car. You'll get a taste of Appalachian culture through painted or metal quilt squares installed around Beech Mountain. You're going to want to stop at Fred's General Mercantile for its prized pastries (our vote: the cinnamon roll). At the end of the day, celebrate with craft beer at Beech Mountain Brewing Co.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Ski-free winter activities run the gamut in Breckenridge. Between sleigh rides, dog sledding, fat biking, winter fly-fishing, and wandering along a snow-laden historic Main Street, this town has something for everyone. There's no shortage of places to warm up with an adult beverage, from Broken Compass Brewing Company's Main Street taproom to Breckenridge Distillery's interactive spirits lab. For a few bites to go with your suds, Tin Plate makes mean pizzas, and the attached Dynamite Cookies does beer and cookie pairings, too. When you're not drinking and eating, you can watch an indie film (or a blockbuster, if that's more your style) at The Eclipse Theater.

Waterville Valley, New Hampshire

White Mountain Athletic Club is a great place to spend a day if you aren't into shredding the slopes at Waterville Valley Resort. There are multiple heated pools, saunas, and steam rooms to keep you warm on a winter's day, plus you can get a massage and dine on site at Coyote Grill. Outside, you can explore the White Mountains on snowshoes or a fat bike. The Waterville Valley Clubhouse also has tubing.

While you're in the area, it's worth venturing to nearby North Woodstock for Ice Castles, which features frozen displays, ice slides and tunnels, sleigh rides, a forest light walk, and the Polar Pub.

Kalispell, Montana

Montana is a winter wonderland wherever you go, but there's no better place to experience its magic sans skiing than in Kalispell. As a gateway town to Glacier National Park, it's the ideal spot to find a little excitement and see the alpenglow, an optical phenomenon that creates a peach-purple hue illuminating the horizon and mountains at sunset. Check out Lake McDonald or Kalispell's own Lone Pine State Park for the best view.

Travelers looking for a little more action can also head to the nearby Flathead Lake to try their hand at winter kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling. And, no winter visit to Kalispell is complete without a post-trek spread at Bonelli's Bistro, where the Eggplant Parmigiana Palermo is pure amore.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is packed with art and museums to keep the culture hounds of the group happy. Some of the best are the House of Eternal Return by Meow Wolf, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, the contemporary Site Santa Fe museum and "art space," the Museum Of International Folk Art, and the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. Be sure to check out some of the 250 galleries around the city, too.

For something a little different, go for a ride on the Sky Railway, which travels the historic route between Santa Fe and Lamy. The train ride comes with live entertainment, music, and food and beverages aboard.

Thomas and Davis, West Virginia

The neighboring towns of Thomas and Davis provide plenty of slopeside adventure without the need for skis. Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis offers breathtaking views of frozen waterfalls and endless vistas. The park is also home to the East Coast's longest sled run, as well as 20 miles of well-groomed trails, a lodge, and cabins. After your outing, enjoy a handcrafted brew at Stumptown Ales in town.

Speaking of handcrafted brews, the nearby former coal-mining town of Thomas is a bit of a secret hipster enclave. This will probably be apparent when you walk into the rustic taproom and music hall of Mountain State Brewing Company or see a show at the hybrid café-bar-music venue Purple Fiddle.

Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is home to not just one of the best ski resorts in the country but also Bridger-Teton National Forest, which offers plenty of alternative winter fun. Take a dip in the natural hot springs, which boast awe-inspiring views of the surrounding granite cliffs and giant canyons. The catch is that the springs are accessible only by snowmobile, skis, dog sled, or fat bike, so consider booking the Teton Tour Company's snowmobile tour.

After a day of adventure, check into the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole. Relaxing amenities include a spa and a year-round heated outdoor pool. Once revived, take advantage of resort-organized activities from guided wildlife expeditions and dog sledding to a sleigh ride to the National Elk Refuge. Another lodging option is the only hotel on Jackson's Town Square, The Cloudveil, whose concierges can set you up with similar activities.

Big Sky, Montana

Whether you spend your time in Big Sky snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or enjoying the scenery on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, you're sure to have a blast in the white wilderness of rural Montana. Stay on the outskirts of Yellowstone Park at Lone Mountain Ranch, which dates back to 1915. Dog sledding and winter fly-fishing are fun things to do here.

Don't forget to add the Crail Ranch Homestead Museum to your to-do list. This place tells the story of some of Big Sky's first ranchers, the Crails, who worked the land for half a century before a news anchor purchased it and began what would become Big Sky. You'll go home with plenty of interesting factoids for trivia night.