Outside Women

The mountains are calling, and you must go… but where? If you’re thinking about moving to the mountains, you’re not alone, sis! Living in the mountains offers incredible year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure, including skiing, snowboarding, biking and hiking. Mountain towns and cities have a vibe that’s unique from other parts of the country. These communities have tremendous respect for the land and local wildlife and locals love to get out and explore the outdoors.

On this list you’ll find both small mountain towns and big mountain cities. Small towns inspire a rural mountain lifestyle totally removed from the city and easier access to trails, so you can enjoy the outdoor activities you love more often. For some women, the small population and remote location may feel too isolated if you’re moving to a new town alone. For others, it’s exactly the escape they’re seeking.

Big mountain cities offer more opportunities for jobs and building a network as you move to a new region. Access to these benefits may mean sacrificing some solitude of a small mountain town, but can also mean having the best of both worlds when you can hit the trail after work and enjoy a short drive to the mountain ski resort on the weekend.

Are you ready to move on from where you currently live and start a new life chapter living in the mountains? These are the best mountain towns and cities in America for women, according to ladies who love the outdoors.

Mammoth Lakes, California

Women skiers and snowboarders looking to move to a mountain town with a longer winter season can add Mammoth Lakes, California to their list of places to consider moving. While California may not seem like the most obvious choice to enjoy more snow, the ski season at Mammoth Lakes can last as late as July! Mammoth Ski Resort is right in town and June Mountain is only 27 minutes away.

Experiencing big nature is easy living in Mammoth Lakes. With Yosemite National Park under an hour away, the location is a total dream for hikers and climbers. Housing can be expensive for residents earning their paycheck in town, however the community aspect in there, as Mammoth has a strong community of people who love the outdoors.

Whitefish, Montana

Women looking to move to the mountains should sneak a peek at Whitefish, Montana. The town has incredibly gorgeous natural landscape and unbeatable outdoor recreation. Skiers and snowboarders have Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort in their backyard with 3,000 acres and 111 trails.

Residents of Whitefish enjoy engaging with their local community, which can feel welcoming if you’re new to town and make it easier to meet new friends who share outdoor interests. Glacier National Park is close by with incredible hiking trails that are totally immersed in wilderness and wildlife. For water lovers, Whitefish River runs for 24 miles with opportunities for rafting, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont can feel a world away from the busy city, which is why it attracted a new population of hippies to the area in the 70s. Today, Stowe is still a hub for artists and music lovers, with craft workshops and festivals to enjoy. It’s a very small mountain town, with a population of fewer than 1,000 people, but tourists add to the number of people.

Vermont offers four seasons, including a breathtaking fall season with the changing colors of the leaves. Skiers and snowboarders love the consistent snowfall in Stowe and have two peaks to explore at Stowe Mountain Resort: Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield. This New England mountain lifestyle option can be a breath of fresh air for women who have been living in big cities for a while and are looking to escape the stressors of big cities.

Asheville, North Carolina

If you love both art and the mountains consider moving to Asheville, North Carolina. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city has plenty of gorgeous waterfall hikes to explore, as well as mountain biking trails and paved routes for road biking.

Asheville has a bucket list of national and state parks within striking distance, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest, and Chimney Rock State Park. There is an off-roading culture in Asheville to join if you drive a Jeep, side-by-side or ATV. Skiers and snowboarders have four ski resorts nearby; Hatley Point Mountain Resort, Sapphire Valley Ski Resort, Beech Mountain Resort and Cataloochee Ski Area.

Glacier, Washington

If you’re looking for a tiny mountain town in the Pacific Northwest, skiers and snowboarders tend to fall in love with Glacier, Washington. Reddit user Cultural-Alarm-6422 shared, “I went to Mt. Baker a while back and still dream of the pow.” Located in the North Cascades, close to the Canadian border and within close proximity to Mt. Baker, Glacier attracts a community of outdoor enthusiasts with skiing and snowboarding, hiking and trail running, and mountain biking right in your backyard.

Living in the town of Glacier, you must be okay with small town vibes and lots of snow. Glacier has a micro population of around 300 people and Mt. Baker averages around 600 inches of snowfall each winter season.

Truckee, California

Reddit user Low_Performer_1809 shared, “I lived in Tahoe for ten years… DO IT!! Everyone there loves it! and I MISS IT!!” Truckee, California is on the north side of Lake Tahoe and has a population of around 17,000 people. The picturesque mountain town features historic buildings and restaurants, and can be very, very cold. It’s weird to think that the coldest place in the U.S. is in California, but it’s true! Truckee is often named the coldest location in America for several days each year.

Lake Tahoe has a strong community of outdoor enthusiasts, making it easy to find local people with shared interests. Truckee isn’t the most affordable mountain town to live in, but its natural beauty and quick drive to 15 ski resorts, including Palisades, make the unique mountain lifestyle in Truckee one to remember.

Bend, Oregon

The state of Oregon is full of incredible mountains and rivers to explore, and coastline and desert, too! Bend, Oregon has a population of around 100,000 people, making it smaller than a big city, while still offering lots of opportunity when it comes to securing a job in outdoor recreation.

Reddit user cestlavie451 recommended Bend, Oregon for women who love skiing and snowboarding. She shared, “Bend is super rad. Great community and amazing resort. It’s busy but if you can avoid weekends then you’ll be in better shape.”

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Women looking for a picturesque small mountain town with a strong community vibe may want to consider moving to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. With a population of 13,000 you’re bound to see recognizable faces around town, providing an opportunity to get to know people. This can be a refreshing change for women who feel overwhelmed and disconnected living in big cities. Affectionately called “The Boat” by locals, Steamboat Springs has a combination of hiking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, gorgeous mountain views and wildlife to make your mountain lifestyle dreams come true.

Access to the mountains is easy breezy and the local ski resort is top notch! Steamboat Ski Resort has plenty of runs, events, and that light and dry snow that Colorado is known for. Residents can explore snowshoeing, night skiing, and hit the hot springs after a day on the hill. The Boat warms up in the summer for fun and relaxing river days at Yampa River, where you can kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard.

Bozeman, Montana

The secret is out about Bozeman, Montana – the city has been growing at a rapid pace, which comes with pros and cons, but for those coming from big cities, Bozeman will still feel small. It’s a great place to be for ladies who love hiking and trail running, with lots of trails to choose from, including longer and more difficult hiking trails that lead to epic views. Yellowstone National Park is also close by!

Bozeman is very dog friendly, and great for dogs who love exploring the outdoors, including local hiking trails and off-leash parks to take your pup. Winter likes to flex its muscles in Bozeman, with lots of snowfall and freezing temperatures. Luckily there are plenty of winter sports and activities to partake in. Residents head to Big Sky Resort and Bridger Bowl to ski and snowboard. You can also get into cross-country skiing and ice climbing, and warm up afterward at Bozeman Hot Springs.

Durango, Colorado

If you’re searching for a fun mountain community where you can find adventure and make new friends, put Durango, Colorado on your radar. Located in the Southwest section of Colorado, this mountain town attracts outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding. Rent is high, however, so you may need to have a higher paying job to live comfortably here.

In Durango, you can find trails like Animas Mountain Trail with epic views and the Animas River Trail for a calming escape into nature. Skiers and snowboarders can head to Purgatory Ski Resort in the San Juan Mountains in the winter and go back in the spring for mountain biking.

Spearfish, South Dakota

If you’re looking for a mountain town on a budget, consider Spearfish, South Dakota. The city is 8% less expense to live in than the national average, according to the Economic Research Institute, with the median home price being $587,333 in 2024, and the average one bedroom apartment renting for $1,000, according to Zillow.

Spearfish is attractive to outdoor enthusiasts for its proximity to Black Hills and Badlands, with over five million acres of forest and mountains to explore. Hike, mountain bike, or trail run around pristine mountain lakes and unique natural formations like Devils Tower. Spearfish is popular for mountain biking, cycling, and fat tire biking too. Crank up the adrenaline with snowmobiling and off roading – there’s no shortage of outdoor activities here!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If you love mountain views, the Tetons are hard to beat. Jackson Hole, Wyoming residents enjoy these these mountain peak views and so much more, with both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park just a couple of hours away. Jackson Hole sits in a valley at an average of 6,800 feet elevation and has epic skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Targhee Resort and Snow King Mountain. Adventure seekers can also book a heli-skiing trip!

During the warmer months, residents explore the Snake River by raft, kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard with unbeatable views of wilderness and wildlife. Living in Jackson Hole is expensive, however there is no state income tax in Wyoming, so at least you have that working in your favor.

Sedona, Arizona

If you’re looking for a high desert mountain town to call home, consider breathtaking Sedona, Arizona. Known for its iconic red rock formations, Sedona is a hub for hikers, mountain bikers and spirituality. With a small population of fewer than 10,000 residents, newcomers may find it easier to integrate with the local community more quickly than a big city.

Sedona gets snowfall in the winter and heats up in the summer, offering a four season experience for residents. The population is on the older side, but younger folks can find their tribe working in tourism, hospitality and the outdoor industries.

Park City, Utah

Skiing, snowboarding, biking and hiking – find it all in Park City, Utah. Much smaller than Salt Lake City, Park City offers a slower pace of life surrounded by natural beauty. Mountain bikers have high elevation and world class trails in Park City that help intermediate riders progress. The advanced trails challenge even the most experienced mountain bikers, providing never-ending opportunities to pursue your passion.

Skiers and snowboarders won’t get bored with 349 trails to explore at Park City Mountain Resort, spanning an incredible 7,300 acres. The light and dry snow in this part of the country is hard to beat! When you’re not staying active on the trails there’s always the stunning mountain backdrop to remind you that you’re in the mountains.

Telluride, Colorado

If you’re looking to meet a new group of outdoorsy female friends, Telluride, Colorado is worth discovering. The small mountain city of around 2,000 people is closely located to incredible hiking, skiing and hot springs, and more remote than other, more popular Colorado mountain towns. Here, you can enjoy a beautiful mountain backdrop from every angle and a walkable downtown.

Is living in Telluride expensive? Uh, yeah. For sure. But is it worth moving there? “Do it if you have the chance, you absolutely won’t regret it,” shared Reddit user Wonderful-Jello3199. Telluride residents warn, be prepared for long winters, but your best fur friend can help keep you warm in this dog-friendly city. Just be on the alert for wildlife while walking your dog, as reports of mountain lions are common in Telluride.

Taos, New Mexico

Ready to get out of the city and experience a small mountain town vibe in the West? Include Taos, New Mexico on your home search. Taos has a reputation for being a welcoming hub for artists who love the outdoors.

Skiers and snowboarders may fall in love with Taos, with four mountain ski resorts nearby: Angel Fire, Red River, Taos Ski Valley, and Sipapu. There are absolutely incredible views while hiking around Taos, making you wonder why you didn’t explore New Mexico sooner! There’s also an art and yoga scene for women looking to connect with an artistic and spiritual community in the mountains.

Hood River, Oregon

If a longer skiing and snowboarding season is what you’re seeking, consider Hood River, Oregon.

Reddit user ApolloJupiter shared, “There’s several resorts around Mt. Hood and that area is incredible in the summer. The town of Hood River is cool and has easy access to water sports on the Columbia [River], hiking and camping and is relatively close to the resorts at Mt. Hood. Bend is a fantastic town with year round outdoor recreation, though Mt. Bachelor is small.”

Boise, Idaho

Settled in the foothills of Boise National Forest, the city of Boise, Idaho is a great option for women seeking a mountain lifestyle while also tapping into the benefits of being in a city, like more socializing and job opportunities. Boise is a decent size, with around 250,000 residents, making it smaller than Denver but bigger than Whitefish. Here, rent is more reasonable compared to other mountain cities, but the city is growing and that could change.

You’ll absolutely love the options for exploring the outdoors here. Trinity Mountain, Pilot Peak, Shafer Butte, and Bogus Basin are all within close driving distance for skiing, snowboarding, hiking and mountain biking. In the summer you can find kayaking and whitewater rafting to keep your adrenaline pumping.

Salt Lake City, Utah

One of the most popular mountain cities that women recommend is Salt Lake City, or “SLC.” Women who love skiing and snowboarding praise SLC for its incredible variety of ski resorts and consistent snowfall. Reddit user hkinnn shared, “SLC has so many different ski resorts within an hour drive and the outdoor lifestyle can’t be beat. There’s a reason Utah claims ‘the greatest snow on earth’ the powder is unreal!”

The cost of living in SLC is 10% higher than the national average but job opportunities and wages make it possible in this growing city. During the summer months the hiking can’t be beat, with lots of mountains and canyons to explore.

What mountain towns and cities did we miss that you think women should know about? Let us know in the comments!