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- Written by: Mike Walker & Sophie Nicholson
Anyone who's into adventure sports has thought about it. The dream of moving to the mountains, and living in a place where you can jump on your bike, grab your walking boots or, in winter, your skis, and head straight out into the hills after work.
The problem, of course, is that employment opportunities are often limited in the mountains. If you're a bar-tender, a hotel manager or a snowboard instructor, great. If you're an PR professional, an electrician, a quantity surveyor, or well, almost anything else, then it's probably less easy. Unless you fancy jacking it in and opting for a complete change of career, jobs in ski resorts themselves can be hard to come by.
But that doesn't mean the dream has to die completely - after all, there are plenty of mountain towns and even mountain cities around the world within spitting distance of the hills that are big enough to need a full range of professions - from lawyers and plumbers to physios and wedding planners, and everything else in-between.
"All of these have a permanent, year-round population of 10,000 or more, and all offer incredible opportunities for those who want to live adventurously all year round"
Here is a selection of our favourite mountain towns. All of these have a permanent, year-round population of 10,000 or more, and all offer incredible opportunities for those who want to live adventurously all year round. If you're not looking for a complete lifestyle change, you can carry on reading too, as these are still excellent places to go on holiday. But be warned: you might just fall in love with one of these amazing mountain towns... and end up packing your bags.
Fort William, Scotland
Still one of our favourite mountain towns anywhere in the world, Fort William proudly bills itself as 'The Outdoor Capital of the UK', and with good reason. Situated at the southern end of the Great Glen on the shores of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil, there's enough to keep kayakers and sailors happy for starters. But it’s the huge mass of Ben Nevis here that’s the star attraction.
The various corries and couloirs of the Scotland's highest peak offer world-class climbing year-round. If it's skiing or snowboarding you're into, then the lifts of Nevis Range is right on your doorstep, and if that’s not enough, there are the wild mountains of Glencoe just to the south. Lift-access terrain may be limited compared to international destinations, but if you're prepared to go ski touring, the possibilities are endless. Fort William is also rightly famous for its mountain biking, with the best-attended event of the World Cup downhill calendar regularly here, and the hiking around here is unparalleled in the UK.
Of course, this being the Scottish Highlands, the weather isn't always ideal for outdoor pursuits. Snow coverage is often patchy in winter, and the changeable conditions can make it tough to plan expeditions at any time of year. But if you can hack it here, you can hack it anywhere. As experienced climbers are fond of saying, "the Himalayas are good training for Scotland"....
For those considering a longer-term move, Fort William is one of the best mountain towns to live in for active types, with everything from hiking and trail running to sailing and skiing just outside your front door. The best mountain towns often offer the ideal balance between adventure and community, and Fort William is no exception, boasting both a vibrant local social scene and endless activities to explore nearby. Whether you’re looking for world-class climbing or a basecamp for your next adventure holiday, it truly is one of the coolest mountain towns you can find in the UK.
Lugano, Switzerland
Located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, Lugano looks and feels in many ways like a classic, Swiss regional capital. Ancient town centre full of medieval architecture? Check. Stunning location on the border of a beautiful lake? Check. Easy access to the surrounding mountains? Check. Look a little closer, however, and you'll find a few things that make this mountain city of 60,000 people stand out.
For starters, it's got a burgeoning fashion industry, thanks to the presence of the European Headquarters of one of the world's largest clothing brand conglomerates. VFC Corporation owns such household names as Vans, The North Face, Smartwool and Icebreaker, so there's a pretty cool and creative outdoor vibe here.
More recently, Lugano has also become a somewhat unlikely hub for the cryptocurrency industry. Building on Switzerland's history of financial innovation, the municipal authorities have declared that certain tokens, including Bitcoin and Tether (the latter of which was launched by a Lugano-based company) can be accepted as legal tender. They've invested in blockchain development, and the city now hosts several annual Crypto conferences each year. All of which means that there are employment opportunities here that you won't find in many mountain towns.
For those looking for an active lifestyle, Lugano is one of the best mountain cities in Europe to blend adventure with urban life. The city offers easy access to skiing, hiking, and mountain biking in some of the Alps' most picturesque spots. Small ski resorts like Airolo are easily accessible from Lugano while the big-time powerhouse powder resort of Andermatt is reachable by train in just a couple of hours.
"Lugano is an uber-cool mountain town to base yourself if you want to combine fresh air with a whole lotta funky fun"
After a hard day of exploring, the cool mountain town of Lugano transforms into a foodie haven, with trendy restaurants offering everything from classic Italian and Swiss fare to innovative international cuisine, making it the perfect place to refuel, rehydrate - and indulge! Top tip - if you're looking for a relaxed and friendly place to eat on the waterfront, Restaurant La Cucina di Alice is the place to go. Trendy yet chilled, the food is amazing (hello Matcha green tea tagliatelle!) and the views are to die for...
If you're considering relocating, Lugano is one of the best mountain towns to live in for those seeking both a high quality of life and the opportunity to work in finance, fashion, or tech. Thanks to its growing international business presence and proximity to the mountains, this is an uber-cool mountain town to base yourself if you want to combine fresh air with a whole lotta funky fun.
Nelson, British Columbia
Most people would probably expect Whistler to get the vote as Canada’s top mountain town, but Nelson, a few hours' drive further into the interior, is more eclectic, more authentic, and considerably cheaper when it comes to the cost of living (or, indeed, visiting).
Nelson is in the Rockies, as opposed to the Coastal Range, which means that while the snow falls less frequently than in Whistler, when it does, it tends to be lighter and fluffier. The town’s satellite ski resort, Whitewater, boasts some of the best powder in BC, and on the rare occasions when the off-piste there isn't great, there are countless other ski hills nearby, and around 20 local cat-skiing and heli-skiing operations to explore. This all makes Nelson one of the best mountain towns on the planet for skiers and snowboarders looking for an authentic and more affordable powder experience.
In summer, the local mountains and forests have top-notch mountain biking and hiking trails. There's plenty of wildlife including grizzlies and elk, and when the mercury rises you can cool off with a dip or a paddle in Kootenay Lake. The continental climate here means that average highs are 28 degrees C in June, July and August, making swimming glorious, even if the water itself is ice cold.
Afterwards head into town and sample the great mix of bars, restaurants and live music, arts and theatre. There's a shed load of amazing coffee shops to visit in Nelson, including Oso Negro Coffee - aka Nelson's informal community centre where you'll find locals and visitors all getting caffeinated together. Famously, Nelson was one of the favourite hangouts of American draft dodgers during the Vietnam war, and a healthy dose of that laid-back, hippie vibe still lingers. This vibrant culture gives Nelson its unique character, making it one of the world's coolest mountain towns to live in - or just visit. It's laidback, adventurous and has a real sense of community - aka the perfect mountain destination!
Bozeman, Montana
The university town of Bozeman is a funky little spot with superb outdoor activities right on the doorstep that regularly tops polls of the most liveable towns in America.
In winter, the small local ski hill Bridger Bowl - one of the Best Ski Towns in the World - offers superb and often very challenging powder skiing, while an hour or so south is Big Sky, the largest ski resort in the USA. A further 45 minutes south and you’re in Yellowstone National Park, home to breathtaking wilderness and some of the most iconic scenery in North America.
In summer, there is plenty of great hiking and biking (both road and mountain) and even the fly fishing on the nearby Gallatin River is world-class – it was the location for the film A River Runs Through It. You can also go rafting and kayaking here on the Yellowstone and Madison rivers, making Bozeman of the coolest mountain towns in the USA for anyone looking to combine water and land-based adventures.
"Bozeman is one of the coolest mountain towns for anyone looking to combine water and land-based adventures"
Bozeman is also the ultimate basecamp for fans of the epic hit series, Yellowstone. Filmed right here in the surrounding area, Yellowstone showcases some of the most jaw-dropping scenery and the Montana cowboy dream. So, if you’ve ever wanted to walk in the footsteps of the Duttons and soak in the real-life backdrop of your favourite scenes, Bozeman’s got you covered, all while offering epic outdoor adventures that are way more exciting than a trip to the TV set!
With a permanent population of just under 50,000 people, the town itself is small enough to be manageable, but large enough to have every conceivable amenity. It's home to several sizeable outdoor companies, including Simms Fishing Products and the excellent Oboz Footwear. There's also an ever-growing tech sector here, and, inevitably, an amazing selection of coffee roasteries and microbreweries, giving Bozeman one of the best mountain town vibes around.
San Sebastian, Spain
Located on the rugged coast of northern Spain, just a stone's throw away from the peaks of the Pyrenees, and surrounded by lush green countryside that has more in common with the Pacific Northwest than the arid central Iberian plain, San Sebastian is an outdoor sports lovers' paradise.
You can do it all here, from skiing in winter, to hiking, mountain biking and road cycling in summer. Oh, and did we mention the city boasts a stunning beach with a world-class surf break just a few hundred metres from downtown? There's not many mountain towns that offer easy access to surfing to their residents and visitors so that's a massive draw! Whether you're paddling in the waves or pedalling up mountains, San Sebastián just offers so much variety for active and adventure-loving folks.
It's not just the outdoors here that's great, either. Famously one of the most foodie cities in the world, San Sebastián boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than you can shake a gastronomic-shaped stick at, as well as amazing museums and theatres. As part of the Basque Autonomous Region, it's also home to a unique culture that's really different from the rest of Spain - all of which helps make it a truly special place.
This blend of adventure, culture, gastronomy - and epic weather - makes San Sebastián one of the best mountain towns on the planet for folks looking for the best of all worlds.
Trento, Italy
Tucked away in a steep-sided valley in the Dolomites, the regional capital of Trentino is one of Italy's most liveable mountain cities. It's large enough to boast every conceivable amenity, and industrialised enough to offer plenty of employment opportunities (not a given in Italy).
At the same time, it's still small enough and rural enough to make getting out into the nearby mountains easy. Public transport is clean, green and efficient, and the air quality is impressively pure for a city of 120,000 people.
There are two small ski resorts within a half hour drive of the city centre - Monte Bondone and Andalo - and a whole host of larger ones that you can get to inside an hour and a half, including Passo Tonale, which boasts some of the country's highest lift-accessed terrain, and world-class ski touring. In summer, these resorts and more throw their lifts open for mountain bikers, and the hiking is world class.
Trento offers a fantastic base for anyone looking to explore the best mountain destinations in the Dolomites, whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, trail running, via ferrata or simply marvelling at the incredible alpine wildflowers. It really is one of the best mountain towns for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a year-round vibe.
It goes without saying that the pasta, pizza and wines you'll find in Trento and the surrounding area are incredible - this is Italy, after all. But the city has also begun embracing less traditional food and wine too. There's an artisanal gin distillery here, and several microbreweries, making it a must-visit for foodies looking to explore one of the coolest towns in Italy.
Chamonix, France
Perhaps the most famous mountain town in the world, Chamonix is where it all started. The whole idea of mountain sports essentially evolved here, after Europe's young nobles began including what was then a small farming village as part of the Grand Tour in the 1700s, drawn by the dramatic seracs and crevasses of the Mer de Glace.
Climbing, mountaineering, alpine skiing - all of these activities that we love essentially owe their existence to this town at the foot of Mont Blanc. But despite the fact that people have been testing themselves in these mountains for more than 300 years, there are still new lines being ridden, and new routes being climbed every year. The mountains here are so epic, so steep and so stunning, that you could live here for an entire lifetime (as many people do) and never get bored.
The original mountain town itself is always buzzing with a mix of residents and visitors from all over the world. The bars and restaurants are excellent, running the gamut from traditional French brasseries serving steak tartare and red wine to vegan delis with craft beer on tap. The cost of living isn't as cheap as some of the mountain towns on this list - this is a ski resort after all - but when you can step out of your front door and walk to some of the most famous lifts in the world, it's hard to complain.
Wanaka, New Zealand
Located in New Zealand’s Southern Alps on the shores of the eponymous lake, this mountain town is the snowiest place in the country. With three ski areas – Cardrona Alpine Resort, Snow Farm and Treble Cone - nearby it's little wonder that Wanaka is considered to be one of the Best Ski Towns in the World.
Visit in the summer, and you’re even more spoilt for choice with unforgettable hiking terrain, great mountain biking, plenty of water-based action on the lake and local rivers and paragliding and skydiving all readily available.
The small town itself and its alluring collection of bars, restaurants, pubs and hostels is a great place to just hang out, surrounded as it is by spectacular mountain scenery. Queenstown, an hour to the South, may be larger, more famous, and arguably boasts better scenery and offers more outdoor activities. But if you want the real Kiwi deal, it's Wanaka you should head to. It's small, with a permanent population of around 10,000, but has a tight-knit, community charm that we believe makes it the coolest mountain town in New Zealand.
It's also one of the prettiest mountain towns in the world, with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Whether you’re here for the snow or the summer sunshine, Wanaka offers the perfect combo of life-affirming adventure and laid-back atmosphere.
Innsbruck, Austria
Until recently, Innsbruck was best-known to tourists as a gateway city - the kind of place you'd fly into before catching a transfer elsewhere to go skiing.
In recent years however, the municipal authorities have put a lot of effort into marketing it as a destination in its own right, crucially introducing a scheme which allows you to access all the 13 small ski resorts around the city on a single lift pass. For locals, this was merely an acknowledgement of something they already knew - that the skiing and snowboarding right on their doorstep is world class, making it one of the best mountain towns in the world for snowsports enthusiasts.
The introduction of the liftpass has definitely seen an uptick in the number of tourists staying in town during the winter, but thankfully it hasn't changed the vibe of this charming university town for the worse. If anything, the fact that the local museums and art galleries are included on the pass means that business is now booming year-round down in town, as well as up in the hills.
On the surface of it, Innsbruck looks like any other pretty Austrian alpine settlement (albeit on a larger scale) but don't be fooled. Beneath that chocolate box exterior there's a vibrant nightlife scene, with bang-on-trend bars and underground clubs that have earned it the nickname "Innsbrooklyn". "
Whether you’re after world-class skiing or a night out, Innsbruck combines the best of both, making it one of the coolest mountain towns in the Alps.
Boulder, Colorado
A few miles north-west of Denver, tucked a little closer into the foothills of the Rocky Mountain National Park, lies the idyllic town of Boulder.
Home to around 100,000 people, this small city regularly tops lists of the most liveable mountain towns in North America, and a 2017 survey by National Geographic named it "the happiest city in the US". These things are hard to quantify, obviously, but if Boulder's citizens are particularly cheerful, it's probably due to combination of unparalleled access to outdoor recreation and the buzzy atmosphere of the town.
In just a few hours drive from downtown you can reach several of the world's most famous ski resorts, including Vail, Breckenridge and Aspen, and there are countless other smaller hills closer by. In summer, there are amazing opportunities for mountain bikers, and an incredibly lively road biking scene. The hiking and running trails here are some of the best in the world - both for day hikes and long, multi-day itineraries - and it goes without saying that the climbing is incredible.
Down in the town itself, you'll find a world-renowned university and a main street that's packed with locally-owned businesses as opposed to chain stores. This is the kind of city where there's a craft brewery on every second block, as well as more bike shops than you can shake a mountain-shaped stick at. If you're looking for a city-sized base from which to explore the mountains, they don't come much better than Boulder.
Annecy, France
Hundreds of thousands of British tourists pass through Annecy every year on their way to the ski resorts of the Haute Savoie region, and although we have no scientific evidence to prove it, we reckon at least 50 per cent of them probably look out the windows as they drive through and think "I could live here".
With its picture postcard setting, clustered round one end of a steep-sided mountain lake, and beautiful historic centre, Annecy is one of the prettiest mountain cities in France - possibly, the world!. But it's the surrounding countryside that really makes this small mountain town so special.
There's an incredible range of outdoor activities right on the doorstep here - from stand-up paddleboarding on the lake in summer, to skiing in nearby La Clusaz in winter. Trail running, cycling, climbing, kayaking - Annecy has it all, so it's no surprise that outdoor industry giant Salomon has its global headquarters here, and the town is also home to countless smaller outdoor brands, including the ski gear manufacturer Eider.
With its combination of stunning scenery and access to world-class outdoor activities, it’s no surprise that Annecy is considered one of the best mountain towns for active adventures in the Alps.
Almaty, Kazakhstan
This might feel like an outlier on this list, but there are several good reasons for including it.
Firstly (and arguably most importantly, given we're looking at mountain towns here) Almaty's downtown is just 45 minutes drive from the nearest peaks of the Tien Shan, or Celestial Mountains. Effectively a sub-section of the Himalayas, this Central Asian range tops out at nearly 7,500m. The tallest peak in the group of mountains closest to Almaty is over 5,000m high - higher than Mont Blanc.
Second, Almaty is a bustling and increasingly cosmopolitan metropolis. Once a provincial Soviet backwater, it's now the biggest city in an oil-and-gas rich country that's one of the wealthiest and most open in the region. Over the past 30 years, as Kazakhstan has become steadily richer, arts and nightlife have flourished in Almaty. Politics is still pretty sclerotic (the anointed successor of the previous President for Life is pretty secure in the top job) but like the UAE, it's a great place to do business.
"If you're open to thinking outside the box, then Almaty is definitely worth a visit"
Third, the adventure infrastructure is increasingly impressive—from modern ski resorts and mountain bike trail centres, to well-organised ultra-marathons, Almaty has it all. Plus, it's one of the best places in the world to go road cycling, as the Grand Tour successes of the XDS-Astana team demonstrates.
Finally, it's really not as far away as you might think. There are regular flights from several UK airports, taking around five hours - less than it takes to fly to New York. Brits might know Kazakhstan best as the home of Borat, but that tired stereotype bears no relation to the reality of the place. If you're open to thinking outside the box, then Almaty is definitely worth a visit.
Whether you’re looking for a permanent change in pace of life or simply keen to explore somewhere new, these mountain towns have a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor adventures. From skiing and hiking to simply enjoying life in stunning surroundings with cool locals, each place has its own feel. Wherever you decide to go, these towns are guaranteed to get the feel-good vibes a'flowin' - they're places where the mountains are more than just a backdrop, but a way of life.
