Prettiest town: Telluride, CO

Nestled in a box canyon, the perfectly preserved Western town is dwarfed by 13,000-foot peaks and Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall.

Slopes: The gondola at Telluride Ski Resort ($98) ascends right from town to the ridgetop, with the Mountain Village great for sweeping vistas and cruiser runs. The new above-treeline Revelation Bowl, however, is where to get jaw-dropping views.

Sleeps: At Mountain Village, the ski-in, ski-out Capella Telluride (from $295) combines stone-and-timber design with spectacular scenery—like sunset over Mt. Wilson and San Sophia Ridge from your balcony. In town, try the Old West–style New Sheridan Hotel (from $149).

Info: 6 miles from Telluride Regional Airport; visittelluride.com