Brains
Who doesn’t love finishing that last run of the day, unbuckling their boots, and walking straight into a soothing hot tub, a slopeside restaurant, or favorite après spot? No hauling skis back to the parking lot, then sitting in brutal 4 p.m. traffic just to get a hot meal and a cold beer.
Nothing beats a walkable village with slopeside amenities to unwind after a long day on the mountain. Below are some resorts with the most convenient, unique, and downright fun ski villages.
Mont Tremblant, Canada (Quebec)
Eastern Canada may not be at the top of every skier’s bucket list for a destination trip, but Quebec’s Mont Tremblant may change a lot of naysayers’ minds. The resort has a ton to offer beyond its regionally premium slopes. Tremblant’s European-style pedestrian village offers endless year-round entertainment and a unique feel. With narrow cobblestone walkways filled with street performers and colorful buildings housing bars, French cafés, boutiques, and ski-in ski-out lodging, the car-free village offers an après experience that could trick you into believing you’ve taken a wrong turn to the Alps.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
While Zermatt may be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of car-free Swiss ski villages, the lesser-known Saas-Fee may be even more deserving of a visit. The town, perched high above the Saastal valley, offers a completely car-free experience. Small streets filled with authentic wooden houses, coffee shops, and bakeries will have you feeling like you’re living in an alpine postcard. With endless promenades to lose yourself in and gorgeous views of numerous 4,000-meter peaks dotted with countless glaciers, Saas-Fee is something you have to see to believe.
Nozawa Onsen, Japan
Built hundreds of years ago as a traditional Japanese hot spring destination, Nozawa Onsen was designed centuries before cars were even a concept. Accordingly, the village was built with strictly foot traffic in mind. Narrow, winding streets and compact buildings surround 13 free, community-run bathhouses, which form the town’s original foundation. As skiing began to take off in the early 1900s, the industry did not reshape the village; instead, the winter activity was seen as an addition to the existing hot spring experience. As such, Nozawa Onsen has retained its traditional, tight-knit feel and offers a uniquely Japanese experience.
- Related: The 7 Largest Ski Resorts in Japan
Avoriaz, France
Founded in the 1960s, Avoriaz was designed from the start to be completely car-free. Streets in town go unplowed, intentionally turning them into pseudo-ski slopes during the winter months. There is no true base area where you unclip and start walking, as the entire village seamlessly integrates into the hill. Because no space is taken up by parking lots or massive car-oriented streets, the entire resort feels incredibly compact and accessible. While dealing with things such as luggage or transportation across town may sound like a nightmare without cars, Avoriaz has an incredible solution: horses! Horse-drawn sleighs are used to transport materials for resorts and serve as taxis around town. The sound of bells and hooves on snow soothingly complements Avoriaz’s unique charm.
Obertauern, Austria
Central Austria’s Obertauern is perfect for powderhounds looking for great après. With over 100 km of piste, a lively ski-in ski-out village, and some of the highest snowfall in Europe, Obertauern has plenty to offer both on and off the slopes. In Obertauern, you’ll likely move exclusively on foot (or on your skis) between bars, restaurants, and hotels. Despite offering great skiing and après, Obertauern is less popular among international tourists than other, more well-known Austrian resorts; so if you want to hit slopeside bars with locals in classic European style, this may be the perfect spot.
Snow King, USA (Wyoming)
I’d venture to guess that those taking a ski trip to Jackson Hole aren’t necessarily coming to ski Snow King, and locals might be happy about that. What the hidden gem lacks in eye-popping ski statistics (vertical, snowfall, skiable acres, etc.), it certainly makes up for in convenience. Snow King soars dramatically upward right from downtown Jackson, sitting just a few minutes’ walk from area classics such as the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and Snake River Brewery. A ski resort situated right in the middle of a town is certainly a sight to behold, and may be worth a visit next time you’re in the area.
Chamois, Italy
Those looking for a low-key, very authentic Italian ski experience should turn their attention to Chamois. The small village, located just miles down the valley from the Cervinia–Zermatt mega-ski complex, offers a much quieter vibe than its better-known neighbors. There are no roads to the town in the winter, and the only access to the alpine hamlet is via cable car. With under 100 residents, Chamois offers a rustic experience, complete with stone buildings, no cars, and virtually no crowds—perfect for those seeking a relaxing trip. If you’re seeking disconnection from the modern world and don’t mind a small resort with a laid-back vibe, Chamois might be for you.
Whether you’re chasing convenience, charm, or a true escape from the modern world, these ski villages prove that sometimes the best part of the day begins after the last run.
