Focusing on small ski towns with about 11,000 people or fewer, these destinations are filled with tons of charm. And what’s best, they celebrate winter with festivals and events as well as a host of fun things to do outdoors.

Try these pint-sized towns with big-time mountain access for secluded slopes. From upscale shopping to Olympic-caliber slopes, major ski towns like Park City and Vail have plenty to offer....

Forget the crowded slopes and sky-high lift tickets of mega-resorts. This winter, escape to the quiet charm and untamed terrain of smaller ski resorts. These hidden gems have something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping steeps and tree runs to gentle cruisers and family-friendly activities.

From famed Rocky Mountain communities to the most charming winter retreats in the Northeast, we've rounded up the best ski towns in the U.S. Hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on this...