By Priyanka Roshan | July 18, 2025
As travelers escape urban life, mountain towns are rising as top destinations for 2025. Offering culture, adventure, and tranquility, these eleven locales—from the Andes to the High Atlas—showcase diverse and captivating mountain retreats.
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Set beside Laguna del Inca, Portillo captivates skiers with its vivid alpine scenery and intimate atmosphere, offering pristine slopes and Andean tranquility away from the crowds during the winter season.
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Nestled in the Dolomites, Cortina combines dramatic limestone peaks with elegant alpine charm. Famed for skiing and the 2026 Winter Olympics, it also offers hiking and cultural experiences throughout summer.
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A serene village at Mount Toubkal’s base, Imlil invites trekkers to explore Berber culture and rugged High Atlas landscapes, blending traditional hospitality with challenging mountain adventures in a remote setting.
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Historic mining heritage meets vibrant arts in Telluride. This remote town offers exceptional skiing, summer festivals, and dramatic San Juan Mountain vistas, accessed via scenic gondola linking to Mountain Village.
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Internationally acclaimed for its powder snow, Niseko blends top-tier skiing with soothing hot springs. Summer unveils tranquil trails through lush forests, providing diverse seasonal appeal on Japan’s northernmost island.
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Dominated by the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt charms with luxury, extensive ski terrain, and a car-free village atmosphere. Scenic rail journeys and glacier hikes enhance its status as an alpine jewel.
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A tranquil alternative to Queenstown, Wanaka boasts pristine lakes, majestic mountain views, and outdoor pursuits year-round. Its relaxed pace and natural beauty attract those seeking solitude amid New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
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Banff enchants with turquoise lakes, rugged peaks, and accessible wilderness. Its national park offers hiking, skiing, and rejuvenating hot springs, all framed by quintessential Canadian Rockies grandeur and vibrant town life.
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An affordable European skiing hotspot, Bansko pairs extensive slopes with a charming old town and thermal spas. Summer brings hiking in Pirin National Park, making it an appealing year-round mountain destination.
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High on the Ladakhi plateau, Leh merges Buddhist culture with Himalayan austerity. It serves as a gateway to ancient monasteries, treacherous mountain passes, and immersive trekking, appealing to adventurous, culturally minded travellers.
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Bariloche evokes Alpine charm with Swiss-inspired architecture, lakes, and forests. Known for winter skiing and summer hiking, it offers rich culinary traditions and gateway access to Nahuel Huapi National Park’s natural wonders.
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