Whitefish, Montana, is a more affordable, laid-back alternative to upscale ski towns like Aspen and Jackson Hole.

Its proximity to Glacier National Park provides year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, fishing, and scenic drives.

The town blends outdoor adventure with a cozy downtown, local dining, shopping, and new boutique accommodations.

Even though they're best known for their powder and snow, mountain towns across the American West are worthwhile year-round destinations with their quaint downtowns , alpine landscapes , and laidback atmospheres. Many have an upscale western vibe, where cowboy hats, fringe, and fur create a see-and-be-seen scene. For example, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has earned a reputation as a ritzy town, where skiing and outdoor adventures are of top priority—but lift tickets, hotels, and restaurants can be seriously pricey.…