The best US mountain resorts for all seasons

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Amara Resort; Whiteface Lodge; Alyssa Powell/Business Insider

• Whether you crave a skiing vacation, summer hiking trip, fall leaf-peeping, or just a breath of fresh alpine air, there's no better way to experience the great outdoors than at a mountain retreat.
• We rounded up the best year-round mountain escapes from coast to coast, from rustic lodges to luxe alpine hideaways, and modern boutique hotels surrounded by mystical red rock peaks.
• Our top hotels are five-star retreats, kid-friendly resorts, historic inns, and affordable accommodations ranging in price from $109 to $349 to start. They are well-rated, meticulously researched, and boast amenities like cozy fireplaces, heated outdoor pools, great dining, and easy access to outdoor activities.
• Read all Business Insider hotel reviews here.

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There's nothing quite like waking up to fresh mountain air and a glimpse of rugged peaks outside your window. America's finest mountain resorts offer a quiet retreat from bustling urban life with opportunities to explore the great outdoors any time of year.

You can find breathtaking sky-high locales all across the US. On the East Coast, discover vast wilderness within New York's Adirondacks, America's largest park at 6 million acres. In Vermont, explore the stunning Green Mountains and Stowe, home to the Von Trapp family of "The Sound of Music" fame. And the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina is home to the nearly 500-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway and gorgeous towns like Asheville, where the Vanderbilts built their grand Biltmore Estate.

In the West, the rugged Colorado Rockies feature some of America's best skiing and posh resort towns like Aspen and Vail. In star-studded Sun Valley, Idaho, known as America's "First Destination Ski Resort," celebrities from Clark Gable to Bruce Willis have hit the slopes.

Of course, the mountains aren't just about skiing. The startling red rock formations of Sedona have lured New Agers and spiritual seekers who find healing powers in the mountains' energy vortexes.

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All of the aforementioned destinations also draw off-season crowds who enjoy spring, summer, and fall activities like hiking, mountain biking, and fishing, or for the simple pleasure of lounging with a drink and soaking up the beautiful scenery.

We've chosen our favorite mountain resorts in the US based on factors such as close proximity to nature, access to year-round outdoor activities, desirable vacation amenities, and exposure to architecture and history. Our choices range in price from $109 to $349 to start and were also selected based on personal travel experiences, as well as input from trusted traveler sites such as Trip Advisor and Booking.com. Rates for these hotels generally tend to be highest during the popular winter and summer seasons, so consider spring or fall for lower prices.