#1 - Aspen

After a year that found many of us escaping to the great outdoors, it’s no surprise that Aspen tops this year’s list. It’s home to some of the best ski slopes in the United States—and some of the best resorts, too. The Little Nell is a popular choice for ski-in-ski-out; you can also stay at The St. Regis Aspen Resort, only a three-minute walk from the base of Aspen Mountain. If you’re more about the “après” than the “ski,” head to Meat and Cheese for the best charcuterie in town, or make a reservation at Matsuhisa Aspen, where chef Nobu Matsuhisa fuses Japanese cuisine and Peruvian ingredients. And if you've discounted the city as a summer destination, don’t: there's plenty to do here when it warms up, like hiking the Grottos Trail just east of town, or checking out the revolving contemporary art collection at the Aspen Art Museum.