Ski Towns Where The Fall Foliage Is Almost Better Than The Snow

The air is cleaner and crisper, and the colors are brighter. If you are looking for some kind of a muse, visiting a park or a forest boasting awe-inspiring fall foliage is a must-do. The full color spectrum – from the burning red and orange to the bright yellow and green carpet of trees covering mountains – is only visible in the fall.

Anywhere in Vermont is a perfect place to see fall foliage, but the K-1 Gondola at the Killington ski resorts adds for a special experience. Fly through the stunning treetops and see some of the best colorful displays in all of New England. Late changing maples are just starting to turn red, but the forest canopy in the Killington basin area is dominated by the yellow and gold of birch and poplar trees, according to Vermont Fall Foliage reports.

The Adirondack Region boasts one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country. The range bursts into different shades of reds, orange, yellow and green. For a thrilling adventure, you can take a hot air balloon ride. Thanks to the stunning golden colors that contrast against the gleaming blue waters, New York's Finger Lakes region is considered one of the country's best spots for leaf-peeping. There are other exciting ways to see the fall foliage there, including whitewater rafting, biking, and even wine tours by boat.

Explore the mountain on foot or on a bike surrounded by tall golden trees. The gondola, which runs until the end of September, will take you as high as 11,000 feet. Imagine the majestic views of peaks and lakes from there. You won't be disappointed if you go later. The Eastern Sierra region has many rocky canyons with rushing brooks and is home to some  supreme fall colors. You get to choose among beautiful fall hikes to stunning hills and lakes.

This small charming city is right at the bottom of Big Mountain and Glacier National Park. The city is pretty much giant ski village with the Whitefish Mountain Resort being the go-to place for everyone. Paddle a kayak on Whitefish Lake for beautiful views of Big Mountain and the surrounding forest. For a change of scenery, visit the Santi World Art Museum to see bronze sculptures by the famous sculptor, Sunti, commemorating Native American chiefs and historic legends – a stunning display of art.

The aspen trees there are changing from green to gold and orange between mid-September and early October, making for a mountain valley that is bright and colorful. This is the best time to see astonishing fall foliage while hiking, biking, golfing, or even fishing. Hike to the iconic Maroon Bells, surrounded by pristine National Forest lands, for some of the best pictures of the splendor of fall leaves you can get on camera. Cathedral Lake, American Lake, Hunter Creek and Crater Lake are other popular leaf-viewing spots.

Visit Whistler and its surroundings for intense views of mountains, valleys and rivers that run through the wilderness. Fall is also the time to visit because of the many festivals. Go on a self-guided ArtWalk and see more than 40 venues with the works of talented local artists. Restaurants offer amazing dining specials. This is the season for adrenaline adventures like zip lining and horseback rides – rain or shine.

One of the best ways to see the colorful fall displays of the Georgian Bay is by zip lining. The village is also the place to be for delicious food and shopping extravaganza. Go on a short road trip and drive up Blue Mountain, starting from Collingwood. You can also go on a hike in the area. The trails are part of the Bruce Trail, Canada's oldest and longest footpath at almost 560 miles long.

Far more famous for its winter adventures, Park City is a gem in the fall, too. Take to the air on Park City's zip lines. Check out the mountains on bike or on foot. For mountain bikers, Park City's internationally-recognized trails are pure heaven and rock climbers will find their niche out in the Wasatch Mountains. The ski lift is one of the best spots for leaf-peeping. You can also do a high-speed descent though the fall colors via an alpine slide, one of the longest slides in the world.

West Virginia is not among the most popular places for skiers its parks and forests display the brilliance of fall colors. Try standup paddle boarding at Shavers Lake for an exceptional way to see them. You can also indulge in many different hiking trails, river sports, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

As the second largest ski resort in the U.S., Vail offers over 5,200 acres of terrain that attract passionate athletes from around the world. Pick a trail and enjoy the leaves for all that they are worth. Don't miss the 4-mile Booth Falls moderately trafficked hike.  In town, go to The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum/ Hall of Fame for a little history and background to help you appreciate the importance of snow sports.

Stowe is one of the most incredible mountain towns in the country. If you are looking for a low key getaway with some outdoor access, this charming place, situated in a valley between peaks of the Green Mountains, is your destination. Drive the back roads to Mount Mansfield for some gorgeous views and go on a canoe trip to Boyden Valley Winery. The sugar maples look stunning, covered in strong shades of gold, orange, and scarlet. They make the surrounding ranges look absolutely magical.

Did you know that it'll be free to visit Canada's national parks in 2017? Banff is the first in the country and third in the world. This alone is worth a trip. Hiking, biking and rock climbing are popular and people take advantage of the incredibly diverse rugged terrain.

The town is deep in the White Mountain National Forest. Hike along the Artists Bluff trail for some of the best panoramic sights overlooking Echo Lake. Another great option is Franconia Ridge. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the northeast sector of the beautiful town. Drive along the Kancamagus Highway and enjoy 35 miles of scenic byway displaying breathtaking scenery.

Fall colors in Utah are intense and vibrant. If you ever want to see the Sundance Mountain Resort, known for its famous founder, Robert Redford, go in the fall when the prices are reasonable. Enjoy the stunning views of the Wasatch Range, art classes, miles of hiking trails, and fly-fishing.

Aspen is known for being one of the best ski resorts in the world. Snuggled between the Rockies, this charming small mountain town is a favorite fall destination as well. With summits higher than 14,000 feet, there is always something to see and explore. Festivals showing off art, wine and music are scheduled year-round. Take your family camping in the wilderness, or go ballooning and paragliding.