By Lynn O’Rourke Hayes

FamilyTravel.com

Mountain towns offer fresh air, creative cuisine and active pursuits for all ages. Here are five to consider for your next family vacation:

1. Durango, Colorado

Visit this picturesque town in southwestern Colorado for an enjoyable blend of outdoor fun, historical sites, scenic beauty and the chance to ride a 19th century steam train through Cascade Canyon. At Purgatory Mountain, go skiing or snowshoeing or cozy up for a sleigh ride.

2. Flagstaff, Arizona

This college town offers a long list of family options. At 7,000 feet, you’ll enjoy a full range of winter sports as well as hiking and biking in summer. Tap into the nostalgia of Route 66 and the rich legacy of the Old West and the Native American culture. Don’t miss a tour of Lowell Observatory.

3. Sun Valley, Idaho

This vibrant mountain town serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the beauty of the Sawtooth Range and the nearby lakes and trails. Closer to town, activities from skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, mountain biking, fly-fishing, tennis, golf and shopping will keep your clan engaged.

4. Vail, Colorado

This high mountain hot spot combines history, luxury and adventure in one destination. Families can convene at Adventure Ridge, where views of the surrounding Gore and Sawatch ranges serve as backdrop for tubing, riding junior snowmobiles, snowshoeing, ziplining or snow biking.

5. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Head to this capital city in the Sangre de Cristo mountains to take advantage of family-friendly ski season offers that include discounted hotel packages and free admission for kids to some of Santa Fe’s best attractions. Visit a top-notch children’s museum, a bug museum, Meow Wolf, and historic and cultural sites.