Mountain Destinations With Cool Air and Big Views

by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Sun April 26, 2026

When summer temperatures start to climb, heading for higher ground just makes sense. Mountain destinations offer a built-in escape from the heat, along with the kind of wide-open views you just don’t get anywhere else. From the Alps to Alaska—and even closer-to-home ranges across the U.S.—these lofty locales pair cooler air with everything from hiking and biking to scenic drives, great food and laid-back village life. Here are some global mountain destinations where you can truly chill out while taking in some seriously stunning scenery.

Merano, Italy

Set in Italy’s northern South Tyrol region, Merano offers a different kind of mountain escape, where classic alpine scenery comes with a surprisingly mild, sunny climate. Sheltered by surrounding peaks, the town is known for its palm-lined promenades, gardens and vineyards, all set against dramatic mountain backdrops. Travelers can spend their days hiking, biking, golfing, wine-tasting or riding cable cars up to panoramic viewpoints, then unwind with a stroll through the historic center, a stop at a local café or a visit to the town’s well-known thermal baths. With its distinctly Italian lifestyle, Merano feels both laid-back and refined, making it a strong choice for travelers who want cool mountain air without sacrificing good food, wine, and a little style.

The town of Merano in South Tyrol, Italy.

Brian Head, Utah

Known as the “highest resort town” in the U.S., Brian Head, Utah, sits at a base elevation of just under 10,000 feet, with surrounding peaks topping 11,000 feet, creating noticeably cooler summer temperatures than the valleys below. Outdoor options are easy to find, from hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding Dixie National Forest—a vast landscape of alpine forests, plateaus and canyons—to scenic drives and wildflower walks at nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument. The monument’s high elevation keeps temperatures roughly 10–20 degrees cooler than lower parks, making it a refreshing summer stop with sweeping views of colorful red-rock formations. Just a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, the area has become a popular warm-weather retreat, offering big mountain scenery, forested trails and easy access to some of southern Utah’s most striking high-altitude landscapes.

Spruce Peak, Vermont

Set at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, Spruce Peak in Stowe offers a classic New England mountain escape with cool summer temperatures and plenty of fresh-air activities. The village sits in the heart of the Green Mountains, where visitors can spend the day hiking, biking or golfing, then return for outdoor concerts, dining or family-friendly events. In warmer months, average temperatures range from the high 40s to the high 70s, making it an appealing break from hotter cities. When winter arrives, the destination transforms into a classic ski retreat, with access to beginner terrain on Spruce Peak and more challenging runs on neighboring Mount Mansfield, along with skating, snowshoeing and other cold-weather activities. With its cool climate, mountain views and all-weather mix of outdoor adventure and resort comforts, Spruce Peak is an easy pick for travelers looking for fresh air and enchanting scenery year-round.

A summer landscape at Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vermont.

Verbier, Switzerland

Set in Switzerland’s canton of the Valais, the alpine village of Verbier is best known as the gateway to the massive 4 Vallées ski area, one of the largest in the country. The connected terrain offers more than 400 kilometers (nearly 250 miles) of ski runs, with everything from gentle to challenging off-piste slopes, including routes on Mont Gelé and the glacier near Mont Fort. From the top of Mont Fort—the highest point in the ski area—visitors can take in wide-open views that stretch all the way to Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and the Rhône Valley. In summer, the same mountains turn into a playground for hiking, mountain biking and scenic lift rides, while the nearby Val de Bagnes nature reserve offers waterfalls, alpine lakes and peaceful trails. Just a couple of hours’ drive away from Geneva, Verbier combines big mountain scenery with a lively village scene, known for its upscale hotels, buzzing après-ski spots and an international crowd.

Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania

Set in Pennsylvania’s scenic Allegheny Mountains (a subrange on the Appalachian Mountains), the Laurel Highlands offer an easy, drive-to mountain escape for travelers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The region is home to Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania at 3,213 feet, and draws visitors looking to swap city heat for cooler air, forested trails and wide-open views. Outdoor experiences are a big part of the appeal, from biking along the Great Allegheny Passage—a long-distance trail connecting Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland—to whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River. Beyond adventure, the region blends culture and relaxation, with highlights like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and upscale stays at Nemacolin resort. Within a day’s drive of major cities including New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., the Laurel Highlands make a strong choice for travelers seeking a refreshing mountain getaway with a mix of nature, culture and stunning scenery.

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau offers a refreshing break from summer heat, with average highs typically in the 50s and 60s—far cooler than much of the Lower 48. The city sits within Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world, where misty trails wind through old-growth spruce and hemlock, and waterfalls are a common sight. For travelers looking for truly cool experiences, the region’s 1,500-square-foot icefield feeds 38 area glaciers, many of which can be explored by boat, air or guided trek, including trips to Glacier Bay National Park. Wildlife is another major draw, with frequent sightings of humpback whales, sea lions, bald eagles and even orcas along the coast. Beyond the scenery, visitors will find more than 250 miles of hiking trails, water-based adventures like kayaking and whale watching, and a compact downtown filled with local shops and eateries serving fresh-caught seafood. With its mix of cool weather, glacier views and easy access to both wilderness and culture, Juneau stands out as a go-to destination for travelers looking to escape the heat without sacrificing outdoor adventure.

High Tatras, Slovakia

Slovakia’s High Tatras form the country’s most iconic mountain range, a compact yet dramatic stretch of peaks often described as “miniature Alps” for how they pack alpine scenery into a relatively small area. Straddling the border with Poland, the range includes rugged summits, glacier-carved valleys, waterfalls and more than 100 alpine lakes, all protected within the country’s oldest national park, founded in 1949 and later designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The High Tatras are Slovakia’s top outdoor playground, drawing visitors year-round for activities like alpine hiking to famous peaks, scenic valley walks and spa stays in traditional mountain resorts. In winter, the region’s ski centers around areas such as Strbské Pleso and Tatranská Lomnica offer slopes that can stay open into late spring. With crisp air, jagged peaks and easy access to both nature and historic villages, the High Tatras deliver a classic European mountain experience in a smaller, more approachable setting.

The glacial lake of Strbske Pleso in Slovakia's High Tatras Mountains.

Kitzbuhel, Austria

Set in the Austrian Alps, the 750-year-old town of Kitzbuhel is perhaps best known as a world-class ski destination, but it also shines as a family-friendly mountain getaway year-round. Located in the Kitzbuhel Alps, the region offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from scenic hiking and biking trails to alpine playgrounds and adventure parks designed with kids in mind. Families can take advantage of an easy-to-use public transportation network to explore nearby highlights, including swimming and relaxing at Schwarzsee, one of the area’s warmest and most popular lakes. In winter, Kitzbuhel transforms into one of the Continent’s most iconic ski resorts, with extensive terrain suitable for all skill levels and a lively alpine village atmosphere. With its mix of outdoor adventure, family-focused attractions and classic European charm, Kitzbuhel is an ideal choice for travelers looking for fresh mountain air and activities for all ages.