Breckenridge, Colorado, USA

© Sean Pavone/Shutterstoc

Breckenridge, Colorado, USA

Gold mining boosted this Rocky Mountain town’s reputation in the 1860s, but today it’s known for the powdery snow that falls liberally on the slopes that surround the town. Breckenridge is one of Colorado's premier ski and snowboard destinations. The resort has 35 lifts servicing five peaks and 1,173 hectares of terrain. The visitors – who also arrive in the summer to fish, cycle, and paddle – easily outnumber the 5,000 residents of this quaint village. The gold mines have long shut down, apart from hosting visits from tourists. The enduring value of Breckenridge is its natural beauty.