Snow

In-laws want to gather the family next Christmas in a cool winter spot that's not a ski resort. People could ski but trying to avoid making it a ski trip. "Charming town" was thrown as a requirement. Thought about Bend, Santa Fe and Telluride. Any other recs in the US?

I can vouch for Bend (& Sun River) & Telluride (or Ouray) as idyllic options. 

Summit County in Colorado — Silverthorne/Dillon/Frisco — has plenty of skiing & non-skiing. Steamboat is known for its killer powder and being a bit quieter (and very charming) than other ski towns.

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I’m partial to Montana since I live here, I live in missoula but it might be too big for what you’re looking for, red lodge is another option and not a resort compared to anything in Colorado.

oh god, you are in for a treat.  the east side of glacier up into canada is unbelievable.  Never been to Banff of the bugaboos but my friends that go climb there keep going back for a reason

I’m from CO hence my bias, but MT is definitely a winner. Heading to Glacier/Banff this summer & can hardly wait.

I've only been to Montana during summer but would kill to ski there. Great option!