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The Very Best Parks in North American Ski Towns, Mapped!

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In ski towns across North America, the temperatures are high, the days are long, and we want to enjoy the sunshine or gaze at the stars as much as possible. To facilitate your outdoor-addiction, we are kicking off Outdoors Week with a look at the best public parks in ski country. From Stowe to Whistler, we've got places to picnic, parks perfect for frisbee, and green spaces that inspire with their jaw-dropping mountain views. Have a favorite park that you'd like us to check out? The tipline's always open or you can leave a comment after the jump. Oh, and don't forget to check out all of our sweet Outdoors Week coverage!

Please note, this map is listed from east to west, not from best to worst.


· The Best Ski Town Bike Paths [Curbed Ski]
· The Best Day Hikes in Ski Country [Curbed Ski]
· All Outdoors Week 2014 Coverage [Curbed Ski]

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Sunset Rock

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Sunset Rock is a small, scenic park located in the heart of Stowe's historic village. The best way to visit is on foot by route of the Sunset Trail from Stowe Village.

Lionshead Village

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This spot in Lionshead Village in Vail is more playground than park, but we love its blend of high art and whimsy. Three large nests made of wood, a stainless steel mesh fabric, and other non-toxic materials are interconnected with standard playground features, including a climbing wall, slide, and bridges. At night, the structures transform into art installations, with LED light beams shining from each center steel post.

Little Toots Park

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Little Toots Park may have a great playground, but it's not just for kids. A large grassy area and convenient location next to the Yama River make this park the go-to spot in downtown Steamboat Springs. Whether you pack a picnic and eat under the trees, or use it as a stopping point during a river float trip, this park is a must.

Triangle Park

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Set in a quiet, residential section of downtown Aspen, Triangle Park charms with plenty of green space and an adorable playground perfect for kids 5 and under. With a sturdy picnic table and a manicured feel, this Aspen gem is our pick to avoid the touristy crowds that overwhelm Aspen during summer festivals.

Big Mine Park

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Located on the historic "Big Mine" site where coal was mined and cooked in coke ovens, this is Crested Butte's only year-round public park. Expect big views of Mt. Crested Butte and lots of amenities, including a nordic center, ice arena, sledding hill, disc golf course, and skate park.

Town Park

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This Telluride beauty on the east side of town is no secret, but we just love the jaw-dropping views and great amenities found in Town Park. A huge list of amenities includes a kid's fishing pond, toddler playground, horse shoe pit, tennis courts, basketball courts, disc golf, sand volleyball court, skate park, bike pump track, and sledding hill.

Miller Park

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We love Miller Park's convenient location downtown, killer views, and huge list of amenities. Kids will be thrilled with the large playground and boulder wall, and there are also 8 picnic tables.

Forest Service Park

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In the heart of old Ketchum, this park has great shade trees surrounded by green and white historic Forest Service buildings from the Civilian Conservations Corps era of the 1930s. In the summers you can expect concerts and other festival events.

Bear Basin

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Rediscover what the mountains are all about at this 25-mile trail system near McCall. Mountain bikers will love the easy-access trails, many of which allow dogs to be off leash. Photo via April Whitney

Mammoth Creek Park

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Listen to the babbling Mammoth Creek and enjoy plentiful views of Mammoth Mountain and the Sherwin Range at this gorgeous park known for its great playground. There is also a big grassy lawn, granite boulders, and plenty of water fun at the stream bank that's perfect for wading.

Burton Creek State Park

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Locals call this Lake Tahoe's secret state park, as it remains largely undiscovered despite a plethora of gorgeous meadows and forests. Bring a lunch and take a hike in this undiscovered beauty.

Rebagliati Park

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Located just off the bustling bridge between Whistler's Upper and Lower Village and bordered by Fitzsimmons Creek, this park includes a grassy lawn, picnic tables, and great views of the surrounding peaks. It can also be rented out for group functions.

Sunset Rock

Sunset Rock is a small, scenic park located in the heart of Stowe's historic village. The best way to visit is on foot by route of the Sunset Trail from Stowe Village.

Lionshead Village

This spot in Lionshead Village in Vail is more playground than park, but we love its blend of high art and whimsy. Three large nests made of wood, a stainless steel mesh fabric, and other non-toxic materials are interconnected with standard playground features, including a climbing wall, slide, and bridges. At night, the structures transform into art installations, with LED light beams shining from each center steel post.

Little Toots Park

Little Toots Park may have a great playground, but it's not just for kids. A large grassy area and convenient location next to the Yama River make this park the go-to spot in downtown Steamboat Springs. Whether you pack a picnic and eat under the trees, or use it as a stopping point during a river float trip, this park is a must.

Triangle Park

Set in a quiet, residential section of downtown Aspen, Triangle Park charms with plenty of green space and an adorable playground perfect for kids 5 and under. With a sturdy picnic table and a manicured feel, this Aspen gem is our pick to avoid the touristy crowds that overwhelm Aspen during summer festivals.

Big Mine Park

Located on the historic "Big Mine" site where coal was mined and cooked in coke ovens, this is Crested Butte's only year-round public park. Expect big views of Mt. Crested Butte and lots of amenities, including a nordic center, ice arena, sledding hill, disc golf course, and skate park.

Town Park

This Telluride beauty on the east side of town is no secret, but we just love the jaw-dropping views and great amenities found in Town Park. A huge list of amenities includes a kid's fishing pond, toddler playground, horse shoe pit, tennis courts, basketball courts, disc golf, sand volleyball court, skate park, bike pump track, and sledding hill.

Miller Park

We love Miller Park's convenient location downtown, killer views, and huge list of amenities. Kids will be thrilled with the large playground and boulder wall, and there are also 8 picnic tables.

Forest Service Park

In the heart of old Ketchum, this park has great shade trees surrounded by green and white historic Forest Service buildings from the Civilian Conservations Corps era of the 1930s. In the summers you can expect concerts and other festival events.

Bear Basin

Rediscover what the mountains are all about at this 25-mile trail system near McCall. Mountain bikers will love the easy-access trails, many of which allow dogs to be off leash. Photo via April Whitney

Mammoth Creek Park

Listen to the babbling Mammoth Creek and enjoy plentiful views of Mammoth Mountain and the Sherwin Range at this gorgeous park known for its great playground. There is also a big grassy lawn, granite boulders, and plenty of water fun at the stream bank that's perfect for wading.

Burton Creek State Park

Locals call this Lake Tahoe's secret state park, as it remains largely undiscovered despite a plethora of gorgeous meadows and forests. Bring a lunch and take a hike in this undiscovered beauty.

Rebagliati Park

Located just off the bustling bridge between Whistler's Upper and Lower Village and bordered by Fitzsimmons Creek, this park includes a grassy lawn, picnic tables, and great views of the surrounding peaks. It can also be rented out for group functions.