"I've been to Switzerland several times, and it always beckons me back. The iconic Alpine landscape is unmatched in beauty and, unfortunately, also in price. It's one of the most expensive countries in the world, and traveling there costs a pretty penny. High prices for flights, accommodations, meals, and entertainment mean I can't afford to visit Switzerland often from the US."
"With an elevation of about 7,800 feet above sea level, this town in southwestern Colorado does offer some pretty epic mountain vistas. I especially enjoyed climbing to Box Canyon Falls Park, which delighted me with views of waterfalls and a downtown area surrounded by soaring peaks. It's obvious how this town got its Alpine moniker, but the surrounding landscape felt significantly drier than the lush greenery found throughout Switzerland. It makes sense considering Colorado's high elevation contributes to its dry climate."
"Located just an hour from Ouray is Telluride, Colorado, which some also describe as having a Swiss vibe. Telluride actually felt more European to me than Ouray. I attribute that to the town's picturesque Victorian-era buildings, stunning wildflowers, and gondola system offering scenic rides that remind me of traveling into the Alps. The mountains lacked snow-covered peaks during my summertime visit, but I'd consider returning in the winter."
Switzerland's Alps offer unmatched beauty but high costs make frequent U.S. visits unaffordable. The search for a similarly charming yet less expensive U.S. alternative included several mountain towns. Ouray, Colorado, in the San Juan Mountains offers Box Canyon Falls, downtown framed by peaks, and dramatic vistas, but a notably drier landscape than Swiss greenery due to high elevation. Telluride presents Victorian-era architecture, abundant wildflowers, and a gondola creating European atmosphere, though lacked snow during a summertime visit and may feel most Alpine in winter. A Montana location proved lovely but not suitable for regular visits. One U.S. destination emerged as the best Alpine-style getaway.
Read at Business Insider
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