What is the best affordable ski resort/mountaineering, climbing town?

I've lived in Ouray/Ridgway since 2003. This place is paradise. Ridgway is a great place for a family. The backcountry skiing is the best in the state, and rivals the Tetons, but a bit more dicey. Lot's of good rockclimbing, plus 2 hrs from the Black Canyon, 3 hrs from Indian Creek area. The ice climbing is, of course, terrific. Great community atmosphere; you can't go wrong moving here.

Honestly, if I were the sole decision maker I would have moved our family to Ridgway. There's not a nicer place less of the Tetons. But having a family adds some funky dynamics...Ridgway will always be just a thought away....FOR NOW. :D

Try Bear Canyon for family-friendly moderates.

Athan,

8 years later, how is Bozeman treating you and your family? It has always seemed attractive looking from the outside in, but you never truly know a place until you live there.

Kevin Landolt wrote: Consider Leadville, CO.

Killer brew pub at Periodic Brewing 

Gunnison does not have a lot in the way of well paying jobs and housing is getting more expensive. Similar to the comment posted about durango about being a college town that can be hard to sustain if you're not a student. It's a badass place though if you can get around that, so much climbing locally and in all directions. 

Also saw a comment about Boise or McCall Idaho, I grew up in McCall and there's definitely lots of great climbing although not a ton established. Jobs and housing are also super difficult if not impossible in McCall and the community, from my experience there, is not great. Boise would be a better option, but I also can think of places that are similar in price, better climbing, better community. I'd avoid Idaho altogether but hey I'm super biased. 

Bend Oregon is very nice too 

McCall Idaho

If skiing is your thing...Anchorage, Alaska. You won't find any better access to skiing. Hatcher Pass: 60 min, Highland: 30 min, Arctic Valley: 25 min, Chugach Front Range: 10-20 min, Girdwood: 40 min, Turnagain Pass: 60 min.

Why are y'all answering the 8 year old question as if it were posted yesterday?

cuz were gravediggaz

Well hell, in that case carry on!