I want to live in the mountains: help please :)

[Will Fraser]

My family is growing and as we grow in size we also grow tired of the mundane life of the plains.  There is a lot to appreciate other than natural beauty, but as native Natural Staters we love us some outdoors.  Particularly we are drawn to mountains and love skiing, hiking, camping, and the like.

What mountain town or town with easy access to mountains would you recommend for an outdoor-experiences-fueled lifestyle?  

Potential for investments doesn't hurt, but it's not required :)