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 :) 

[Kenton LeVay]

An underrated gem could be Reno, NV! Sits right at the base of the Sierra's, close to Lake Tahoe, 0% state income tax and relatively cheap real estate with opportunities for CF and appreciation.