On session 1 take control of their character for 5 min each. Describe their day and how they feel when they see other PCs. It will help your game if at least a couple of them are local to Ten Towns.

Example: PC 1) as soon as the storm abates you continue your decent down the Spine of the World. It takes longer than anticipated to make your way to the lakeside town but your pace only picks up when you see a sign that reads "The Wet Trout" on one of it buildings. PC 2) it's another slow day at The Wet Trout. The regulars' cups are full and you're idly wiping the sticky tables when the door swings open and a person comes in. From the heavy crust of snow covering their outerwear, looks like they've been out there for a while. PC 3) you're checking your traps outside the Targos wall on an off duty day from the town militia. The catch is slim again, but you're startled from your reverie when a multi sled caravan speeds past you and enters the city. PC 4) having never been on a dog sled the best you can do is hang on for dear life. Your fingers, hands, face go numb, and your silent travel guides don't offer any comfort. The first person you see in miles, slings a couple rabbits over their shoulder, and watches you pass with interest

Those are examples from my campaign. If your PCs have even a sentence of back story you should be able to draw from it to put them in an advantageous position to meet and work together. If at least one of your PCs is local you can avoid the tavern all together, maybe they already heard a rumor they want to investigate.