11 Ski Resorts That Have Great Summer Activities Too
Known for their snow-covered mountains groomed specifically for the perfect skiing and snowboarding conditions, ski resorts are probably not the first things that come to mind when you think of booking a summer vacation. But a quick glance at the summer activities that most of them offer will make you realize that they should be taken into consideration. Many popular ski resorts take advantage of their mountainside locations to offer fun warm-weather activities that make them a go-to location year round.
For groups and families seeking some adventure, ski resorts are a great option. Those that are open in the summer become the perfect spot for things like zip-lining, mountain coasters, and rock climbing, and most include or are adjacent to some beautiful hiking trails. Looking for a more relaxing trip? Many resorts turn their gondola or chair lifts into the ideal way to sightsee while sitting down, with delicious restaurants and soothing spas onsite. Plus, most big ski resorts are located in a bustling town or city that offers plenty of shopping, wining and dining, and more. Here are our favorite picks for ski resorts that may be even better in the summer.
Park City, Utah
Is it any surprise that the largest ski resort in Utah is also a great spot for summer fun? Thrill seekers will find no shortage of things to do: Park City offers an alpine slide, mountain coaster, rock climbing wall, mountain biking, zip-lining, and hiking. There are tons of things for kids to do, like gem panning, mini golf, and even a kid’s adventure and zip lining course. There’s an expansive golf course, a relaxing spa, and some scenic lift rides for those who want to scope out the sights. There are also events scheduled on a regular basis, like farmers markets and concerts, so it’s worth checking out their website before scheduling a trip. And on top of all of that, it’s located near so many of Utah’s premier tourist destinations.
Aspen, Colorado
There are tons of things to do in Aspen in the summer, from live music festivals to truly epic hiking trails. Those interested in sightseeing can book a sightseeing package (or just plan their own activities) that allow them to sit in the comfort of a gondola lift to check out the gorgeous views all around them. The Lost Forest is perfect for families of kids looking for adventure, with activities like rock climbing, zip-lining, disc golf, and trout fishing. Bikers will love visiting Snowmass Bike Park, which offers 25 miles of trails for experienced bikers, as well as bike camps and clinics for those just starting out. There are also restaurants with beautiful outdoor seating, tons of live events to keep track of, and plenty of touristy destinations to visit.
Whiteface Mountain, New York
Located minutes from Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain is a popular spot in upstate New York any time of the year. Since Lake Placid is the home of two Olympic games, it’s the ideal spot for athletic kids and families. Whiteface Mountain offers a cliffside coaster, zip-lining, disc golf, and scenic gondola rides. There are a lot of different hiking trails as well. For those who want to take in all of the athletic history, a summer passport gets you into the four Olympic venues there (Whiteface, Mt Van Hoevenberg, Olympic Jumping Complex, and the Olympic Center). A nearby visit to Mirror Lake and the surrounding town is a must, where you can shop, eat, and enjoy some time on the water.
Killington, Vermont
As the largest ski resort in the Northeast, Killington offers plenty to do. Thrill seekers will love mountain biking (they also offer lessons for those just starting out), taking an ATV tour, and hanging out at the bike park. The Snowshed Adventure Center offers a mountain coaster, ropes course, and a maze, and is ideal for all ages. You can find more relaxing ventures by taking the gondola to the mountain peak for lunch and sightseeing or heading to the spa, and there are small concerts every weekend, with tons of restaurant options. They also have an annual wine festival each summer that is worth looking into.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Aside from the fact that Wyoming is absolutely gorgeous in the summer, there’s so much to do and see at Jackson Hole. The aerial tram makes it possible to see basically everything, with 360-degree views of the Tetons, Jackson Hole Valley, and more, and also gives you access to epic hiking and running trails. A bike park has something for every skill level, an aerial ropes course and bungee trampoline are unique activities for the whole family, and the Via Ferrata is a climbing adventure worth checking out. There’s a huge list of other activities: outdoor yoga, fly fishing, an adventure camp for kids, pop jets, outdoor restaurants with beautiful views, and so much more. You basically can’t be bored here.
Mammoth, California
There are a lot of events happening at Mammoth during the summer like wine festivals, parties, motocross events and more, so checking out the website before planning your trip is definitely worth it. And for those who need their snow fix even in the summer, Mammoth does offer some summer skiing and snowboarding, even through August. There’s a bike park, fishing, hiking, and a golf course, and some water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. An adventure center is great for kids and teens, scenic gondola rides are ideal for those looking to take it easy, and the surrounding town offers plenty of shopping and dining.
Sunday River Resort, Maine
Sunday River in Western Maine is a great spot for some summertime fun. River Fest is a series of event-packed weekends, like a craft beer festival and adventure festival, so planning your trip around one of those dates may be worth it. They have a large golf course for those looking to tee it up, scenic lift rides to catch all of the gorgeous views, and tons of hiking. Guided adventures include courses for archery, kayaking, paddleboarding, and axe throwing, and there is also a spa and lots of restaurants nearby.
Beech Mountain, North Carolina
North Carolina probably isn’t the first place you think of when you think of ski resorts, but Beech Mountain is a popular option in the South. There’s also so much to do in the summer that it might even be better during the warm weather than it is during the winter. The summer concert series features a lot of exciting live music. For those looking to move a bit, you can take a scenic lift ride to the top of a mountain to do some beautiful sunset yoga. Another scenic lift ride gives you perfect views of the Appalachian Mountains while taking you to a sunset dinner. There’s also a brewery, golf, mountain biking, disc golf, and lots of hiking. There’s truly something for everyone here.
Vail, Colorado
One of the most popular ski resorts out there, Vail is known for their ideal winter conditions. However, it’s also fun and exciting, not to mention gorgeous, in the summertime. You’ll find tons of activities in Vail during the warmer weather: mountain top yoga, scenic lift rides, hiking, fly fishing, golf, and more. The adventure center includes a mountain coaster, bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall, tubing, zip-lining, and a nature discovery center and is a great spot for families with kids of all ages. Look into the summer events as well, like live music, running series, dance festivals, and so much more.
Stratton, Vermont
Stratton Mountain makes good use of the summertime by offering plenty of different activities. Kid’s summer camps are a great way to keep little ones busy, offering things like swimming and outdoor hikes. The Stratton Bike Park is a must-see for riders, and they also have eight dedicated pickleball courts for those who want to take part in the trendy sport. There are tennis courts, UV tours, scenic lift and gondola rides, and music festivals and concerts to jam out to. And, of course, there’s a golf course for anyone interested.
Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine
One of the tallest mountains in Maine, Sugarloaf is an impressive spot and a beautiful ski resort that is worth visiting for the views and nature alone. Summer activities include disc golf, zip-lining, and mountain biking for those who want to do something really exciting. There are scenic lift rides to take advantage of the beauty all around you, live music events and lots of dining for those who want to sit back and relax a little, and bike courses. There’s even something to do on rainy days: the Anti-Gravity Complex is an indoor adventure center with giant trampolines, a skate park, climbing wall, basketball court, and gym.
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