Find adventure at these 7 epic ski resort towns this summer
Immerse yourself in picture-perfect settings in these summer ski resort towns — Photo courtesy of Janice Chen / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Snow on the slopes might draw people to ski resort towns in the winter months, but high-alpine hamlets from California to New England offer plenty of excitement in the summer too. With zip lines, roller coasters, and bike trails on the ski hills, adventures abound at U.S. ski resort towns that transform into playgrounds for grownups (and kids!) in the summer months.
Of course, mountain vacation destinations also offer lots of alfresco dining, festivals, and live music once the snow melts, as well as top-notch accommodations for all budgets in stunning surroundings.
Check out these seven summer ski resort towns that make amazing basecamps for outdoor adventure.
Vail, Colorado
Rent bikes to ride mountain trails or mellow paths throughout Vail — Photo courtesy of Vail Local Marketing District
Picturesque Vail, with its cobblestone streets and Bavarian-style architecture, explodes with action in the warm-weather months, not only in the vibrant pedestrian-friendly town, but on Vail’s ski hills too.
Ride the scenic gondola above 10,000 feet to access hiking trails with spectacular views of the surrounding Gore Range. Mountaintop Epic Discovery features a fun tubing hill, mountain coaster, mini golf, and bungee trampoline.
In town, check out free outdoor live music. You can’t miss Hot Summer Nights, voted Best Outdoor Concert Series in the U.S. in 2024. Stroll the gorgeous Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, buy locally produced goods at the beloved Vail Farmers’ Market, or splash around Gore Creek.
Book your room at the Sonnenalp, a historic, family-run lodge in the heart of Vail Village. Hot tip: All guests have access to the stellar spa facilities, which include steam and sauna rooms, an oxygen bar, and a heated indoor-outdoor pool.
Lincoln, New Hampshire
Loon Mountain’s zip line course has two exciting river crossings — Photo courtesy of DVISION Media and Loon Mountain Resort
In New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Lincoln is conveniently located off Interstate 93 and at one end of the hilly Kancamagus Highway, the state’s most scenic drive. At nearby Loon Mountain, test your strength, speed, and agility at Ninja Wild, the ski resort’s outdoor obstacle course. Or soar above the trees on the scenic Gondola Skyride. At the top of the ski hill, scoot through glacial caves or play a round of disc golf.
If you’re traveling with kids, popular outdoor area attractions for families include Clark’s Bears, Flume Gorge, and Whale’s Tale Waterpark — all spots I’ve taken my children to their delight.
Just south of Lincoln, find the Woodstock Inn Brewery. The inn offers 40 rooms outfitted in rustic lodge décor and an award-winning working craft brewery with at least a dozen beers on tap.
Sun Valley, Idaho
The Sun Valley ice rink is one of the few outdoor rinks open year-round — Photo courtesy of Sun Valley Resort
Founded in 1926, Sun Valley Resort is “America’s first destination ski resort.” Nestled in Central Idaho’s Smoky Mountains, the ski resort shines in the summer with more than 400 miles of single-track biking trails, accessed via the Bald Mountain chairlift.
Go fly-fishing in the crystal-clear mountain streams, channel your inner cowboy (or girl) with a horseback ride across wildflower-filled meadows, or work on your golf game at three picturesque courses. (They say balls fly further at altitude).
For still more entertainment, check out the evening ice skating shows, take the family paddle boating, or go white-water rafting on the Salmon River north of town.
Consider staying at Limelight Hotel Ketchum, 1.5 miles south of Sun Valley Resort and accessible via paved bike path. This modern property features light-filled rooms and an expansive breakfast buffet — perfect for fueling days of warm-weather fun.
Park City, Utah
Different rope courses challenge all ages at Utah Olympic Park — Photo courtesy of Park City Chamber / Bureau
Adrenaline rushes abound in Park City, Utah, home of Utah Olympic Park. Don a helmet to try extreme tubing down the steep Nordic Ski Jumping landing hill. Only the hardiest should sign up for a summer bobsled ride, where you careen around corners and speed through chutes at 70 mph. (Speaking from experience, heed instructions to scrunch down into the sled to avoid getting bounced around too much!)
Meanwhile, Park City Mountain Resort is an epic summer ski resort, featuring an alpine slide, mountain coaster, mini golf, and climbing wall, among other kid-friendly activities.
While Park City has plenty of slope-side condos and charming downtown inns, I recommend The St. Regis Deer Valley down the road. Exceptional service, sumptuous rooms, and loads of included amenities and activities make this luxe lodging a great option if you’re splurging for a milestone occasion or extra-special getaway.
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Stowe, Vermont
Stowe’s Gondola SkyRide affords stellar views of the Green Mountains — Photo courtesy of Stowe Mountain Resort
Postcard-perfect Stowe is the quintessential Vermont small town that has claimed multiple USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Destination for Snow, Best Ski Town, and Best Place to Visit in the Fall, among others. Yet, summer is also an optimal time to check out Stowe, with its walkable downtown streets lined with historic buildings and cute boutiques. Even I, a non-shopper, had fun browsing here, especially Stowe Mercantile for souvenirs.
From town, walk or bike the 5-mile paved recreation path that criss-crosses a river and passes by scenic farms and swimming holes. For more outdoor fun, head to Stowe Mountain Resort to board the Gondola SkyRide to the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak.
Alternatively, you could pack a picnic and drive to the mountaintop via the zig-zagging Auto Toll Road. If you’re a fan of “The Sound of Music,” don’t miss overnighting at the Austria-inspired Trapp Family Lodge. The property sits on 2,600 acres and includes a working farm and brewery. Browse the family and movie memorabilia, take a history tour, and meet the resident Scottish Highland cattle.
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Lake Tahoe, California
At points, you can see more than 70 feet deep in Lake Tahoe — Photo courtesy of Rachid Dahnoun / Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
A vacation in Lake Tahoe means oodles of opportunities to play in North America’s largest alpine lake as well as the surrounding mountains. Rent a speedboat or Jet Ski and make your way to Emerald Bay. Get some exercise under sunny skies by paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming. Seasoned boat captains can bring you to their favorite fishing spots when you book a chartered trip.
Vote Now: Best Wine Region (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)
With more than a dozen ski resorts surrounding Lake Tahoe, you’ll find tons of summertime fun here. If you’re new to mountain biking, check out the Intro to Bike Park group lesson at Northstar. Race with friends down the Hot Shot Zip Line at Heavenly. Thrill seekers will want to ascend to new heights on the guided Tahoe Via Ferrata at Palisades Tahoe.
Accommodations are endless in Lake Tahoe: budget-friendly campsites, retro motels, and lakeside resorts. Nature lovers flock to Basecamp Tahoe South, which is set in the woods and has a beer garden.
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Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Not just a ski resort, you can hike amid wildflowers in Jackson Hole — Photo courtesy of Visit Jackson Hole
For a taste of the Wild West, you can’t go wrong with a summer vacation in Jackson Hole. Its western flair is evident downtown, with its Instagrammable antler arch and showpiece Million Dollar Cowboy Bar — a landmark watering hole worth a visit for a local beer or live music.
Vote Now: Best Winery Restaurant (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)
The town is also a gateway to Grand Teton National Park with its jaw-dropping jagged peaks. If you’ve made it to Jackson Hole, you’ve got to hike around the pretty high-alpine lakes in one of my all-time favorite national parks (and I’ve been to more than 40).
You can spot the Tetons on an Aerial Tram ride up Rendezvous Mountain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Here, give paragliding a whirl on an exciting tandem flight. Right in town, hike like the locals do at Snow King Mountain Resort: the 1.8-mile challenge is a steep trek from the base to the top.
Families love the bungee trampoline, mini golf, zip line, maze challenge, alpine slide, and alpine coaster. Whew! After all that activity, kids will surely sleep well whether you choose a bunk room at downtown Mountain Modern or a suite at the classic Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa.
