Ski season may be over, but spending your summers in the mountains is just as incredible as when they are covered in snow. Most resorts are continually growing their summer venues to provide guests with fun and entertainment all year long! From hiking and biking trails that weave throughout the resorts to some of the best concerts and events in the U.S., there is something for everyone looking to escape to Ski Country during the warmer months. Here's a roundup of a few of the best summer mountain resorts, plus their top summer activities and events:
Summer in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Aspen Snowmass
Home to some of Colorado's highest peaks, Aspen Snowmass is perfect for those looking for spectacular views and a world-class mountain town. While Aspen Snowmass is known for high endurance activities like hiking, mountain biking and trail running, there is no shortage of more leisurely summer activities such as cruiser rides to the Maroon Bells, horseback riding, still-water SUPing, outdoor concerts and al fresco dining. Top Summer Events
- Food and Wine Classic
- Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
- Aspen Arts Festival
- USA Pro Cycling Challenge
- Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival
Lock in your Aspen summer lodging>>>Book by 9/28, Save 20%
Summer in Beaver Creek, Colorado
Photo: Beaver Creek Mountain
A trip to Beaver Creek is all about sophistication, luxury and class. Guests will be greeted by the posh, yet quaint, Bavarian-style village where the hotels are lavish and the restaurants divine. Beaver Creek offers visitors many leisurely activities, including wine excursions, fly fishing on Gore Creek, still-water SUPing, horseback riding, golf and hot air balloon rides. Those looking for more a thrill will be delighted with many outlets for whitewater rafting and high mountain 4x4 tours.Top Summer Events
- Tough Mudder
- Arts Festival
- Wine & Spirits Festival
- Oktoberfest
- Luxury Lifestyle Festival
Lock in your Beaver Creek summer lodging>>>Book by 10/01, Save 15%
Summer in Big Sky, Montana
Photo: Big Sky Resort
This uncrowded and laid-back mountain town does wonders for those looking to escape everyday life and truly immerse themselves into nature. From the basecamp all the way to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky is filled with endless activities for people of all levels and abilities. Those seeking to lace up their hiking boots or strap on their helmets will be in for a treat with Big Sky's endless mountain views and many weaving trails, perfect for hiking and mountain biking (both of which are lift-served). A wonderful trip for the whole family, Big Sky also offers many kids activities like zipling, a ropes course, scenic lift rides and horseback riding.Top Summer Events
- Big Sky Broadway
- Beach Boys under the Big Sky
- Brewfest
- Big Air in Big Sky at Choppers
- Big Sky Music Festival
Lock in Big Sky summer lodging>>>
Summer in Breckenridge, Colorado
Photo: Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge boasts all of the traditional summer outdoor activities, which makes it a great destination for larger groups and families. While visiting, you can easily partake in hiking, horseback riding, road cycling, whitewater rafting, fly fishing and mountain biking. Two of Breckenridge's top activities include the Gold Runner alpine slide and the TenMile Flyer Zipline, which will bring squeals of joy from riders both young and old! Top Summer Events
- Kingdom Days
- Breckenridge Beer Festival
- Mountain Art Festival
- Breck Bike Week
- Festival of Film
Summer in Copper Mountain, Colorado
Photo: Copper Mountain
Full of many low-key restaurants and bars and several family attractions, Copper Mountain is a great summer destination that will delight both newcomers and returning guests. Most of the accommodations on Copper Mountain veer towards the laid-back option rather than upscale, but that doesn't meant world-class experiences can't be found! With nearly everything you need found in the village, guests and their families can mini golf, bungee jump, rock climb, go kart, zipline, use paddle boats and paddle bikes, conquer the Wrecktangle, Woodward's outdoor obstacle course and experience the summer snow zone all without leaving the village! Copper Mountain also offers unique activities, like Saturday campfires and a summer snow terrain park on the mountain.Top Summer Events
- Colorado Running Festival
- Wanderlust Colorado
- Courage Classic
- Guitar Town
- 29th Annual Jazz & Wine Festival
Lock in Copper Mountain summer lodging>>>
Summer in Crested Butte, Colorado
Photo: Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Seasoned mountain bikers know that few destinations can compete with Crested Butte's cross-country trails, often known as some of the top mountain biking trails in North America. In addition to world-class trails, Crested Butte also is renowned for the well-designed and maintained lift-served Evolution Bike Park, which serves every skill level and ability. Aside from biking, guests can also expect to find stunning wildflower displays that are best experienced through hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, SUPing and fly fishing.Top Summer Events
- Taste of Crested Butte
- Gunnison River Festival
- Crested Butte Bike Week
- Music Festival
- 27th Annual Wildflower Festival
Summer in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Situated near two exceptional national parks, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole is an ideal basecamp for the vacationer who want to experience wilderness, wildlife and authentic Wild-West charm. A few of Jackson Hole's most popular activities include lift-served hiking and mountain biking, cross-country mountain biking, whitewater rafting, SUPing, golf, fly fishing and horseback riding.Top Summer Events
- Ryan Bingham at Pink Garter Theatre
- Nature Photography Boot Camp
- Jackson Hole Bike Park FreeforAll
- Concert on the Commons all of July
- Plein Air for the Park
Lock in you Jackson Hole summer lodging>>>Book 9/27, Save 10%
Summer in Keystone, Colorado
Photo: Keystone Resort
From being a top family destination to boasting one of the best bike parks in the U.S., Keystone is a versatile summer mountain, located near Breckenridge and Copper Mountain. The Keystone Bike Park is home to some of the country's best downhill trails, including the Drop Zone, where seasoned bikers will find rock gardens, drops and high-speed features. Families can enjoy activities for all ages, including Adventure Point Tubing, horseback riding at Keystone Stables, the Play Park, Kidtopia weekly activities and events, wagon rides and paddle boats at Lakeside Village.Top Summer Events
- Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour
- Snake River Festival
- Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival
- Model Ship Regatta
- Bluegrass & Beer Festival
Lock in Keystone summer lodging>>>
Summer in Lake Tahoe, California
Photo: Heavenly Mountain
Watersports dominate the summer months at Lake Tahoe, making it a great destination to beat the heat and enjoy the breathtaking contrast of the crystal blue lake against the green tree-lined mountains. Popular summer activities on the lake are kayaking, SUPing boat tours, cliff jumping, waver runners and water skiing. Guests can also enjoy lake views from Heavenly's two zipline routes or Northstar's lift-served downhill trails. Come nightfall, guests can hit the town and casinos located in South Lake Tahoe.Top Summer Events
- Annual Beerfest + Bluegrass Festival
- Tough Mudder
- Wine Walk
- National S'mores Day
- XC Bike Race
Lock in your Lake Tahoe summer lodging>>>
Summer in Mammoth Lakes, California
Photo: Mammoth Mountain
With an incredible reputation among California locals that brings families back year after year, Mammoth is a great place to escape to during the hot summer months. Nestled on the east side of the Sierra Nevadas in the Inyo National Forest, Mammoth offers epic adventures and beautiful scenery around the lakes and on top of the mountains. Mountain biking has long been a staple in Mammoth culture, providing downhill and cross-country trails for beginners through advanced riders, and a bike park with over 80 miles of lift-accessed trail. Non-bikers can find enjoyment by hiking to Emerald Lake, kayaking Mono Lake, horseback riding, hiking the Duck Pass Trail and sightseeing the Inyo Craters.Top Summer Events
- Monster Energy Motocross
- Mammoth Bike Ride and Finish Line Music Festival
- Inaugural Mammoth Half Marathon
- Mammoth Food & Wine Experience
- Firefighters Canoe Races & BBQ
- Beers and Bluesapalooza
Lock in your Mammoth summer lodging>>>
Summer in Park City, Utah
Photo: Park City Mountain
Located only 20 minutes from the Salt Lake International Airport, Park City offers world-class mountain experiences with close proximity to the city below. Known primarily for their mountain biking and hiking trails during the summer, Park City also boasts many unique activities that draw in locals and visitors alike. From the iconic Park Silly Sunday Market to regular concerts with the Utah Symphony in Deer Valley, guests will experience local charm and culture in this historic mining town. Other popular activities include Park City Mountain's zipline, alpine slide and mountain coaster. Top Summer Events
- Deer Valley Music Festival
- Ragnar Relay / Wasatch Back
- Tour of Utah
- Savor the Summit
- Park City Food & Wine Classic
- Park City Kimball Arts Festival
Summer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Photo: Steamboat Resort
Steamboat's celebrated Western heritage makes it a unique and distinct mountain retreat, with a casual, yet high-quality, foodie scene and lodging for every preference and budget. When the snow melts on Ski Town U.S.A.®, another world opens up for guests to enjoy the arts, explore hidden trails by foot or mountain bike and relax and unwind among the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Anglers know Steamboat is home to some of the best fly fishing in Colorado, where the area's many lakes and rivers house world-class trout. Other great activities include horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, mountain biking, hiking and whitewater rafting.Top Summer Events
- Cowboy Roundup Days
- Hot Air Balloon Rodeo
- Art in the Park
- Steamboat Wine Festival
- Steamboat All Arts Festival
Lock in Steamboat summer lodging>>>
Summer in Sun Valley, Idaho
Photo: Sun Valley, Idaho
Originally known as the playground for European nobility and Hollywood stars, Sun Valley was truly the first modern American ski resort. In present time, Sun Valley is the perfect alpine escape, mixing world-class lodging and fine dining with an unbeatable local culture. When you aren't meandering around the shops and nearby towns of Ketchum and Hailey, you can explore Sun Valley's 300-plus miles of connected singletrack bike trails while catching stunning views of the surrounding five mountain ranges. The small ski town also takes their golf game seriously, boasting the 18-hole Trail Creek championship course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., spanning a sweeping 6,968 yards.Top Summer Events
- Ketchum Sun Valley Brewfest
- Ketchum Arts Festival
- Sun Valley Center Arts & Crafts Festival
- Sawtooth Salmon Festival
- Sun Valley Harvest Festival
Lock in Sun Valley summer lodging>>>
Summer in Telluride, Colorado
Photo: Telluride Ski Resort
Home to one of the most adored bluegrass festival in the country, Telluride's alpine charm and breathtaking views bring back visitors year after year. Telluride is comprised of two main areas: Downtown and Mountain Village. While Downtown retains the feel and charm of a former mining-era town, Mountain Village keeps the feel of most modern resort villages, complete with modern hotels, shops and restaurants. Hiking to Bridal Veil Falls, the longest natural free-falling waterfall in Colorado, is a favorite activity in Telluride, as well as hiking to Bear Creek Falls. Other activities include mountain biking, 4x4 tours, whitewater rafting, guided mountain tours, horseback riding and kayaking.Top Summer Events
- Telluride Bluegrass Festival
- Telluride Wine Festival
- Telluride Yoga Festival
- Telluride Jazz Festival
- Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
Lock in Telluride summer lodging>>>Book by 10/7, Get 6th Night Free & $50 spa credit
Summer in Vail, Colorado
Photo: Vail Ski Resort
Renowned as an international travel destination, Vail becomes an outdoor playground for adults and kids alike during the summer months. Favorite activities include riding to the top of Vail's Eagel Bahn Gondola for access to downhill mountain bike trails, cross-country mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and visits to Adventure Ridge. From Adventure Ridge you can take in the unforgettable views of the Gore Range while ziplining, playing disc golf and embarking on a challenging ropes course.Top Summer Events
- Vail Arts Festival
- Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival
- La Sportiva Vail Half Marathon
- Vail International Dance Festival
- Vail OktoberFest
Summer in Whistler, B.C.
Photo: Whistler Blackcomb
Famously known as one of the top mountain biking destinations in North America, Whistler is a well-equipped mountain for all things summer fun. When you aren't exploring one of the 52 mountain biking trails in the bike park, outdoor fun is best had by hiking, guided bear viewing, riding on Peak 2 Peak Gondola, fishing, zipling with ZipTreck Ecotours and glacial summer skiing.Top Summer Events
- Tough Mudder
- Whistler Longboard Festival
- Believe Freedom Festival
- Children's Art Festival
- Wanderlust Whistler
Lock in Whistler summer lodging>>>
Summer in Winter Park, Colorado
Photo: Winter Park Resort
Located in the heart of mountain bike capital USA, Winter Park boasts the famed Trestle Bike Park, which is comprised over 40 miles of gravity-fed dirt and over 600 trails. Although Winter Park is a common stomping ground for professional-downhillers, it's also a great place to learn! Winter Park is also home to Colorado's longest alpine slide, taking riders down 3,000 feet of heart-pounding excitement. Other fun activities include summer snow tubing, ziplining, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, ATV side by side tours and hiking the surrounding area.Top Summer Events
- Winter Park Chocolate Festival
- Winter Park Art Festival
- Trek Dirt Series
- Jazz Fest
- Vettes on the Rockies
Lock in Winter Park summer lodging>>>Book by 10/31, Save 15%