Top 10 summer outdoor activities

The weather is getting hotter and the days longer, which means summer is finally here! The ski resorts may be closed, but there is still plenty of opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Whether you are looking for a little exercise in the sun, or want to experience the quiet beauty of nature, there is an activity for everone. Here are a few of our top outdoor summer activities and a few mountain destinations to try them out at:

Alpine slide

Photo: Winter Park Resort

Imagine zooming down the mountain in a hand-controlled sled, with the views of green trees flashing past you. The alpine slide is the the perfect family activity, as it's suitable for younger children and adults can take their tots in their laps. A few places with great alpine slides include Park City, Breckenridge, and Winter Park. 

Hot air balloon rides

Photo: Steamboat Resort

When the days get longer and warmer, hot air balloon rides become more popular. Taking a romantic ride at sunset is the perfect way to spend time with your loved one, while sunrise rides are also a great opportunity to sight see and experience your mountain destination from a birds-eye view. Great places to embark on a hot air balloon ride include Park City, Aspen Snowmass, Telluride and Steamboat Springs.

Bobsled rides

Photo: Utah Olympic Park

Check off a bucket list item this summer and try your hand at bobsledding! Normally known as a winter sport, athletic centers that host the icey venues will often open the track during the summer, where the sled is equipped with wheels to glide down at 70 miles per hour! Two great locations for summer bobsled were also home to the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics respectively: Park City and Whistler Blackcomb.

Hiking

Photo: Banff Sunshine Village

Hiking is one of the easiest ways to get outside during the summer, and the most versatile! Most mountain destinations boast a wide range of hiking trails, from easy strolls to multi-day backpacking trips. Pack a picnic for the top, and don't forget to wear a lot of sunscreen! Be sure to check out the hiking trails if you are visiting Jackson Hole, Telluride, Aspen Snowmass, Mammoth Mountain, Banff or Heavenly.

Jeep tours

Photo: Visit Telluride

Take a wild ride in a 4x4 through some of the most scenic country in North America. With trips designated for all types of adrenaline junkies, you can tour through green forests and up giant rocks while getting deep into nature. Two stunning destinations to experience a jeep tour are Vail and Telluride.

Mountain biking

Photo: Aspen Snowmass

Mountain biking is one of the most popular summer activities to do outside, and it's easy to see why! Many ski resorts boast miles of trail that weave in and out of the mountain, along with some of the best bike parks in the country. Most mountains also offer clinics and coaching for beginner bikers or those looking to improve upon their skill set. The best places to mountain bike this summer are Aspen, Winter Park, Breckenridge, Big Sky, Crested Butte, Killington and Sun Valley.

Horseback riding

Photo: Steamboat Resort

As one of the more relaxing way to enjoy the countryside, horseback riding is great for people of all ages! Most resorts offer many options, including traditional riding, dinner rides and even horse-drawn carriage rides. Top venues for horseback riding include Vail, Park City, Telluride and Squaw Valley.

Fly fishing

Photo: Breckenridge Ski Resort

Can you imagine a more serene day than that of wading through blue rivers, surrounded by nothing but the calm demeanor of the outdoors? Fly fishing can be found all around our Colorado and Utah resorts, in fact, they are famous for it! Top fly fishing areas are Aspen, Steamboat, Breckenridge, Vail and Big Sky.

Golfing

Photo: Beaver Creek Mountain

For those looking to enjoy the outdoors in a more sophisticated way, there isn't a better way than scheduling a tee time at your favorite mountain resort. Mountain towns serve as the best places for golf because of the stunning mountainscapes and generally cooler air than courses located near sea level. Check out courses in Sun Valley, Stowe, Telluride, Vail and Beaver Creek.

River rafting

Photo: The Adventure Company

Nothing offers the same thrill and excitement of a river rafting trip, especially as you wind through the many valleys and canyons of Ski Country. From overnight trips to half-day floats, you can completely customize your rafting trip to meet your goals and needs. Great places for a river rafting trip include Jackson Hole, Breckenridge, Vail, Kicking Horse and Aspen.