10 U.S. Ski Resorts That Are Just as Amazing in Summer

There's no need to wait for winter to enjoy your favorite ski spots. Recently, U.S. resorts have enhanced their summer offerings to draw visitors year-round.

As the snow melts and temperatures climb, America's premier mountain towns host an expanding array of activities and events, including golfing, hiking, zip lining, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, live music, food festivals, and more. You can also immerse yourself in nature and savor the stunning views and fresh mountain air without the winter crowds.

Here are 10 vibrant ski destinations in the U.S. that are also perfect for summer escapades, with many offering accommodations at significantly lower prices than during peak season.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Wyoming's winter wonderland dazzles even when the snow melts — valleys and hills come alive with colorful blooms, wildlife is plentiful, and the climate is ideal for hiking and biking. Additionally, the town's close proximity to two national parks — Grand Teton and Yellowstone — makes it a prime spot for exploring the wilderness and alpine landscapes.

Jackson Hole hosts its annual Summer Festival, featuring the nation’s leading chefs, winemakers, and spirits artisans collaborating with local culinary talent for a weekend filled with tastings and events. (Don’t forget to check out the winter edition too.)

Other attractions include picturesque horseback rides, an exciting via ferrata, exceptional dining at Teton Thai and Piste Mountain Bistro, indulgence at the Four Seasons spa, and a lively experience at the legendary Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Pro tip: Ride the aerial tram to Corbet's Cabin for delectable brown sugar butter waffles and breathtaking views at 10,450 feet.

Park City, Utah

While Park City is renowned for hosting the glamorous Sundance Film Festival and boasting the largest ski resort in the U.S., its summer offerings are equally enticing. Enjoy off-peak pricing and a plethora of activities, including fly fishing on the Provo River, exploring 400 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, scenic chairlift rides, and Utah's largest mountain coaster. Adventure enthusiasts will find excitement at Olympic Park, where they can try summer bobsledding, zip lining, challenging ropes courses, and extreme tubing. The town also hosts numerous festivals celebrating local music, art, craft beer, and wine throughout the season.

Aspen, Colorado

Summer in the iconic Rocky Mountain town of Aspen, Colorado, offers an array of experiences, from world-class culinary festivals to family-friendly adventures at the nearby Lost Forest adventure park. Don your hiking boots and traverse 25 miles of stunning Snowmass trails, soar above rocky peaks while paragliding, catch a sunset from a hot air balloon, or scale a mountain during a rock-climbing trip. Afterwards, explore the quaint downtown area filled with stylish boutiques, art galleries, and upscale dining along Restaurant Row. Pro tip: Don't miss the stunning natural beauty of Maroon Bells, two of North America's most photographed peaks, rising 14,000 feet over the crystal-clear Maroon Lake.

Sugarloaf, Maine

As the largest ski area east of the Rockies and home to one of Maine's top golf courses, Sugarloaf is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Summer at "the Loaf" features a laid-back, small-town vibe with an exciting lineup of events, including an après series showcasing local craft beer and live outdoor concerts, along with world-class mountain bike racing during the 2022 Enduro World Series in August. Seasonal offerings also include scenic lift rides, golfing, zip lining, hiking, and kayaking on Flagstaff Lake. This year, an increased number of local restaurants and shops are open for visitors to enjoy.

Snowbasin, Utah

As one of the oldest mountain resorts in North America, Snowbasin boasts a sprawling 3,000-acre outdoor playground featuring 3,000 vertical feet of rugged terrain to explore all year round. Guests can hike, bike, or take the gondola to access over 20 trails, along with enjoying mini golf on an 18-hole course set against the stunning backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. At the resort's summit, Needles Lodge offers a dining experience at 8,700 feet, complete with breathtaking views of the Ogden Valley and beyond. Snowbasin also hosts a full schedule of events, including the Blues, Brews, and BBQ live music series and a German-themed SnowWiesn Oktoberfest.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Established in 1936 as North America's inaugural destination ski resort, Sun Valley provides year-round excitement for both locals and visitors. Enjoy a round at one of the award-winning golf courses, indulge in luxury at the spa, or embark on a scenic horse-drawn wagon ride through the picturesque valley. Other highlights include mountaintop yoga, lift access to Bald Mountain offering 3,400 vertical feet of hiking and biking trails, a variety of concerts featuring Grammy Award-winning artists, and Sun Valley on Ice, showcasing an all-star cast of Olympic figure skaters at the outdoor ice rink. Pro tip: Don’t forget to look up! With its clear air and high elevation, stargazing in Sun Valley is simply mesmerizing.

Vail, Colorado

When the mountains are draped in lush green and wildflowers burst into bloom beneath clear blue skies, it's an enchanting time to visit Vail. Guests can wander through Bavarian-inspired villages, enjoy countless mountain and river adventures, and participate in the GoPro Mountain Games, a grand celebration of outdoor sports. In addition to its renowned restaurants, the town hosts various culinary events that highlight local talent and Colorado-sourced ingredients, including a farm-to-table dinner series and the Vail Wine Classic in August. Be sure to catch a summer concert, comedy show, or dance performance at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, an extraordinary outdoor venue nestled under the stars and surrounded by breathtaking mountains.

Lake Tahoe, California

With its stunning Sierra mountain backdrop and crystal-clear waters, North Lake Tahoe is a scenic destination offering a multitude of activities. Visitors can engage in on-lake adventures like rafting and stand-up paddleboarding, along with biking, golfing, zip lining, and Squaw Valley's latest outdoor thrill: a via ferrata, which blends climbing, hiking, and ascending an 800-foot vertical cliff. Other summer attractions include Shakespeare performances on the lake and a plethora of live music events, from weekly beach concerts to mountain festivals. Pro tip: Be sure to enjoy a drink (or two) along the picturesque Tahoe Rum Trail.

Whiteface, Lake Placid

Nestled in the quaint town of Wilmington near the historic Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain serves as a delightful getaway for families. Guests can enjoy a nine-hole disc golf course, try their hand at fly fishing on the Ausable River, savor bites from the highest food truck in New York, and ride a gondola to the summit of Little Whiteface. Take in the beautiful surroundings—from vibrant hardwood forests to stunning waterfalls—on a guided nature walk, or challenge yourself with a hike up Bear Den Mountain. A visit to the Adirondacks wouldn't be complete without a scenic drive along Veterans Memorial Highway to witness the impressive two-story stone castle and breathtaking 360-degree views from the peak.

Beech Mountain, North Carolina

You might not associate North Carolina with winter sports, but Beech Mountain Resort offers year-round fun for the whole family. During warmer months, enjoy activities like disc golf on a newly revamped course, mountain biking, and chairlift rides to the 5506' Skybar (named for its height) for food, drinks, live music, and serene yoga sessions—all accompanied by stunning Blue Ridge views. Pro tip: Don't miss a visit to Beech Mountain Brewing Co. for a craft beer and their renowned beer cheese nachos.