5 Ski Towns Offering Outdoor Adventures—No Snow Needed

While skiing and snowboarding have their charms, there are plenty of reasons to skip a winter visit to a ski town—from disinterest in the sport to avoiding expensive lift tickets, or simply preferring to keep your feet dry and warm.

However, ski towns are not just for snowy seasons—they are often overlooked gems year-round. Visiting off-season opens up amazing hiking and biking paths, top-notch dining, fantastic breweries, and more affordable lodging.

Continue reading for five seasonal spots that shine as exceptional year-round retreats.

1. Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge has so much to offer. Firstly, it’s one of the easiest ski towns to reach in Colorado, located less than two hours from Denver International Airport. Navigating around is also a breeze—thanks to the free BreckConnect Gondola, which creates a smooth connection between the mountain and the town.

When it comes to activities, Breckenridge is all about outdoor adventures and enriching experiences. For a vacation centered on self-care, visit the Be Your Own Guru Wellness Center for yoga sessions, tarot readings, energy healing, and more, or try a SUP Yoga class with Bhava Yoga.

If you prefer a more nature-centric getaway, spend an afternoon with Summit Nature Guides. This nonprofit ecotour provider offers free guided hikes that deepen your appreciation for our national forests. Alternatively, join a naturalist for a free flora and fauna hike. For those wanting to enhance their mountain biking skills, Rocky Mountain Underground hosts weekly group rides and skills clinics, while Colorado Adventure Guides leads mountain bike tours and beginner-friendly courses for all genders. And whether you're a beginner or an expert angler, you can wade into nearby streams or even join a fly-fishing tour.

When it’s time to grab a bite, check out the “mountain Italian” spot Radicato, pizzeria Tin Plate, or Mimo for tapas. Afterward, unwind at Breckenridge Distillery or Breckenridge Brewery.

2. Girdwood, Alaska

In winter, Mount Alyeska is known for its “steep and deep” reputation, boasting the longest continuous double black diamond ski run in the country. However, even without snow, its trails can really get your heart racing. One of Girdwood’s most popular hikes is a two-mile trek up the North Face of Alyeska. Those who reach the top can enjoy a refreshing beer with a view of Turnagain Arm at the Bore Tide Deli and Bar. (Pro tip: Hike up, and you can ride the Aerial Tram down for free.) The chairlifts remain operational in summer for mountain biking enthusiasts.

Alyeska is currently in phase two of its three-phase launch for the Nordic Spa, a hydrotherapy retreat nestled in the forest. With part of it now open, guests can enjoy alternating between hot and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms, and finish with a visit to the exfoliation cabin. There are also options for a 60-minute massage and yoga classes.

Off the mountain, Girdwood offers various easier trails, such as the Winner Creek Trail, which is mostly flat and features a hand tram. The town is home to an award-winning brewery and plenty of creative dining options. With Girdwood as your base, you can explore nearby attractions like Byron Glacier and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Additionally, you can take the Glacier Discovery Train to Whittier, where you can embark on a wildlife cruise into Prince William Sound or book a Sea-Doo tour to a glacier.

3. Park City, Utah

Park City boasts an International Mountain Bicycling Association–Certified Gold Level status, making it one of only four locations in the country with this recognition. There are over 400 miles of trails available for mountain biking, and Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, and Woodward Park City all offer mountain bike lift services.

If racing down a mountain on a bike isn't your preferred thrill, Park City has plenty more to offer. Visit the Utah Olympic Park, which was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. It's still a key training facility for athletes and provides visitors with the chance to experience activities like the summer bobsled track and even “touch the torch.”

For those eager to connect with nature alongside knowledgeable locals, All Seasons Adventures provides rafting, hiking, trap shooting, and fly-fishing excursions. Alternatively, explore Utah’s breathtaking landscapes with Montage Expeditions, which offers day trips to Arches National Park and Zion National Park. You can also rise above it all with Bigfoot Hot Air Balloons, where you can catch the sunrise over the Wasatch Mountains. Additionally, Uncharted Society provides ATV tours that trace ridge lines to secluded lakes.

Park City is home to Utah’s first brewery, Wasatch Brewery, and the state’s first (legal) distillery, High West Distillery. The distillery is conveniently located at the end of the Quittin’ Time Trail, making it a perfect place to enjoy cocktails and appetizers after a day spent hiking the hills.

4. Reno Tahoe

While the Reno Tahoe region boasts the highest number of ski resorts in North America, there's no shortage of year-round activities to enjoy. A genuine appreciation for the outdoors is essential here, as the area is celebrated for its stunning hiking and biking trails and easy access to water sports on Lake Tahoe, which lies on the California–Nevada border.

If you want to immerse yourself in nature but don’t know where to begin, reach out to Sierra Adventures. They have specialists in kayaking, rafting, biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and more, ready to set you up with a guide, transportation, or gear rentals. For wildlife enthusiasts, Sonny Boy Tours provides excursions to see wild horses in the Great Basin.

For art lovers, Reno Tahoe boasts a wealth of public art installations. Art Spot Reno offers both guided and self-guided art tours featuring over 100 murals and sculptures scattered throughout the city. Additionally, Sparks Art Walk showcases a carefully curated selection of artwork in downtown Sparks’ Victorian Square.

The area hosts quirky festivals like the World Championship Outhouse Race. This annual event (the most recent marked its 33rd year) dates back to when Virginia City prohibited outdoor plumbing in the 1940s, prompting locals to parade their latrines. Now, it's a spirited competition where costumed participants race homemade outhouses, and the first to cross the toilet paper finish line is declared the winner.

5. Aspen, Colorado

Nestled in the stunning Roaring Fork Valley of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen (alongside its neighbor Snowmass) is a lively destination to explore throughout the year—perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities, gourmet dining, and vibrant arts and culture.

If you're in town during the summer, don't miss the chance to hike to Maroon Bells. Seek out the viewpoint where the twin peaks (both recognized as “14ers”) are mirrored in the nearby lake—it's a favorite spot for outdoor photographers in Colorado.

For a more relaxed afternoon, visit the Aspen Art Museum. Since opening in 2014, the museum features three floors of gallery space without a permanent collection, showcasing cutting-edge contemporary exhibits that include paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and video installations. (The rooftop café offers great mountain views, too.)

Aspen's downtown area is renowned for its eclectic mix of boutiques and designer shops—boasting over 200 stores in total. While you're in the American West, be sure to check out Kemo Sabe, a western goods shop celebrated for its custom cowboy hats, boots, buckles, and more. For a unique experience, consider renting an eBike for a 35-minute ride to Woody Creek Tavern, famous for its margaritas and connection to Hunter S. Thompson.