Nothing compares to the wintry scenes and fresh powder on the slopes at the top resorts in the U.S. But, ski resorts have a secret life during the warm summer months, making them a worthy destination to fly to in a chartered jet. They boast fewer crowds, beautiful blue skies, flowing waters and numerous events. When paired with longer days, the once-snowy retreats become gems that offer new ways to enjoy your favorite mountains.
Best Summer Ski Resort Towns
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid | Photo by James Joel via Flickr
Set in the Adirondacks, Lake Placid hosted two Winter Olympic Games. Jump into a bobsled and slide down a course for a unique experience and chance to meet professional athletes. Head to the Summer Jumping Series at Whiteface and watch the nation’s best ski jumpers train for their next competition as they twist and turn from platforms that are almost 27 stories high and plunge into a pool of water. At the end of the day, relax in a private cabin at Lake Placid Lodge
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, VT | Photo by Patrick via Flickr
Stowe is a competitor’s haven. The summer kicks off with the Wine & Food Classic in June. If you’d rather work up a sweat, participate in the Race to the Top of Vermont with other contestants running, biking or hiking their way up Mt. Mansfield at the end of August. Play a round of golf and treat yourself to a massage at the Stone Hill Inn, a romantic luxury bed, and breakfast set in nine acres of woods.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky, MT | Photo by Greg Gjerdingen via Flickr
Gateway to Yellowstone National Park and home to the “biggest skiing in America,” Big Sky offers unlimited outdoor fun. Take backcountry hikes or horseback rides through fields of wildflowers. Go fly-fishing in blue ribbon trout streams. Test your paddling skills with a whitewater rafting adventure. Zip-line across expanses. Give mountain climbing a shot. Lay your head at the Bald Eagle House at the Rainbow Ranch Lodge, which has an outstanding restaurant with several game dishes and one of the state’s largest collections of wine in its Bacchus Room.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, CO | Photo by John Fowler via Flickr
One of the best year-round resort areas in the state, Aspen is where you go to mix luxury with pleasure. Explore the Maroon Bells and picnic at Maroon Lake for its picture-perfect setting. Fish for trout in the Roaring Fork River. The endless trails are perfect for climbing, biking, hiking and horseback riding. Check out an outdoor concert before calling it a night at one of the residences or luxury suites at The Little Nell.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley, ID | Photo by Ben Christenson via Flickr
Tucked into the Rocky Mountains, Sun Valley was the first destination ski resort in the U.S. It draws crowds for its collection of galleries, artists, designer boutiques, fine dining, and Hollywood following. During the summer, the air fills with sounds of outdoor concerts and the Sun Valley Summer Symphony, the largest privately funded symphony in the country. Check out the latest indie film release and rub elbows with a movie star. Add to your art collection with a piece from one of the various galleries. Spend a day mountaineering and soak in the hot springs. At the end of the day, turn in at the Knob Hill Inn and enjoy the views of Bald Mountain when you awake in the morning.