Top 5 North American Mountain Resorts to Visit in the Summer (The College Edition)
SUMMER SKI RESORTS
ATTENTION outdoor adventure seekers! Have you ever thought to yourself, “Ugh, I need to wait all summer to hit the mountains again,” or even, “I can’t use my Ikon/Epic Pass until the winter months.” Well look no further adventure addicts, there is no need to wait for the winter season to head to the mountains! Visiting ski resorts in the summer can offer a whole different (and amazing) experience, with activities ranging from hiking and mountain biking to outdoor concerts and lively bars. Plenty of mountain resorts are calling your name during the summer months, with endless activities at each to feed your addiction to the outside lifestyle, so take advantage of your time off of classes and enjoy summer travel! Outside Life also offers a wide array of all the best ski resort destinations in the winter, check out 45+ ski resorts here. Life is best lived outside in all seasons. Here are some of our favorite mountains to visit during the summertime:
1. Whistler Blackcomb, CA (IKON PASS RESORT)
Located in British Columbia, Whistler Blackcomb offers stunning mountain scenery and a wide range of summer activities including hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, and even glacier skiing.
Outside Life’s top bar & restaurant locations:
Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill (GLC): Located at the base of Whistler Mountain, GLC is a popular après-ski spot with a lively atmosphere, great drinks, and a large outdoor patio.
Brickworks Public House: This gastropub offers a rotating selection of craft beers, creative cocktails, and bar food in a stylish setting.
Longhorn Saloon & Grill: Another iconic après-ski spot, Longhorn offers a lively atmosphere, delicious food, and stunning views of the mountains from its spacious patio.
Favorite Whistler summer activities:
Whitewater Rafting: Get your adrenaline pumping with a whitewater rafting trip on one of Whistler's nearby rivers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rafter, there are options for everyone, including scenic float trips and exhilarating rapids.
Zip-lining and Adventure Parks: Experience the thrill of ziplining through the forest or challenge yourself on an aerial ropes course at one of Whistler's adventure parks.
Whistler Bungee Bridge (as shown on the Cover Photo): A must do for the thrill seekers.
Epic Pass: Use your Epic Pass to get on the iconic PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains for access to awesome hiking or mountain bike trails.
2. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY (IKON PASS RESORT):
Jackson Hole is renowned for its steep terrain and challenging skiing in the winter, but in the summer, it transforms into a playground for college outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and tram rides.
Outside Life’s recommended bar & restaurant locations:
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar: A Jackson Hole icon, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar features a Western-themed interior with saddle bar stools, live music, and a lively atmosphere. It's a great spot to enjoy a drink and soak in the cowboy culture.
Snake River Brewery & Restaurant: Wyoming's oldest brewery, Snake River Brewery offers a wide selection of handcrafted beers, as well as a full menu of pub-style fare. The brewery's outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy a beer and mountain views.
Top Jackson Hole summer activities:
Rock Climbing: Test your skills on the granite cliffs of the Tetons with a rock climbing adventure. Via Ferrata: A guided climbing experience that combines hiking and rock climbing.
Paragliding: Soar above Jackson and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains with a tandem paragliding flight.
Hiking: Explore the stunning natural beauty of Jackson Hole by hiking its numerous trails. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging summit hike, there are trails for every skill level.
Ikon Pass: The Jackson Hole Aerial Tram takes you from the base of Teton Village to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, offering stunning views and access to high-altitude hiking and mountain biking.
3. Breckenridge Ski Resort, CO (EPIC PASS RESORT):
In the summer, Breckenridge transforms into a haven for summer adventurers with many college friendly activities. The town of Breckenridge also hosts various events and festivals during the summer months.
Breck’s bar & restaurant recommendations:
The Gold Pan Saloon: A historic establishment claiming to be the oldest operating bar in Breckenridge. It offers a rustic atmosphere, live music, and a good selection of drinks.
Napper Tandy's Irish Pub: Napper Tandy's offers a lively atmosphere, delicious food, and a wide selection of Irish and American beers on tap.
The Blue Stag Saloon: A popular spot for après-ski, it has a lively atmosphere, a good selection of beers, and often features live music.
The MotherLoaded Tavern: Known for its laid-back vibe and comfort food, this tavern is a great place to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Our recommended Breckenridge summer activities:
Outdoor Concerts and Events: Check out the lineup of outdoor concerts and events happening in Breckenridge during the summer months.
Mountain Biking: Breckenridge boasts an extensive network of mountain biking trails for riders of all skill levels. Rent a bike and explore the miles of singletrack, from beginner trails to adrenaline-pumping downhill runs.
Whitewater Rafting: Get your adrenaline pumping with a whitewater rafting trip on the nearby Arkansas River.
Use your Epic Pass: Participate in a variety of activities such as the Alpine Slide, Gold Runner Coaster, zip-lining, and adventure courses (Epic Discovery). Use the lifts to reach high-altitude areas for sightseeing and access to hiking trails and mountain biking.
4. Telluride Ski Resort, CO (EPIC PASS):
Telluride Ski Resort offers college students some epic summer vacation activities including hiking, jeep tours, and gondola rides. The town of Telluride hosts various summer festivals as well.
Telluride’s summer bar & restaurant locations:
Last Dollar Saloon (The Buck): "The Buck," Last Dollar Saloon is a historic bar with a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and spirits.
Brown Dog Pizza: If you're craving pizza, head to Brown Dog Pizza for some of the best pies in town.
Tomboy Tavern: Situated at the base of the Telluride Ski Resort, Tomboy Tavern is a popular après-ski spot with a lively atmosphere
Check out Telluride’s summer activities:
Hiking: Telluride boasts stunning hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.
Rock Climbing: Test your climbing skills on the rugged cliffs surrounding Telluride.
Mountain Biking: With its rugged terrain, Telluride is a paradise for mountain bikers. Rent a bike and hit the trails at Telluride Mountain Village Bike Park.
Telluride Bike Park: This park offers a variety of trails for mountain bikers of all levels, with lift-served access.
Hot Air Ballooning: Experience Telluride from a bird's eye view by taking a hot air balloon ride over the mountains and valleys.
Use your Epic Pass: The gondola provides free transportation between Telluride and Mountain Village, offering stunning views and access to hiking and bike park.
5. Aspen Snowmass, CO (IKON PASS RESORT):
Aspen Snowmass offers a plethora of summer activities, its stunning mountain scenery and vibrant town make it a popular destination year-round.
Outside Life’s favorite bar & restaurant locations:
The Red Onion: The Red Onion is one of Aspen's oldest bars. It offers a lively atmosphere, friendly service, and a wide selection of drinks. The bar often hosts live music and events.
Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar: Hooch is known for its inventive craft cocktails made with fresh ingredients. The cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable bartenders make it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
Outside Life’s favorite Aspen summer activities:
Camping: Spend a night at one of the many campgrounds near Aspen. Camping spots in the White River National Forest offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Music Festivals and Events: Aspen hosts several music festivals and cultural events during the summer, including the Aspen Music Festival, Belly Up Aspen and the Aspen Ideas Festival.
Hiking and Mountain Biking: Rent a bike and hit Aspen Snowmass bike park, or just hit the trails that range in levels from beginner to advanced.
Access more with the Ikon Pass: Use the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain and the Elk Camp Gondola on Snowmass to reach high-altitude areas for sightseeing and access to hiking and biking trails. Participate in activities like the Alpine Coaster, ropes courses, climbing walls, and more (Epic Discovery).
These are just five of our favorite Ski Resorts to explore over your summer vacation, so get out there and enjoy the unbelievable activities that the mountains have to offer. Don’t forget that life is best lived outside, in all 4 seasons! Show off how you’re adventuring this summer - Tag us on Instagram @outsidelifetravel to be featured!
