Four Ski Resorts to Visit in the Off-Season

While a ski trip is an obvious choice for a winter getaway, many don’t realize that ski resorts are also great places to visit during the summertime. Many offer an array of warm-weather activities like hiking and biking, and they tend to be less crowded and more affordable than more traditional summer destinations.

Here are four ski resorts that, because of their low rates and exciting activities, are worth visiting in the summer.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Whitefish, Montana

Where rugged mountains meet vast prairies, and tranquil lakes collide with roaring rivers, it is no wonder Montana makes for a popular destination all year round. Whitefish Mountain Resort in Whitefish invites you to enjoy nature with an adrenaline rush at their Aerial Adventure Park (a treetop obstacle course) or on a zipline tour , or, for a more relaxing experience, try a scenic lift ride. The resort also offers tubing experiences and mountain biking lessons and rentals. In Whitefish, lodging is expensive and needs to be booked in advance – at Whitefish Mountain Resort, being that it is in a ski area, summer is “off-season” so lodging rates are insanely cheap. The resort even has packages that bundle several activities together at a discounted rate.

TIP : Late June is a great time to visit Whitefish as the summer crowds don’t arrive until July and August. The daylight is at its longest – the sun doesn’t set until 10pm. Temperatures can vary from the 60s to the 90s and rain is possible; however, most days clear up at some point.

Heavenly Resort

South Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Lake Tahoe is the perfect place for all of the outdoor activities from hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. You can enjoy views of the lake while gliding on Heavenly Resort ‘s two parallel 3,300ft-long zip lines at Epic Discovery, the resort’s summertime adventure park. Challenge yourself on various level ropes courses and roll through the forest and natural rock formations on the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster. Heavenly also offers, yoga classes and interactive learning experiences about the area’s animals, environment and history.

Normally, to stay in South Lake Tahoe prices are relatively expensive in the summer but at Heavenly, you can stay and enjoy the resort for as low as $119 a night. Weeknights and non-holiday dates are typically even less expensive.

TIP : If you are traveling with the kids, Heavenly houses an on-site child care and nursery for ages six weeks to 12 years with an optional ski component for children ages three to five.

Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe Mountain Resort is just as charming in summer as it is in winter, while opportunities to savor local farm-to-table fare abound. Enjoy activities ranging from tennis to paddle boarding, and don’t miss zipline rides, treetop adventures, and their state-of-the-art rock climbing facility. Views of Lake Champlain are particularly spectacular from the top of Mt. Mansfield: enjoy them on a gondola sky ride or a scenic road trip to the summit ridge along the Historic Toll Road.

There are discount packages all year long at Stowe, but rates in the summertime are particularly affordable at only $150 a night.

TIP : Be on the lookout for events held in Stowe like their Hot Air Balloon Festival and the various outdoor concerts that are held at the Trapp Family Lodge. If you are a foodie, make sure to keep an eye out for Dine Stowe Week to experience the local cuisine of Vermont.

Deer Valley Resort

Park City, Utah

Warmer temps and longer days (not to mention the colorful summer bloom) greet Deer Valley Resort guests for the summer season, which runs from mid-June to early September, then weekends only through late September. The resort’s offerings include mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and scenic chairlift rides, not to mention a children’s camp,and star-studded, live musical acts at the celebrated Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater.

Summer travelers can take advantage of a wide variety of lodging packages throughout the summer and shoulder seasons, which can include added perks like concert tickets and credit for on-mountain activities and dining. Enjoy a stay at Deer Valley Resort for as low as $120 a night.

TIP: If you are with the family and the kids are wanting to play at the Summer Adventure Camp, advance reservations are highly recommended as the program typically reaches capacity.