5 Ski Towns That Are Just As Good In The Summertime

There’s a common saying amongst ski bums who moved to ski towns for the winter and winter alone. “I came for the skiing but the summer made me stick around.”

And while most ski towns do great as summer destinations, a choice few are even better during the solstice season. Here are 5 of our favorite ski town summer destinations and why…

Sun Valley. ID

*Kayaking is the town sport | Photo: cjuneau*

Although Sun Valley has awesome backcountry skiing, one of the most historic ski hills in the land, and a top-notch après scene, we recommend visiting the Hailey/Ketchum area in summer. The reason? World class kayaking, fly fishing, and mountain biking combined with establishments built solely for the purpose of having a good deck beer to drink afterwards.

Go To Activity: Kayaking

Happy Hour Spot: Lefty’s

Plattekill, NY

*Plattekill Falls is perfect after a nice day’s ride | Photo: TheTurducken*

There’s just something about summer in the Catskills that’s quintessentially American. Maybe it’s the Wet Hot American Summer vibe or maybe it’s the kickass mountain biking and lake scenes. Either way, the Catskills are better in the summer for sure.

Go To Activity: Mountain Biking

Happy Hour Spot: The Tap House Bar and Grill

Whitefish, MT

*Downtown Whitefish looking towards the ski area | Photo: WikiCapa*

Snow ghosts and pow turns are great but Whitefish is even better in the summer and let me tell you why in 3 words. Glacier. National. Park. What might be the most stunning park in the USA is just a half hour drive from town.

Go To Activity: Hiking

Happy Hour Spot: Boat Club Lounge and Restuarant

Winter Park, CO

*Trestle Bike Park | Photo: Winter Park Facebook Page*

Winter Park, the home of monster sized moguls, is also unbelievable in the summer thanks to their iconic Trestle Bike Park. Home to some of the best mountain biking terrain in the world, the resort is just as good in the summer– especially if you’re a mountain biker first and a skier second.

Go To Activity: Downhill Mountain Biking

Happy Hour Spot: Hernando’s Pizza

Bend, OR

*As far as the eye can see | Photo: Cacophony*

Bend is a bigger mountain town with access to Mt Bachelor and Hoodoo but what makes Bend truly special is its lack of stereotypical Oregon weather. In the summer, there’s no better place to escape the rainy coast. Head east and take advantage of the many natural resources this mountain town has to offer.

Go To Activity: Fly Fishing

Happy Hour Spot: Crow’s Feet Commons