To Do: Visit a Colorado Ski Resort This Summer

Think the only activities at Colorado’s ski resorts are winter activities? Think again. As the snow recedes and the mountains turn green, the mountain resorts also switch gears. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family fun, or a vacation that’s a little out of the ordinary, you’ll find no shortage of summer excursions at a Colorado ski resort, often paired with much lower lodging rates than you'll encounter during ski season.  Wondering what sets a ski resort summer vacation apart from other destinations across Colorado? Here are just a few of the advantages:
 

It’s a classic line among recent transplants to Colorado: “you come for the winters but you stay for the summers.” While Colorado may be known for deep powder and endless backcountry skiing, locals know that the summers are even better. With minimal humidity, tons of sunshine, and highs in the mid-eighties, a day in the Colorado High Country can feel like an escape to paradise.
 

One of the best parts of visiting a ski resort in the summer is the peace and quiet – while Colorado draws plenty of summer visitors, the volume is still much lower than in the winter months, and because of the plentiful hiking and camping, travelers are much more spread out. There’s no need to crowd into the resorts, so the hotels and slopes are blissfully empty.
 

Sure, you’ve seen the sweeping mountain vistas when you visited in the winter (that is, when you weren’t busy picking that perfect line down the hill), but you’ll be amazed at how different your favorite resort looks once it’s covered in wildflowers. Most resorts charge only a modest fee (if they charge at all) to take a chairlift ride or gondola ride up the ski slopes. From there, you can choose to ride back down again or hoof it for even more hidden views of the surrounding peaks.
 

From go karts and rock climbing walls to alpine slides, bumper boats and bungee jumps, Colorado’s ski resorts have an impressive range of kids’ activities. Mix and match to suit the interests of your little ones, or look for a resort that offers an all-day pass for tons of family fun.
 

Looking for some grown-up activities? Most resorts have nearby hiking trails, allowing you to explore the wilderness to your heart’s content. If you’re looking for something a bit more high-adrenaline, consider renting a mountain bike at a ski area that offers chairlift access for bikes. Or bring a road bike and explore the bike paths that cut through the resort. Want to spend a relaxing afternoon with buddies? Many ski resorts in Colorado have on-site golf courses. And of course, there’s always the option of kicking back and soaking up the Colorado sunshine at the nearest bar patio or pool!



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