Ultimate Guide To Ski Resorts In Summer

Ultimate guide to mountain resorts in summer

Bummed that winter is almost over? Don't sweat it. Those fabulous ski resorts you meant to hit up during the ski season are still around in the summer, and while you may not find yourself shredding bottomless powder in the high alpine bowls, you'll find plenty of fun exploring the mountains. What's more – prices drop substantially at most resorts, offering the best lodging and daily activity prices of the year.

Why summer?

In the past decade, resorts coast to coast have ramped up their summer offerings to boost year-round business and offer an activity-based resort experience that can be enjoyed by all. Investments into highly developed mountain bike trails, golf courses, adventure centers and kids camps have resulted in the ultimate summer vacation experience. Swap your skis for bikes, boots for trail shoes, and heavy layers for shorts and a tank, and you'll be ready for the ultimate summer ski resort vacation (without the snow skiing, of course).

What will I do?

You can likely hike all over the mountain, and quite easily on the cut and maintained trails. Mountain biking and specifically downhill biking are popular. Swim in nearby lakes. Ride the lifts. Lounge at rooftop pools. Go horseback riding. Rock climb. Zip line. View wildlife. Take a guided mountain tour. Sample craft brews at a beer festival. Catch an outdoor concert. Eat delicious, seasonal food. Hit the spa. Drop the kids off at day camp and explore the town. (And there's so much more!)

How much will it cost?

Live in luxury for a week or two at any of the high-end resort hotels or home rentals, or cater to a tight budget with low-cost lodging and totally free activities: it's up to you. Note, however, that most hotels slash prices by at least 30% during summer season, so you'll save no matter what. Subtract the gear rentals and lift ticket prices of a standard ski vacation, and you'll find even more savings.

What's in this guide?

In this guide, we'll clue you in on where to go, what to do, and how to execute the best summer vacation at a ski resort. You'll find tips on the best outdoor activities, dining options, and party spots; we'll highlight top resorts for families, extreme sports, overall experience, and more. If you're interested, continue reading for our ultimate guide to ski resorts this summer.

Resort: Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler streets

Top Pick: Overall Experience, Value

Centrally located in the heart of the mountains of British Columbia, Whistler Blackcomb boasts everything you could imagine – and more – in a summer resort. Long, sunny days, cool nights, and unparalleled access to outdoor activities make this resort a favorite for extreme sports enthusiasts, foodies, and families alike.

The Peak 2 Peak Alpine Experience Ticket offers access to glacial vistas, 50+ kilometers of hiking trails, and guided tours through miles of wildflowers. Take the chance to see a black bear at one of the many wildlife viewing areas, or head to the ZipTrek zip line to get an aerial view of the mountains above the canopy. The lively base village offers plenty of outdoor lounging at bars and restaurants, and dance clubs spin until the wee hours.

Getting There

Whistler Blackcomb is an easy (and stunningly beautiful!) 2 hour drive from Vancouver International Airport, and just over 6 hours from Seattle Tacoma. Fly into either and take a bus to the resort, or rent a car if you plan to explore the greater British Columbia area. For a leisurely and comfortable ride through the mountains, consider splurging on a train ticket for the Rocky Mountaineer.

Cheat Sheet

Stay…at the Town Plaza condos for easy access to village events at value prices.

Explore…the Overlord Trail to Decker Tarn on Blackcomb.

Fine Dining…Book a table at Barefoot Bistro for elegantly crafted local cuisine.

Cheap Eats…Eat-in or take-out at Fuji Market, which boasts Asian favorites and a $4 California Roll.

Best Brew...Get the sampler at Brewhouse for seasonal specials in a classic (and massive) brewery atmosphere.

Shop...at Aritzia for city-chic women's wear with mountain town flair.

Play Outside…with TreeTrek Tours, which offer family-friendly ropes courses in the forest canopy.

On The Mountain

Whistler's Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the only one of its kind in the world, is open throughout the summer so visitors can explore the resort peaks through extensive hiking trails and capture some stunning vista views. The resort outlines an extensive trail system to classify hikes by difficulty, time, and natural beauty. In our opinion, the lift pass is worth it even just for the views, which offer photo-worthy shots of surrounding glaciers.

Lodging

Lodging options are abundant in Whistler, and offer excellent deals in summer; stay in the heart of the village for immediate access to dining and shopping, or a short walk away for a quieter space.

Luxury

Cedar Ridge Townhomes boast 4 bedrooms, slopeside views, wood-burning fireplaces and a short walk or bike ride to town.

Mid-Range

Elegant and homey, the boutique Adara Hotel in Whistler Village offers comfortable rooms and high-end service; the resident golden retriever, Kate, adds an extra-special warmth to the lobby.

Value

Book one of the many Town Plaza condos for a simple stay with value prices and easy access to everything the village park has to offer.

Food

Whistler boasts over 100 restaurants, bars, bistros and lounges, most offering prime Pacific Northwest fare; the high-end spots rival those in nearby Vancouver.

Executive Chef Melissa Craig of Barefoot Bistro sources the best local vegetables, wild game, and BC coast seafood to craft simple, elegant dishes with international twists.

Sip a glass of pinot grigio at the outdoor bar, then sit in the dining room of Araxi for farm-to-table fare and a fabulous oyster bar.

Grab lunch on the sun-washed patio of Sidecut, which boasts signature steaks and traditional American fare in the heart of Whistler village.

Nightlife

Club disco DJ playing

Whistler is known for its daytime outdoor adventures, but you can slip into one of the many exclusive dance clubs for an all-out, all-night party on the town.

For a young crowd and nightly DJs, head to Garfinkel's, and check their calendar the occasional big live music act.

Moe Joe's is consistently voted the best nightclub in Whistler for its outrageous theme parties and space transformations into Berlin-style underground clubs.

Tommy Africa's offers some of the best deals, like 2-for1 entry on select Fridays and drink specials for Tommy's Tuesday.

Shopping

You'll find a Whistler logo t-shirt store on every street corner, but there are more unique finds when you take a good stroll around the entire village.

Provisioner is a one-stop shop for mountain lifestyle accessories from brands like Fjall Raven, Urbanear, Skullcandy, and more.

For all of your biking needs, stop into Fanatyk, where the staff will treat you like family and gear you up for serious fun on the trails.

Aritzia brings chic women's clothing and accessories to the mountains.

Activities

Explore the outdoors by day, catch a concert or theater show at night; Whistler boasts an eclectic mix of culturally rich experiences.

Enjoy a guided tour by local naturalists to bear viewing areas, dens, and feeding sites to see North American black bears in their natural habitat.

Book a full day white water rafting tour for unforgettable scenery and a few thrills.

Treat the whole family to a TreeTrek Tour: a course ropes, bridges, and boardwalks that wind visitors through the forest canopy.

Smugglers' Notch

Family adventure

Top Pick: Family, The East

If you're looking to craft a summer vacation catered to kids' interests, Smugglers' Notch has you covered. "America's Family Resort" is a top destination in both winter and summer, and features award-winning children's programs, special interest camps, waterparks, and tons of outdoor fun in the mountains. Forget the raw New England cold and jump into a northern Vermont summer at Smuggs'. You'll have fun – they guarantee it.

The activity options are largely centered around the resort, making it easy to walk and bike places. Having a car is useful for exploring the mountains out-of-town hikes. While your kids are at day camp, hit the trails or the spa. Nearby old Vermont towns offer quaint shops of antiques and other unique goods. Or splash around in the water parks – why not? You can be a kid, too.

Getting There

Drive 6 hours from New York or 4 hours from Boston up scenic Vermont highways. Fly into Burlington International Airport for a quick 45-minute drive to the resort; car rentals are available. A shuttle runs to and from Smugglers' Notch to the airport and closest Amtrak station at Essex Junction, 40-minutes drive from the resort.

Cheat Sheet

Stay…at the Village East Condos for easiest access to waterparks and village events.

Explore…the 2.7 mile Sterling Mountain Hike; which offers village views and wildflowers in mid-summer.

Fine Dining…Delight in local favorites like duck confit tacos at The Hearth & Candle.

Cheap Eats…Grab a sandwich from Green Mountain Deli for a quick bite before hitting the trails.

Best Brew...Head to Rock Art Brewery in nearby Morrisville for a taste of locally crafted drafts.

Shop...at Butternut Mountain Farm for handmade local goods, maple syrup, and Vermont cheese.

Play Outside…Take the kids on a llama trek and outdoor picnic adventure.

On The Mountain

Smugglers' Notch works to maintain an extensive network of walking, hiking, and biking trails during the summer. Ambassadors are happy to give you information on where to hike. Join a guided tour with a naturalist to learn as you wander in the mountains. We especially like the resort's distinction between types of outings, including walks, wikes, and hikes. Visit in July and August for the best wildflower scenery.

Lodging

Booking a condo at the village area is the best options for walking access to activities; opt for a room in downtown Jeffersonville for a quieter stay.

Luxury

Visitors of the West Hill Community have exclusive pool, hot tub, and game room privileges; these private homes also boast their own outdoor park in the summer.

Mid-Range

The historic Smugglers' Notch Inn is a great option for those looking for some space from the resort and an unforgettable stay in a quaint Vermont inn.

Value

For easy access to all the waterpark and central village events, stay at Village East Condos, which offer sizes and rates for varying needs and budgets.

Food

Restaurants are superbly family friendly; most incorporate local Vermont cheeses and produce for classic American menus.

The Hearth & Candle sources local ingredients for its varied fine dining menu; an adults-only dining room is available, or bring the kids for a family night out.

Enjoy friendly staff and hearty pub favorites at the Morse Mountain Grille.

A full bar and varied menu make The Family Table a top spot for locals and tourists alike.

Nightlife

Smuggs' offers family fun every night of the week, but you can also get the kids a sitter and go out for drinks and live music.

Join the Smuggsational Family Social on Sundays for singing, dancing, activities, and highlights of the week.

For an adults' night out, stop into Bootleggers' Lounge for drinks and live music.

Bring the kids to Wednesdays' Bonfire Sing-Along on the Village Green for some mid-week cheer.

Shopping

The Smugglers' Notch Village area has small collection of stores, while nearby towns boasts beautiful antiques and art galleries.

Tour the Boyden Valley Winery in nearby Cambridge for a taste of fine local wines and artisan cheeses.

Find Vermont crafts, maple syrup, and handmade goods at Butternut Mountain Farm.

Pick up a piece of one-of-a-kind jewelry made from mixed materials by local artists at the Ornament Studio in Jeffersonville.

Activities

Happy boy jumping in the pool

Explore the Green Mountains by foot, bike, or canoe; sign the kids up for camp; or enjoy one of Smuggs' many activities as a family.

Grab a map and hit the trail or join one of the many guided hikes, available for many interests and abilities.

Enjoy a 3 hour walk through the woods and a family picnic lunch with Smugglers' llama trekking.

Eight pools and four waterslides across five different waterparks will keep your kids occupied for days.

Jackson Hole

Old Mormon barn in the Tetons

Top Pick: Outdoor Adventures, Culture

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort just celebrated its 50th anniversary ski season, but the area has been a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts for much longer. Nestled in the Teton Range just outside the southern boundary of Grand Teton National Park, the resort offers the ultimate homebase for activities like paragliding, scenic wildlife tours, white water rafting, hot air ballooning, downhill biking, and more. The resort village itself boasts daily activities for kids, and lift serviced hiking trails extend for miles.

Because of its close proximity to national parks, Jackson Hole attracts crowds in the summer, perhaps the only downside of a visit this time to year. Stay at the resort in Teton Village for an off-the-beaten-path vacation, and bike, drive, or shuttle into the town of Jackson for all the downtown wild west fun.

Getting There

Fly into Jackson Hole Airport, located 20-minutes drive from town and 35 minutes from Teton Village. Most hotels provide shuttle service from the airport. A car isn't necessary unless you'd like to explore the parks and surrounding areas on your own time.

Cheat Sheet

Stay…at The Hostel for value dorm and single rooms at the base of the resort.

Explore…from the top of the tram to the Rock Springs Overlook; bring a picnic for lunch with a view.

Fine Dining…Indulge in gourmet western fare and fine wine pairings at Couloir, top of the gondola.

Cheap Eats…Grab some tacos from the Tin Can Cantina, Jackson Hole's food truck at the base of the gondola.

Best Brew...Refresh with local drafts and live music at The Deck after a hike.

Shop...at Mountain Dandy for vintage goods and chic menswear.

Play Outside…Fly tandem with JH Paragliding for an aerial view of the mountains.

On The Mountain

Multi-day hiking loops extend from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to Bridger Teton National Forest to the south and Grand Teton National Park to the north. There are plenty of day hikes as well. The aerial tram and gondola offer lift service to the resort's peaks for access to stunning views and moderate trails around the summit. Hire a private guide for a personalized tour.

Lodging

Opt for a spot in Teton Village to stay away from town crowds and best access to hiking, biking, and park activities.

Luxury

Book a suite in the Four Seasons for luxury digs in the heart of Teton Village.

Mid-Range

Hotel Terra offers an eco-friendly experience that considers everything from organic mattresses to recycled building materials; the rooftop hot tub is not-to-be-missed.

Value

Rooms at The Hostel fill up fast; book one now for the cheapest and best location in the village with friendly service to boot.

Food

Ride the gondola to Rendezvous Peak for a fine dining experience at Couloir, which delicately crafts classic American West cuisine.

Head to the Snake River Grill on the town square for rustic elegance and local favorites like bacon-wrapped wild boar.

The chefs at Teton Thai serve up the best massaman curry we've had outside of Bangkok; be sure to pair it with one of their crafty cocktails.

Nightlife

You can find late-night dancing in town or in Teton Village; dress is Wyoming casual, so jeans and a t-shirt will do.

The Monday night Hootenany at Dornan's is worth a short drive into Grand Teton National Park; head there for live music, drinks, and outdoor seating with a backdrop of the Tetons.

For an evening beer that slips into late-night partying, drop into the Mangy Moose in Teton Village.

Don't miss a peek into authentic Jackson Hole culture with bluegrass Tuesdays at the historic Silver Dollar Bar.

Shopping

Cowboy boots

Skip the trinket shops and opt for authentic western wear and crafty local products that make great gifts.

Made has a downtown location and another inside Hotel Terra; shop here for hip home décor and handcrafted, unique gifts.

Mountain Dandy specializes in vintage goods and menswear; located just across the alley from Made.

Don't leave Jackson Hole without a pair of authentic western boots; you'll find the best selection at The Bootlegger.

Activities

It's not so easy to choose summer vacation activities at Jackson Hole (there are just so many); here are just a few, but be sure to ask the concierge for more recommendations when you arrive.

Fly tandem with a professional of JH Paragliding to see the breathtaking 'scapes from the sky.

Take the kids to the Grand Adventure Park at the resort base for trampoline jumping, a climbing wall, downhill biking, ropes course, disc golf, and more.

Don't miss an evening at the Jackson Hole Rodeo, held Wednesdays and Fridays at the rodeo grounds in town.

Northstar California

Happy family diving in the water

Top Pick: Family, Leisure Activities

The Lake Tahoe area is a premiere playground in and of itself for summer fun and leisure; you can hike in the mountains or splash around in the lake, or kick back on a sun-washed deck and simply enjoy the endless California sunshine and laid-back vibes. Northstar California resort adds structured outdoor fun to the mix, as well as a high alpine village experience that recently underwent a billion dollars of renovation and development.

Adults and kids alike can hit the mountains hard with hiking and biking, but we love Northstar for its encouragement of leisure too. Play a round of golf on the 72-par course or get in a round of tennis with friends; stroll through the village on one of the signature Wine Walks or get artsy with pottery painting and candle making. Just be sure to save some time to relax in the luxury spas.

Getting There

Fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport and drive or shuttle just under and hour to the resort. Sacramento is a 2-hour drive, while the Bay Area is 3.5 hours away. Shuttle service from Reno-Tahoe is quick and convenient, and the highly developed village at Northstar is compact and pedestrian friendly. Whether you're flying, driving, or shuttling, be sure to have your camera ready; lake and mountain views are stunning.

Cheat Sheet

Stay…at the Iron Horse Lodge condos because they're simple, centrally located, and a great value.

Explore…360 degree views of the Tahoe Truckee area on the 6 mile Watson Lake Loop.

Fine Dining…Book a table at Manzanita for fresh, creative dishes in a cozy, modern space.

Cheap Eats…Enjoy a healthy wrap or snack from Earthly Delights in the base village.

Best Brew...Kick back on the deck of Tavern 6330' with a local craft beer, and s'mores roasting for the kids.

Shop...at Simply Tahoe for locally made products and gifts.

Play Outside…with Tahoe Adventure Company's kayak and SUP rentals and tours of Lake Tahoe.

On The Mountain

The Northstar bike and hike park is open daily through August 16th, then weekends through September. To access the best views, take the Vista Express or Tahoe Express lifts; from there, enjoy a number of hiking loops of varying difficulty. Leashed dogs are welcome on most lifts and trails. Naturalist tours are available for learning about local flora and fauna. We like the lift + lunch ticket option for families, which includes a meal voucher for the Downhill Grille.

Lodging

Most options are in the base village, with access to shops, restaurants, and lifts to hiking trails.

Luxury

Indulge in a room at the mid-mountain Ritz-Carlton, which boasts a 17,000 square foot spa, fine dining restaurant, and easy access to hiking trails.

Mid-Range

The Timber Creek Lodge is centrally located in the base village; rooms boast sunny private decks for late afternoon lounging

Value

The Iron Horse Lodge condos offer the best deals, and convenient kitchen units for dining in.

Food

Expect hip, healthy, sustainable California cuisine with an international flair; kids love the varied menus, too.

Manzanita at the Ritz-Carlton serves up locally sourced bistro fare in a cozy mountainside dining room.

Stop into Mikuni for sushi and Asian fusion in the heart of the Northstar village.

Get a table by the window at the Gar Woods Grill & Pier for casual fine dining and gorgeous lake views.

Nightlife

Astronomy amateur

Northstar is quiet when it comes to late-night action; if you're looking for activity after dinner, consider heading into Truckee, 6 mi away.

Check out Tahoe Star Tours for a unique experience of a night under the stars with expert guide Tony Berendsen.

Family-friendly sports bar Blue Coyote is a favorite for cold drafts and watching sports games on the flat screen TVs.

Venture to nearby Truckee for live music and delectable eats at Moody's Bistro Bar & Beats.

Shopping

Tahoe boasts a great collection of unique brands and local businesses; most can be found in the village at Northstar.

Men and women can find all their mountain provisions and modern western wear at Cabona's.

Bring the kids to Ambassador Toys to pick out the best books, games, and toys in the area.

Shop for local pottery, artwork, and hipster swag from brands like Big Truck at Simply Tahoe.

Activities

Wander around the village and hiking trails, but also make sure you get out on the lake.

Thrill seekers can gear up and hit the most extensive lift-serviced mountain biking trails in the West.

Rent kayaks or stand up paddleboards to tour around Lake Tahoe with Tahoe Adventure Company.

Play a round of golf at the Lake Tahoe Golf Course; prices are moderate and mountain views are top-notch.

Park City Mountain Resort

Park City Mountain Resort

Top Pick: Accessibility, Social Scene

Park City Mountain Resort is located just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, boasts the most extensive ski terrain in the U.S. in winters, and endless adventure activities in the summers – all amongst the lively, bustling downtown Park City. Since hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics, Park City has catapulted into a massive world-class resort, and its close proximity to Salt Lake City makes it one of the most accessible mountain town destinations nationwide.

The resort, which includes The Canyons at Park City, plays host to kids activities like adventure camps, mini golf, bungee trampolines and zip lines, while adults can rack up mountain time with hiking and biking. Downtown Park City dazzles with high-end restaurants, chic shopping, and lively bars and clubs to please any night owl.

Getting There

Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, then hop a shuttle ride to Park City. Check with your hotel about complementary shuttle services. If you're interested in staying in Salt Lake City for a couple days, check out our Ultimate Guide To Utah for tips on staying and playing in the city.

Cheat Sheet

Stay…at the Carriage House Condominiums for budget-friendly rooms 1 mile from downtown.

Explore…the Fantasy Ridge trail, for a hikers-only trek above the canyon.

Fine Dining…Indulge in gourmet seafood and steaks (and some specialty vegan items) at Riverhorse on Main.

Cheap Eats…Murdoch's Cafe

Best Brew...Kick back with an Apricot Hefeweizen or Ghostrider IPA at the Wasatch Brewery.

Shop...at Crosby Collection for unique, handmade Native American goods and art.

Play Outside…with an hour long Zip Tour of the Park City canopy.

On The Mountain

The Canyons Village is the hiking trails base; trails from the base wind up towards the bike park, and gondola tickets are available for purchase to gain elevation before setting out. Most trails are mixed use, meaning you'll need to watch for bikers, who have the right of way. Tombstone and Fantasy Ridge, which start at the top of the Red Pine Gondola, are hiker-only trails. Guided tours are available, but the detailed trail descriptions may be enough for you, too.

Lodging

You'll find lodging deals virtually everywhere at Park City during the summer; there is lodging to suit every budget.

Luxury

Book a suite with floor-to-ceiling windows and gorgeous mountain views at the Waldorf Astoria in the heart of Park City.

Mid-Range

If you're spending most your time hiking and biking out of Canyons Village, consider staying at the Silverado Lodge.

Value

Book a simple and functional suite at the Carriage House Condominiums, which are 1 mile from downtown and Park City Mountain Resort.

Food

Salad

Utah chefs love crafting fine food from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients; indulge in fresh, creative meals with distinct western twists.

Don't miss a dinner out at Riverhorse on Main; this Park City favorite boasts American bistro fare in a hip and modern dining room in the heart of downtown.

Recently named one of the top restaurants in Utah, The Farm at Canyons Village boasts local charcuterie and cheese boards, fine seafood, and delicious vegetarian options.

Enjoy gourmet western specials like the sugar and chili cured duck or corn battered trout at the Purple Sage.

Nightlife

Park City is a favorite for ski resort town nightlife; the drinks may not be strong, but the party scene sure is.

Downstairs is Park City's new nightclub with a vision for good entertainment in an elegantly relaxed lounge.

Mix with locals and tourists alike at the No Name Saloon, Park City's favorite classic western bar.

Underneath Cisero's restaurant you'll find the Good Times Bar, which attracts popular live music acts, DJs, and a fun crowd that likes to get down on the dance floor.

Shopping

Park City is a top resort for elegant shopping; enjoy wandering the colorful streets and outfitting yourself in modern western wear.

Burns Cowboy Shop is a Park City mainstay that boasts the best selection of high quality boots, bags, jewelry, and leather goods in town.

Stop into Flight Boutique for chic women's wear and accessories that boast a distinct western flair.

Step into the culturally rich Crosby Collection, which includes trading of Pueblo potter, Navajo weavings, and Pawn jewelry.

Activities

Park City boasts mostly family-friendly activities, with a few extreme sports options available for thrill seekers.

Take a 1-1.5 hour canopy tour of the canyon with the mid-mountain Zip Tour.

Gear up for downhill biking at the Canyons Bike Park, which offers lift-serviced access to dozens of manmade trails.

Kids ages 6-12 can enjoy a day (or several) at Summer Adventure Camp, where adventures include nature hikes, swimming, gondola rides, arts and crafts, and more.

Honorable Mention

Mountain biking the Colorado trail

Aspen Snowmass

Aspen is one of the classic Colorado ski towns, and conveniently off-the-beaten-I70-corridor-path. The resort is perhaps best known for its visits by the rich and famous, but let it be known that Aspen Snowmass also boasts some of the most extreme skiing and outdoor sports terrain in the state. The pedestrian and bike friendly village area comes even more alive in the summers, when you'll be hard-pressed to find even a cloud in the sky. Favorite activities include paint ball, climbing, fishing, and mountain boarding. Farm to table dinners and nature programs offer outlets for learning about the resort's natural environment.

Getting There

Fly into Denver International Airport; book a car or mountain carrier for the 3.5 hour drive to Aspen. For a more convenient and expensive option, fly directly to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport.

Cheat Sheet

Stay…at the Molly Gibson Lodge for quick access to downtown and a perfect pool for lounging on sunny afternoons.

Explore…the Richmond Ridge Trail for stunning views of surrounding mountains.

Fine Dining…Indulge in fine Japanese cuisine at the creatively decorated Matsuhisa.

Cheap Eats…Lose yourself in a specialty sub and trippy decor of the Jerry Garcia inspired Grateful Deli.

Best Brew...Enjoy seasonal specialties and live music at Aspen Brewing Company.

Shop...at Kemo Sabe for the coolest cowboy hats in Colorado.

Play Outside…Take a mountain boarding lesson with a pro and explore the open trails on decked-out longboards.

Big Sky

Big Sky has a lot going for it: prime location near the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park, a laid-back, unpretentious vibe, stunning scenery and wildlife, and significantly fewer crowds than its Utah and Colorado neighbors. Montana is big on enjoying and interacting with the outdoors, which makes activities like fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and floating the rivers local favorites. Big Sky bumped up its on-location resort offerings in the past few years, which now include top-notch family fun. Compared to most Yellowstone lodging, the rentals at Big Sky are all priced at great value.

Getting There

Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and drive just under an hour to the base of Big Sky. We recommend renting a car for freedom to explore the surrounding areas, including the city of Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park.

Cheat Sheet

Stay…at The Lodge at Big Sky, which offers simple rooms and fully-equipped suites central to summer activities.

Explore…the the 6.5 mile Beehive Basin loop for staggering mountain views and a picnic lunch on the lake.

Fine Dining…Head to Buck's T-4 Restaurant for an authentic experience of Montana big game.

Cheap Eats…Order a hot sandwich or fresh baked good at the Blue Moon Bakery, a long-time village favorite

Best Brew...Get a sample flight at Lone Peak Brewery for a taste local craft brews.

Shop...at Out of Bounds for high-end Montana gifts and goods.

Play Outside…on the longest zip lines in the Yellowstone region with the Big Sky Adventure Zip Line.

In this writer's opinion, the ski resort vacation experience is about a lot more than skiing. Get into the summer groove with awesome weather, outdoor concerts, big mountain activities and leisurely fun. If you need help finding the best deals in the biz, we can help you here.