5 resorts for summer skiing in the US
We all know what it’s like when those post-season blues hit. It’s June, and you miss the turns, the corduroy, and the feeling of wind in your helmet. Well, don’t fear! Five epic US ski resorts stay open deep into the summer. Who knew, right?
Where do you want to be when summer hits, the nights are light, the evenings warm, and your mood is up? The beach? Swimming in the lake? No. You want to be on the mountain, getting in slushy turns, and having a blast on the terrace with an ice-cold beverage.
Well, what if we told you it’s possible and easily doable? Yes, five resorts in the US regularly open through July 4th (weather and seasonal snowfall permitting). And we’ve rounded them up right here.
So, are you ready to suit up in the summer and slide some slush? Dig your edges into our article. But – before you do – check out the latest ski pants for men and ski pants for women from MONTEC. Nothing says summer skiing like a bib and hoodie, after all!
5 summer skiing destinations in the US
Timberline Lodge, Oregon
Mammoth Mountain, California
Palisades Tahoe, California
Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Beartooth Basin, Wyoming
Bonus: Chugach State Park, Alaska
Timberline Lodge, Oregon
Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood is the first and most important destination on this list, as it’s open 12 months a year for shredding! Head to the high slopes of Palmer Snowfield in summer, and you’ll find a huge freestyle park. It’s where the US team trains.
Each July and August, Timberline hosts ski and snowboard camps. They book up fast, though, so get in on them early. Prefer to go under your own steam? Timberline is open to the public, too.
Timberline also has awesome off-mountain selling points. Its beautiful historic lodge was built in 1937 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1977! But if you’re more keen to sink some post-ride drinks than sightsee, Ram’s Head Bar is a super cool spot and offers insane views over the surrounding wilderness.
The resort often stays open all year, with summer riding camps in July and August.
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth Mountain racks up so much annual snowfall that it often stays open through Independence Day Weekend. Awesome, right? And it serves up a pretty epic party to go with it!
Ride the Upper Mountain, Cornice Bowl, Saddle Bowl, and the summer terrain park while your co-workers are sunning at the beach back home. Plus, even if you can’t get on snow, take the scenic gondola up to enjoy amazing views from the top.
Mammoth is known for its post-ride party atmosphere, thanks to tons of bars in The Village. The Yodler Restaurant & Bar and Tusks Bar are the go-to spots. But you’ll never be short of a party in the summer months. This is when locals and visitors pack the patios and rip the last snow of the season. Expect live music and delicious brews, especially at Mammoth Brewing Company, our favorite spot in town.
The resort usually stays open until late June, but often opens through the 4th of July weekend with limited terrain.
Palisades Tahoe, California
Palisades Tahoe has a rich history. It played host to the 1960 Winter Olympics, after all! Although it doesn’t have quite as much terrain open as Mammoth – with just the runs on the upper mountain on offer – it’s still well worth visiting for a summer shred.
All Palisades Tahoe’s terrain is marked for advanced and expert riders, though. So, don’t expect cruisey turns under blue skies. Still, the views of Lake Tahoe are unbeatable. And, hey, you’re skiing in July, man! Don’t be so picky. The après delivers, too!
The Village at Palisades Tahoe has some choice spots. These include Le Chamois & Loft Bar and Rocker Restaurant – both legendary for their loud and fun vibes. There’s also a stacked festival lineup, with multiple outdoor concerts and beer festivals happening throughout the summer. July turns and ticks to a live show? Where do we sign?
The resort usually closes mid-June, but on good snow years it is known to open through the 4th of July weekend.
Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Arapahoe Basin boasts the longest season in Colorado because of its north-facing, high-altitude slopes and heavily snow-laden bowls. You can ride Montezuma Bowl and East Wall latest, usually well into June. However, this is pretty hectic terrain. So, don’t make the trip unless you want steep and slush in equal measure!
A-Basin’s spring skiing is pretty legendary – particularly during May’s decent coverage. It’s locally known as ‘A-Basin Beach’ and offers a great, chilled atmosphere for all who visit.
For afters, there’s 6th Alley Bar & Grill to settle down and sink a cold one. But at The Beach, it’s all about the tailgate. Here, locals sit, drink, and laugh well into the evening in the car park. So, if you’re heading to A-Basin this spring and summer, bring your cooler and prepare for a totally unique experience!
The resort usually closes in mid-June, but the best time to visit is late May when coverage is at its best.
Beartooth Basin, Wyoming
Beartooth Basin is a little hit-or-miss for summer skiing. It has a designated summer-only ski area on the high slopes. Still, it’s ungroomed and only open when snowfall accumulation is high enough through the season.
You can hike for your turns. But if Beartooth Basin’s summer area is closed, you’ll ride unpatrolled terrain. And even if it is open, it’s high, steep, and pretty much expert-only.
Because of its remote, rugged location, Beartooth isn’t really a built-up resort. The nearby town of Red Lodge has a few pretty cool bars and restaurants. However, there’s not much of a party scene happening here. So, if you want liquid goods with your goggle tan, California is a better bet! Still, if you crave a June backcountry-esque ski trip where the riding is front-and-center, Beartooth might be the spot!
The resort closes late July on good snow years, with the dedicated summer ski area opening in late May.
Bonus: Chugach State Park, Alaska
We’re throwing in one more spot as a bonus – but you’ll need to head way north! All cards on the table: Chugach is a state park rather than a ski resort. It sprawls north and south of the famed Alyeska Resort (featured in our snowiest ski resorts in the US list!) and is home to some truly insane ski touring.
Alyeska Resort is pretty low to the ground and closes on or around April 28th. But you can hike out into the surrounding backcountry! You’ll access turns on choice north-facing slopes right through July – and even into August!
Aim for famous spots, such as Tincan Peak, Thompson Pass, Kenai, Talkeetna, and Valdez. However, we don’t recommend venturing out here without a guide…and some serious experience!
The area is usually good for touring until late July. However, that’s pushing it, and you’ll likely climb in your hiking boots rather than skis!
Wrapping up
Well, that’s it – five resorts to ride in the summer and one special touring spot where you can earn your turns practically year-round! We think hitting all five under the summer solstice sun sounds like an epic trip, right?
If you’ve been to one, skied them all, or reckon we missed something obvious, let us know at crew@montecwear.com. Until then, happy trails – and don’t forget your sunscreen!
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