One of the best parts of a summer mountain vacation is the wildlife viewing opportunities. Most ski resorts are located on or bordering national parks or Forest Service land, making them prime destinations for spotting herds of elk, families of bears, majestic moose or soaring eagles. Animals come out of hibernation or migrate to lush meadows during summer months, when the mountain wildlife population peaks.

Certain ski resorts are known as ideal habitats for specific wildlife. For example, if you’re hoping to spot a grizzly, head to Yellowstone or Teton National Park next to Jackson Hole. If you’d love to meet a moose (at a safe distance!), a good bet is Big Sky. Banff  National Park is home to 53 species of mammals including elusive grey wolves, and Steamboat Springs has many adorable black bears.

Whichever ski resort you visit during the summer, you’ll likely spot some very cute critters while exploring the hiking and biking trails. Here are a few of our favorite recent sightings at ski resorts.

Please be cautious when viewing wildlife! Always remain at a safe distance and heed local signage and advisories.

Keep your eyes peeled for bright white mountain goats on ridge lines in the Colorado high country. | Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Jackson Hole’s Grizzy 610 and her cubs cross the street in Teton National Park. | Photo: Mark Suclla
A massive elk at dusk in Jackson. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
A moose meanders across a highway near Jackson Hole. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Marmots are all over the Elk Mountains. This one peeks out of its Snowmass residence. | Photo: Snowmass Tourism
Black bears are majestic animals and can be spotted all around Steamboat. | Photo: Kevin Dietrich, Steamboat Resort
A mother moose and her calf in Steamboat | Photo: Kevin Dietrich, Steamboat Resort
Two young moose trot through a meadow in Steamboat Springs. | Photo: Kevin Dietrich, Steamboat Resort
Yellow-bellied marmots make high-pitched chirps as they pop up from their rocky dens. Photo: Chris Segal, Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Colorful trout fill Colorado rivers. | Photo: Steamboat Resort
A rare photo capturing a bison and a bear near Big Sky Resort | Photo: Yellowstone Tour Guides
Two moose stop for a snack with Big Sky Resort behind them. | Photo: Big Sky
Banff is home to a huge array of wildlife, including the elusive grey wolf. | Photo: Cai Priestley, Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Grey wolf prints found during winter in Banff Lake Louise | Photo: Cai Priestley, Banff Lake Louise Tourism
The wolverine is one of 53 mammal species found in Banff National Park. It’s a fierce predator that challenges bears much larger than itself. | Photo: Parks Canada
A barred owl in Banff Lake Louise | Photo: Canoe Weddings, Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Banff has so much wildlife, you’ll likely spot herds of elk while walking around downtown. | Photo: Banff Lake Louise Tourism

 

If you’re eager to spot some wildlife in the mountains this summer, start planning your vacation by requesting a custom quote or speaking with a Mountain Travel Expert at 800-610-8911.