Summer in the mountains means pulling out Chacos, fishing rods, hiking boots, and bikes from the gear closet. It means sharing refreshing breaths of mountain air alongside your friends and family. And at its best, it means creating unforgettable memories that will keep you coming back for years to come.
Related: Top Resorts For Mountain Biking
To help our customers find the perfect summer mountain vacation, we’ve searched high and low for the best mountain events, activities, and properties in 2021 so you can reach new heights and leave the past year in the dust (if mountain biking is your thing).
* COVID-19 Restrictions remain in place across most of our mountain resort destinations and we encourage our guests to work with their Mountain Travel Expert to get the latest information regarding what preventative actions are currently required by public health orders.
[Cover Photo: Glacier National Park]
The 2021 Summer Mountain Vacation Guide by Ski.com
Top Summer Destinations: USA
Aspen Snowmass | Jackson Hole | Park City | Vail / Beaver Creek | Whitefish | Breckenridge
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
If you’re trying to find the best variety, stunning scenery, and local atmosphere in a far-off mountain destination, it’s tough to beat Aspen, Colorado in the summertime. For the young at heart, staying in downtown Aspen offers ease of access to nightlife, dining, shopping, and countless trails that go from mainstreet #ToTheMountains.
This summer, things will look a bit different but local and resort officials are still hoping to start getting back to normal with some socially distant, indoor and outdoor live concerts in select locations around Snowmass Village and Aspen. In addition to that, there’s always the surrounding Elk Mountains, which are the reason you came to Aspen in the first place, right? This summer, the Snowmass Bike Park will return as will scenic gondola rides, the ropes course, Aspen Summer Camp (perfect for the kiddos), and a whole lot more.
Preferred Activities:
Fly Fishing
Aspen offers Blue-Ribbon fly fishing throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. The Roaring Fork River, The Frying Pan River, and countless high alpine lakes offer anglers a classic western fly fishing experience that is nothing short of stepping back in time. Let Ski.com help you find the perfect guide service to fish one of these legendary waterways, where hungry Rainbow and Brown Trout are just waiting for your fly to hit the surface.
Hiking
Whether you’re a dedicated trail runner or just a casual hiker, Aspen has something for everyone. From the legendary hike around the 4-Pass Loop to a mellow jaunt to the base of Maroon Bells, Ski.com knows the perfect trails to get in touch with nature.
Mountain Biking
Nothing is short of world-class in Aspen and the same is true for mountain biking. Those with a 2-wheel addiction will be dumbfounded by the hundreds of miles of potential trail riding that goes from beginner to expert. Beginners will find a great entrance to the sport by trying out the Snowmass Bike Park and its green runs while experts can explore the famous cross-country trails surrounding Aspen and Snowmass Village.
Summer Events: 2021
- Food & Wine Classic in Aspen – 9/10-9/12
- Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) Labor Day Experience – 6/24/-6/27 | 9/3-9/5
Where to stay:
Aspen: The Gant Condominiums
Snowmass: The Viceroy Snowmass
Local’s tip: “Reservations are required to go to the Maroon Bells from Mid-May through Mid-October each year so make sure you snag yours well in advance.” – Kelly
*Find out more about Maroon Bells parking/shuttle reservations here.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
When it comes to experiencing the essence of the American West in the summer months, Jackson Hole, Wyoming is the ultimate base camp. Two of the nation’s most picturesque national parks lie within an hour’s drive of town and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Hiking, fly fishing, golf courses, white-water rafting, and wildlife tours are all available for adventure seekers looking to get their blood pumping.
Preferred Activities:
*The Aerial Tram will be closed for summer 2021.
Paragliding
The top of the Bridger Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the premier paragliding launch points in the entire world and resort sanctioned guides can take guests on completely safe, “tandem” flights with 100% unobstructed views of the Teton Range.
Wildlife Tours – Yellowstone National Park + Grand Teton National Park
Without a doubt, the area’s biggest attractions are the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Way more than just a sight to behold, these landscapes have inspired countless individuals including famous names like the 26th President, Teddy Roosevelt, and legendary photographer, Ansel Adams. Ski.com has vetted the best tour vendors in the area and can match you with a naturalist or guide with a focus on wildlife.
White Water Rafting
The Snake River is home to the best whitewater in Wyoming and rapids vary from Class II-III (big years can see Class IV) through the river’s namesake canyon. Hire an experienced guide who can steer the raft (with your help!) and if you’re really daring, take a leap off one of the multiple shoreline rock jumps into the Snake River.
Summer Events:
- Art Walk – DATE TBD
- Jackson Hole’s Summer Wine and Food Fest – 6/24-6/26
Where to stay:
Teton Village: Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa
Jackson Hole: Mountain Modern Motel
Local’s tip: “If you’re going to either National Park, make sure to stop and get sandwiches for the lunch at Creekside Deli. They are tasty, healthy, affordable, and you can even get a package deal with a bottled drink + chips.” – Barclay
Deer Valley + Park City, Utah
Summit County, Utah is a dream in the summer, no matter if you’re staying in Deer Valley or downtown Park City. We love Park City Mountain Resort for its skiing of course, but once the snow melts it becomes a mountain biker’s paradise.
Mountain bike and hiking trails occupy a large portion of the biggest ski resort in the United States and once you’ve done a number on your quads, spend some time exploring the incredible galleries and restaurants of Park City. Or just test your golf skills on the world-class courses before doing an executive workout (hot tub -> steam room -> sauna) afterward.
Preferred Activities:
Mountain Biking
Rent a mountain bike and explore all the amazing single track offered by both Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain. There are downhill opportunities as well as cross country. You can even rent an electric-powered mountain bike to explore Willow Creek and McCleod Creek trails.
Spa + Wellness
Between Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley, there are more spas than you can shake a loofa at! From regenerative body wraps to deep tissue massages, a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert can make sure you find your chi at one of the many 4- and 5-star spas in the area.
Golf
With over 6 world-class courses to choose from, the options to improve your long game with the help of elevation are endless. So let the big dog eat and a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert can arrange for your golf bags to be shipped directly to your accommodation, no schlepping required.
Summer Events:
- Still TBD
Where to stay:
Park City: Grand Summit Hotel, a Rock Resort
Deer Valley: The Montage Deer Valley
Local’s tip: “While you wouldn’t guess it, Park City is home to some world-class sushi. Check out Yuki Yama for some creative rolls and delicious cocktails” – Charlotte
Vail / Beaver Creek, Colorado
If you’re looking to limit travel times and maximize the number of awe-inspiring sunsets, it’s hard to beat Vail, Colorado, or nearby Beaver Creek Resort. These two separate resorts both offer unique summer experiences that include white-water rafting, outdoor concerts, golf, hiking, mountain biking, and a whole lot more.
Find your solace by staying at one of the European-style base villages at Vail or really get off-the-beaten-path by staying at 5-star accommodation in Beaver Creek. You can’t go wrong either way. Cut down on your flying and drive time by booking travel into the Eagle County Airport.
Preferred Activities:
Golf
If you’re looking to center your trip around the links, we suggest making your home base in Beaver Creek as the Beaver Creek Golf Club is one of the best courses in all of Colorado. That said, the Vail Golf Club is no slouch and you’ll definitely want to check out both while in destination.
Hiking
Vail’s proximity to the Gore Range, Holy Cross Wilderness, and Sawatch Mountains make it one of the best resorts for hiking in the Rocky Mountains. From your accommodations in Vail Village or Lionshead, you have access to multiple gondolas that can help you gain elevation without completely wearing yourself out on the approach.
Rafting
Rafting on the Eagle River is a time-honored tradition in the Vail Valley and we highly recommend giving it a try on a warm summer day. Besides delivering refreshing blasts of unfiltered mountain water to your face, it’s a great bonding experience for the entire family.
Summer Events:
- Hot Summer Nights concert series (Details TBD)
- Bravo! Vail (Details TBD)
Where to stay:
Vail: The Lodge at Vail
Beaver Creek: The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch
Local’s tip: Each summer, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail hosts a variety of cultural and entertainment offerings, ranging from dance and classical music presentations, courtesy of the Vail Dance Festival and the Bravo! Chances are if you in Vail this summer, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful outdoor amphitheater at one of these signature events. Another bonus is that the amphitheater is located within the beautiful Betty Ford Gardens and along Gore Creek. We highly recommend taking a walk around the grounds.” – Devra
Whitefish, Montana
The Town of Whitefish is an under-the-radar destination that also serves as a wonderful summer vacation spot. Thanks to its close proximity to the breathtaking Glacier National Park as well as a variety of other attractions including Flathead Lake and Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort, it’s very hard to get bored with all the countless options for a great time.
The crown gem of Montana, Glacier National Park deserves multiple days on the itinerary as does some fun in the sun on Flathead Lake. Wash off all the good times and get some rest in a luxury vacation rental vetted personally by a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert.
Preferred Activities:
Hike Glacier National Park
There are countless options for hiking in Glacier National Park and we’d be doing our audience a disservice by limiting our selection to just one trail. If you’re an experienced hiker and outdoors person, stop in at Sportsman Ski Haus in Whitefish for advice on where to go and when as snow tends to stick around in some areas later than others. Also, make sure to keep bear spray on your person in the national park as there are Grizzly Bears. If you’re more of an inexperienced hiker but still looking to burn some calories en route to some jaw-dropping views, we recommend consulting one of the many local guide services, which our Mountain Travel Experts would be happy to organize.
Zip Line Tours
If you’re bringing the family, spend a day at Whitefish Mountain Resort soaring amongst the tall pines with everyone safely buckled into their harnesses. There are six different zip lines, which cover more than a mile of flying distance!
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake features multiple rental companies, where you can either rent watercraft for the day or be taken out on a Pontoon Boat under the care of a hired captain. Other options include rental sailboats and kayaks.
Summer Events:
- Summer ArtFest at Whitefish – 6/28/21
- 4th of July Fireworks over Whitefish Lake – 7/4/21
Where to stay:
Whitefish Mountain Resort: Kintla Lodge
Local’s tip: “There are no shortage of good hikes in Glacier National Park but combine your trek with a visit to a wilderness abode like the Sperry Chalet, and you’re really getting the local’s experience.” – Tony
Breckenridge, Colorado
Since Ski.com’s founding 50 years ago, Breckenridge has long held a place close to our hearts as an out-of-this-world summer mountain destination. From the Blue-Ribbon trout waters of the aptly named, Blue River to hiking the numbered peaks that make up the magnificent Ten Mile Range, Breck has just about something for every family, group of friends, or couple looking for cool air and sunny skies this summer.
Preferred Activities:
Mountain Biking
The mountain bike trails in Summit County, Colorado are virtually endless and if burning some calories while on vacation is a must, we can make sure you find a high-performance mountain bike fit for the rugged Rocky Mountains.
Zip Line Tours
A perfect activity for the family or a group of friends, Zip Line Tours are offered by the Epic Discovery Center at Breckenridge Resort and participants can fly high off Peak 8 with stunning views of the surrounding mountains of Summit County and beyond.
Lake Dillon
Lake Dillon is one of the most breathtaking bodies of water in Colorado and you’d be missing out if you didn’t spend at least a day or two while in destination SUPing, kayaking, or boating. A Mountain Travel Expert can make sure you find the perfect rental service.
Summer Events:
- Breckenridge Food and Wine – July (Date TBD)
- Breckenridge Hog Fest – Bacon and Bourbon – 8/28-8/30
Where to stay:
Breckenridge Resort: One Ski Hill Place
Town of Breckenridge: Main Street Station
Local’s tip: “If you come early enough such as Memorial Day Weekend, you can ski and golf in the same day. If that doesn’t interest you, come in July for summer fun on Lake Dillon.” – Cory
Epic Pass + Ikon Pass Summer Benefits: USA
Epic Pass
Free Lift Access: Free lift access at all Epic Pass Resorts where available.
Lodging Discounts: Discounts available at select resorts
Food & Beverage Discounts: Discounts available at select resorts
Learn More: The Epic Pass
Ikon Pass
Direct Lift Access: Enjoy direct access to scenic gondola and chairlift rides at all participating Ikon Pass partner resorts except for Deer Valley Resort and Crystal Mountain.
Food & Beverage Discounts: Discounts available at select resorts
Learn More: The Ikon Pass
Ready to plan the perfect summer vacation in the mountains. Our Mountain Travel Experts are way more than just cold-weather experts. We know the mountains like the back of our hands, regardless of the season. Get a free quote today!
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