Summer at the Ski Resort, Part 2

Ski resorts aren’t just for skiing anymore. Many of Colorado’s resorts have infrastructure that allows their mountains to be accessible year-round. From bike parks to slides to festivals, ski resorts are now the place to be in the winter and summer. (Check out Summer at the Ski Resort, Part 1 to complete this list.)

Summer chairlift ride [Photo by Kozlowski/Courtesy Crested Butte Mountain Resort]

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There are few places in the world more beautiful than Crested Butte, Colorado, and it seems appropriate that this popular mountain town holds an annual wildflower festival. However, you can distract yourself with more than just pretty flowers during the summer at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. It’s an entirely different experience on this mountain when there’s grass instead of snow beneath your feet.

Take in the breathtaking views of the area by enjoying a summer chairlift ride. At the top of Mt. Crested Butte, make a 360-degree turn to take in the sheer awesomeness of this incredible part of Colorado. From here you can see the Town of Crested Butte and the old town of Gothic (a mining camp that’s now a research area). Once you’ve taken in the views, either ride the chairlift back down or hike back to the village.

Summer Adventure Park [Photo by Stillo Photography/Courtesy Crested Butte Mountain Resort]

The Crested Butte Mountain Resort Summer Adventure Park is the ideal place to take the kids. They’ll be entertained with mini-golf, rock climbing, bungee trampolines and more. The newest feature here is the Tin Cup Mining Co. where kids can try their hand at finding gems. Activities can be purchased a la carte, or you can buy an Adventure Ticket to enjoy unlimited access to chairlift rides and the Adventure Park.

STAY

With a sweet indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub area, dining, spa and more, Grand Lodge, just steps away from the mountain, is the ideal place for a summer stay at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Trestle Bike Park [Photo courtesy Winter Park Resort]

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People like my husband, who grew up in Colorado, spent a lot of time skiing at Winter Park. Today, however, this much-loved resort has become a popular summer destination thanks to an array of offerings.

While there will be construction happening at Winter Park Resort this summer, and the Zephyr chairlift will not be running, the Arrow and Gemini lifts will be spinning for those headed to the Alpine Slide and the Trestle Park. The slide at Winter Park Resort is Colorado’s longest alpine slide with more than 3,000 feet of track.

As the “Mountain Bike Capital USA,” Winter Park’s Trestle Bike Park is one reason the resort is enormously popular with mountain bikers. There are a series of bike races for men, women and children throughout the summer.

Other activities at the base of the resort include a putting green, a disc golf course, human maze, climbing wall and other family-friendly activities. Buy the Adventure Pass and do them all.

Winter Park Summer Village [Photo courtesy Winter Park Resort] 

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I’ve stayed at a variety of places at Winter Park Resort, including Iron Horse Resort, which has a quiet and remote ambiance despite its close proximity to the mountain. During Village Uncorked! Wine, Art & Cheese Festival, I stayed at the Vintage Hotel, which is just a short ride in the Cabriolet Lift to the village and was perfect for a girls’ getaway to Winter Park.

Epic Discovery [Photo by Jack Affleck/Courtesy Vail Resorts]

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Vail Mountain has upped their summer game with the recent addition of Epic Discovery, an ultimate playground for those who love thrills, spills and adventure.

So what is Epic Discovery? It’s an on-mountain experience that you won’t soon forget. Pick your adventure or do it all with the Ultimate Adventure Pass. Epic activities include summer tubing, a mountain coaster that flies through a forest, adventure rope courses, a scenic gondola, 4×4 tours, disc golf and more.

If all this adventuring makes you hungry, choose from three on-mountain dining experiences. Go big with five-star dining at Game Creek or enjoy the views from 10th at Mid-Vail. If you’re looking for a family-friendly affair, visit Bistro Fourteen. All three of these restaurants created some of our favorite bites at Taste of Vail 2018.

STAY

Vail is not short on amazing lodging properties. We recently stayed at Antlers at Vail and we love the Lionshead location of this property. The hot tub and pool area is situated next to Gore Creek, and there’s nothing better than a soak with the sound of the river as a backdrop to end a perfect summer day in Vail. Also, Antlers at Vail is within walking distance of our favorite breakfast place in Vail, The Little Diner. 

SEE ALSO:
Summer at the Ski Resort, Part 1

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