15 Ways To Hit The Slopes In Summer

Despite what you may have heard, most ski resorts don’t go into hibernation once the snow melts and the wildflowers blossom. In fact, some of the top ski destinations around the U.S. offer warm-weather exploits that are just as appealing as their snowbound ones.

"The mountains have so much beauty and diversity to offer during the summer," says Susie English, director of communications for Ski Utah. “Even with world-class skiing all winter, summer is hard to beat in the mountains: The temperature is ideal, the weather can't be beat, and there are countless outdoor concerts, movies, art festivals, beer festivals, hiking, biking, fishing, and more." These all sound like the perfect antidote for anyone suffering beach fatigue at this point in the season.

"Once the snow melts," English adds, "the resorts transform into summer vacation spots, and many venues offer free concerts... It is so magical listening to great music while surrounded by mountains." From full-moon date nights on a gondola to lift-served hiking treks and remote Alpine slides, here are the coolest things to do on the slopes this summer. And, not a one involves parkas or ear muffs.