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Summer comes with striking heat, sweat and sunburns. Beaches are usually overcrowded, taking away their appeal. On the other hand, skiing on a sunny and warm day presents an exclusive and thrilling experience. Ski resorts aren’t crowded, so you can have a wonderful experience.
Here are the top slopes in the United States if you find yourself wondering where to ski in the summer.
1. Timberline Lodge, Oregon
Timberline Lodge in Oregon is the king of summer skiing because it is open for skiing for 10 months of the year, the longest in the country. It is a famous tourist destination and has been featured in the movie The Shining. The activity takes place in the beautiful Palmer Snowfield on Mount Hood. The resort runs a dedicated lift with a public lane where you might sight Olympic and professional ski teams.
The lodge is publicly owned by the U.S. government and privately run. Other activities you can do include snowboarding, hiking and snowshoeing. Try bringing essential skiing gear such as hand warmers, dry ski boots and a shoe dryer for a more comfortable stay.
2. Mammoth Mountain, California
Skiing in Mammoth Mountain is all about that big mountain feeling. Its lift-served summit at 11,053 feet is the highest in California. Ski season typically runs from November to June. Beginner skiers can learn on gentle slopes while seasoned athletes can ride on steep descents. You can choose from a variety of lodges, from the Main Lodge with the view and access to the Panorama Gondola, the Canyon Lodge with expanded sundecks and the Eagle Lodge with beginner terrain.
Other activities you can try are mountain biking at Mammoth Bike Park, riding gondolas and hiking alpine trails. There are also plenty of activities for kids, such as strolling along the cozy villages, snowshoeing and sledding.
3. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Arapahoe Basin is one of the top choices of people when recommending where to ski in the summer. Some of the country’s highest elevation and challenging terrain is located here. The mountain has seven distinct areas, each offering unique views and varying terrain.
You get to enjoy pristine summer snow and relaxing skiing lessons since the place intentionally limits crowds. Its latest season closing date is around August. Other activities popular in the area include cross-country skiing, snowbiking, snowboarding and many more. You can check trail maps and mountain tour videos on their website to get a feel of the resort.
4. Mount Shasta, California
Mount Shasta in California is another great option for summer skiing. The mountain features a highly technical and high-altitude environment. As such, you need to have dedicated mountaineering gear when visiting this area. Mount Shasta is a 14,000-foot volcano, with the ski area running up to 8,000 vertical feet. It also has 636 acres of skiable terrain, with up to 38 trails. Advanced technology and breathable materials in ski jackets are perfect for such cold conditions.
The mountain is actually best skied during spring and summer, from April to July. This is because there are fewer avalanche conditions or bad winter weather during these months. After skiing, you can explore the glacial Castle Lake and try to kayak and paddleboard.
5. Beartooth Basin, Montana
Beartooth Basin in Montana is a ski region that is open only in the summer. The ski season typically starts late May or early June. It has been established since the 1960s, making it one of North America’s oldest ski areas. Experienced skiers know that Beartooth Basin offers one of the best steep headwalls and cornice skiing. There are purpose-built jumps and rails to make the experience more fun and engaging.
6. Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Rainier is the highest volcanic peak in the country. It’s located in the Pacific Northwest. It also has the largest alpine glacial system outside Alaska. Its national park is 97% wilderness, making it a fascinating area to visit if you enjoy solitude and being with nature. The area features a wide range of ecosystems, from windflower fields and glaciers to old-growth forests and world-class ski areas.
7. Palisades Tahoe, California
Palisades Tahoe is a great ski resort that was founded 77 years ago. It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1960. The resort offers plenty of skiing lessons, from unlimited group sessions to a one-day class.
Summer is a particularly enjoyable time to visit the area as it offers a 360° view of Lake Tahoe. There are also trams, summer camps, a Via Ferrata trail, pickleball courts and other activities. Palisades Tahoe is known for throwing races and conferences featuring some of the best trail runners in the world. It also hosts festivals and live music.
Gearing Up for Sun, Slush, and Snow
Summer skiing isn’t complete without the right gear. You need a helmet, goggles, boots and gloves to protect yourself from the cold. Helmets protect your head in the event of crashes and falls. They should fit comfortably and be accompanied by goggles so your forehead and eyes aren’t exposed to the cold wind. These goggles also reduce glare from the sun on the snow.
For clothes, it’s important that you wear a warm base layer, waterproof pants and a weather-resistant and waterproof jacket. Besides warmth, consider the comfort of the clothes. You will be moving a lot while skiing. Snowboarding jackets are a good option because they offer protection against snow and harsh winds. You can choose from insulated jackets to minimal-weight shell jackets.
Your Endless Winter Awaits
These ski resorts are well known across the country for staying open even during the summer months. They provide an escape from the summer heat. Aside from skiing, there are plenty of activities you can try, from snowboarding and snow biking to alpine hiking.
However, knowing where to ski in the summer is only half of the battle. You should also wear proper gear to stay safe during your ski sessions. Wear a protective helmet, goggles, gloves and waterproof clothes for a comfortable trip.
