Utah Ski Resorts That Are Flooded With Activities in the Summer
Published by Allie Hochman
Head to These Utah Destinations for a Summer of Serenity, Adventure, & Culture
Utah is home to some of America’s finest ski mountains, with locals and tourists flooding the powder-filled slopes from December until April. But just because the snow has fully melted and you’ve likely packed up your ski and board equipment until winter, that doesn’t mean Utah’s lacking activities during the warmer months. With everything from mountain biking, camping, kayaking, and more, there’s no shortage of opportunity for adventure in Utah’s iconic ski resorts come summertime. So, pull out your packing list, grab your gear, and get ready for an adventure-filled summer!
Park City
Whether you’re heading to Park City for a long weekend or plan to call it home for the summer, we’re certain you’ll find a way to stay busy during the next few months. Hop aboard one of the various chairlifts to access the highest peaks, or experience a gondola ride like you’ve never done before, and embrace what a Utah summer has to offer. Once you make it to the top, indulge in a delicious lunch or, if you prefer, make your way to a hiking or biking trail. And if you’re not traveling with your own equipment, renting a bike is a no-brainer, with the option to get your hands on a simple downhill bike, and for the daredevils out there, you can even try out something a bit more advanced.
For the little ones, strap into Utah’s longest Mountain Coaster for an adrenaline-filled ride, or whiz down the Alpine Slide, and feel the rush of the 3,000-foot-long excursion through the sky. Be sure to stay up to date with Park City’s summer calendar, where you can find endless events to attend, with everything from free concerts, theme nights, and more.
Alta
It may be difficult to picture Alta without the fluffy, never-ending powder that always makes for an epic day on the slopes. However, with a bit of patience, you’ll see that once the snow melts away and the trails dry up, this Little Cottonwood Canyon destination is the epitome of a summer oasis. Explore more than 16 miles of hiking trails, embrace the stunning wildflowers, and take in all that this serene mountain town has to offer.
If you’re the type who craves adventure and doesn’t shy away from a bit of risk, then there’s no shortage of action within Alta’s various mountain biking trails. With options to begin your journey from various locations, including the Albion Base Area and Wildcat Base Area, be sure to determine the route that best suits your skill level, and get peddling! And once you’ve completed your desired excursion, you can sit back, relax, and spend the night under the stars at Albion Basin Campground. Throughout the summer, the grounds are home to events such as the Wasatch Wildflower Festival and multiple Alta Birding Hikes, where you can take a stroll through the mountains alongside nature and conservation experts to learn about the incredible local species, and even identify them by appearance and sound.
Snowbird
There’s no better way to spend the summer in Snowbird than with the All-Summer Activity Pass, essentially your golden ticket to adventure. Passholders are granted unlimited access to rides on the summer tram, alpine slide, mountain coaster, ropes course, and more between June and October. If you’re not afraid of heights and want to view the mountain from a new angle, suit up and make your way up the 6-station climbing wall. This isn’t just for kids; The whole family can get in on the fun and let your competitive minds go wild.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or prefer a relaxing stroll through the park, Observation Point Trail has something for everyone! Given that the walkway has been paved and is relatively flat, it makes for the perfect blend of light exercise, plus a chance to learn about the area’s history and geology by following the educational signage throughout. You’ll likely spot some wildlife, such as deer, and possibly even a moose, making for incredible pictures to last a lifetime.
Deer Valley
Deer Valley certainly has its share of outdoor excursions, but it’s also home to the Deer Valley Creative Academy, where artistic, innovative minds can focus on cooking, culture, and other crafts. Enroll in a culinary course led by a worldly chef, unlock your inner sommelier with a wine tasting, or for the little ones, they can give cake decorating a go, and maybe even discover a new passion for baking.
Horseback riding is extremely popular in Deer Valley; Many even say it's simply the best way to spend a summer afternoon. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or you’re just looking to try something new, there’s truly nothing like a guided trail ride, where you can appreciate the serenity of the mountains and spend some time with one of the most magical animals on earth. For the aquatic adventurers, grab a kayak and paddle your way through Pebble Beach, or even take a SUP 101 class and learn the secret to standup paddleboarding.
The Gear You Need To Enhance Your Summer Adventures
OTRMost Gear Bag
Whether you’re getting ready for a family camping trip or a day-long excursion to one of Utah’s beautiful parks, the OTRMost Gear Bag is sure to take the stress out of packing. Think of this bag as your “base camp,” as it includes 65 L of storage capacity, so fitting three days' worth of gear is a no-brainer. Organization and efficiency are a top priority, with designated compartments for tools, shoes, a helmet, dirty laundry, plus the insulated Cold Pack™ to keep your snacks and drinks cool in all conditions. We know the value this bag can add to any excursion, so to enhance your upcoming West Coast adventures, we’re giving you the chance to get your hands on your very own OTRMost Gear Bag for 25% off.
OTRMost Hydration Pack
Hiking, climbing, horseback riding, and more, there’s one thing that’s essential when it comes to all of these activities - hydration! We’ve collaborated with HydraPak™ to design a unique, performance-driven hydration system within the OTRMost Hydration Pack, so water intake will no longer be a stress factor. Embark on your adventures with 1.75 L of liquid on your back, which can be instantly accessed through the high-flow bite valve. And the hydration system is entirely leak-free, so you can take full advantage of the 15 L of storage space without having to worry about wet gear. With the OTRMost Hydration Pack by your side, the sky is most certainly the limit this summer.