Why You Should Visit Vermont Ski Resorts in Summer
Think Vermont’s ski resorts are just for when the snow is flying? Think again. Several of the state’s most popular downhill destinations offer year-round fun, from ziplining and water tubing to bungee jumping and mountain biking. Ready for a little fun in the sun in the Green Mountain State? Read on for our list of […]
Smugglers’ Notch Resort | Why You Should Visit Vermont Ski Resorts in Summer
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Think Vermont’s ski resorts are just for when the snow is flying? Think again. Several of the state’s most popular downhill destinations offer year-round fun, from ziplining and water tubing to bungee jumping and mountain biking. Ready for a little fun in the sun in the Green Mountain State? Read on for our list of the best Vermont summer adventure parks. (You may end up surprised to discover that you prefer Vermont ski resorts in summer over winter!)
What goes up must come down, right? Usually. At Okemo in Ludlow, however, the fun remains elevated long after the snow is gone from the mountain. The resort’s Adventure Zone features a zipline, a giant airbag capable of launching thrill-seekers 50 feet into the air, a climbing wall, and, for the youngest in your crew, a series of bouncy houses. In addition, Okemo has a woodlands challenge course (ropes! bridges! elevated platforms!) as well as a golf course and a bike park.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort | Why You Should Visit Vermont Ski Resorts in Summer Photo Credit : Courtesy of Smugglers’ Notch Resort
One of the best places to beat the summertime heat can be found at this popular resort in Jeffersonville. Float, paddle, or just splash around in Smuggs’ pools, waterslides, hot tubs, and water playground. Since you’re in Vermont, home to some of the best mountain biking in the country, don’t skip the Mountain Bike Center, whose three-acre spread features both flat-ground and downhill skills parks, as well as a pump track. Bike rentals are available.
You’ll soar to new heights on Stowe’s zipline tour, which includes the heart-pounding Nosedive (it begins 180 feet off the ground). The resort’s treetop adventure course features six different aerial courses and some 70 challenges. Round things out with a gondola ride to the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain. When it’s time to refuel, eat up the views and some hearty American cuisine at the Cliff House.
Bromley Mountain | Why You Should Visit Vermont Ski Resorts in Summer Photo Credit : Courtesy of Bromley Mountain
They’ve got bumper boats. They’ve got mini golf. They’ve got trampoline swings. They’ve got space bikes (yes, space bikes—Google it). And that’s just what awaits you at Bromley’s Adventure Park. At the Peru resort’s Aerial Adventure Park, there’s a canopy tour and challenge area featuring five different course platforms that get you off the ground and into the trees. All of which is to say you may need a second day at Bromley.
Sugarbush Resort | Why You Should Visit Vermont Ski Resorts in Summer Photo Credit : Courtesy Sugarbush Resort
This Mad River Valley destination in Warren keeps the fun going deep into the summer and autumn months. Scenic lift rides, mountain biking, disc golfing, bungee trampolining, and ziplining are all on the adventure itinerary. After running and soaring all day, give your body some love with a massage at Sugarbush’s health and recreation center.
Killington Resort | Why You Should Visit Vermont Ski Resorts in Summer Photo Credit : Chandler Burgess for Killington Resort
Break out your ninja skills at Killington’s Woodward Wrecktangle, a challenging obstacle course for adventurers ages 7 and up. Climb cargo nets, navigate the floppy “licorice” bridge, and hold tight to the suspended rings. Compete against others for the local crown, and if you want to compete against others across the country, there’s an app for that. Elsewhere, activities include a mountain coaster, zipline, ropes course, and jump tower. The bike park at Killington, famed for being not just the largest ski area in the East but also the one with the largest vertical drop, is geared toward mountain riders of all levels.
Ian Aldrich is the Senior Features Editor at Yankee magazine, where he has worked for more for nearly two decades. As the magazine’s staff feature writer, he writes stories that delve deep into issues facing communities throughout New England. In 2019 he received gold in the reporting category at the annual City-Regional Magazine conference for his story on New England’s opioid crisis. Ian’s work has been recognized by both the Best American Sports and Best American Travel Writing anthologies. He lives with his family in Dublin, New Hampshire.
