7 Winter Destinations to Add to Your Summer Bucket List
Little-known fact: When summer temperatures set in, your favorite winter getaway does not just vanish into thin air. That beloved ski town, mountain escape or sled dog paradise probably offers some excellent year-round adventures. Sometimes, these destinations are even more enjoyable in the summer when they’re less crowded and take on a totally different vibe. So, this summer beat the heat – and the crowds! – at these winter destinations that will rock your summer bucket list.
1. Park City, Utah
Park City is renowned for its ski scene and the wintery Sundance Film Festival, but it also deserves a spot on your summer bucket list. Each summer, the famous Deer Valley ski resort transforms into a nature lover’s wonderland. Visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts, fly fishing, twilight bike rides, stand-up paddleboarding and scenic chairlift rides. And if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, Park City is the perfect place to go off the grid.
Every Sunday during the summer, Park City’s Main Street hosts the Park Silly Sunday Market, a multi-sensory experience of music, art and food. Oh, and did we mention the outdoor trails? Among the standouts are an epic 28-mile bike trail through the mountains and the gorgeous Armstrong hiking trail. If that’s not enough adrenaline for you, try out the tubing rides, ropes courses and other sports adventures at Utah Olympic Park.
2. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe’s ski scene is the stuff of legend, but its picturesque downtown is a destination in itself, especially during a storybook New England summer. Downtown Stowe is home to lovely boutiques and galleries that are well worth an afternoon stroll. Beer lovers note that Stowe has one of the region’s most vibrant craft brewing scenes. With breweries like The Alchemist, Von Trapp Brewing and Idletyme Brewing, you’ll never run out of cold suds to sample.
Of course, Stowe also offers plenty of outdoor adventure, from hiking along the Stowe Pinnacle Trail to mountain biking. You can beat the summer heat with some H2O at Moss Glen Falls or Bingham Falls. For a truly epic summer view, make your way to the summit of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest point. Whether you get there by car, gondola or hike, you’ll be glad you did. Bonus points if you take the zip line down!
3. Northern Michigan
Northern Michigan is known for its remote, snow-heavy winters that leave many locals snowed in and blissfully off the grid for the season. That said, even the most dedicated winter warriors here love the magic of a Midwestern summer.
Northern Michigan may look big on a map, but its sparse population and wide open spaces can feel more like a tight-knit community. You can find summer adventure in Marquette, the largest city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Still, you’ll also want to explore the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the massive Tahquamenon Falls.
“Northern Michigan summers are unlike anything I’ve experienced anywhere else,” says Alex Beaton, a native Michigander, marketing pro and founder of The Awesome Mitten. “The weather is perfect – 80 degrees and sunny, no humidity and lakes aplenty!” Beaton loves spending time at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the nearby foodie paradise that is Traverse City. “My ideal lineup [in Traverse City] is a late brunch at The Red Spire in the old state hospital grounds, Grand Traverse Commons, followed by a stroll by the water. Then, take advantage of the happy hour deals at Red Ginger if you’re in the mood for cocktails or 7Monks if you’re more into the craft beer scene.” Yes, please.
4. Aspen, Colorado
When summer temps make their way to Aspen, you can ditch your skis for walking shoes. As soon as the lilacs come into full bloom, the trails and streets lining the city become intoxicating for residents and visitors alike. Summer in Aspen is like living on a page of National Geographic, and by the end of June, the temperatures will stay in the 60s well after dark.
Get in tune with nature via mountain biking, camping, hiking on the Ute Trail and stand-up paddleboarding and rafting on the Roaring Fork River. Back in town, you can wander through the long-running Aspen Saturday Market for fresh produce and artisan treats. Aspen deserves a top slot on your summer bucket list!
5. Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley was America’s very first ski resort, but it’s not just for winter escapes. There’s a saying that people come to Sun Valley for the winter and stay for the summer, and residents agree.
The Sun Valley community is pretty self-contained, and on any given day, visitors and residents can visit an art gallery and then, within minutes, be on a hiking or biking trail, soaking in stunning mountain vistas. Or, fly fish from the River Run Bridge or grab your four-legged friend and visit any one of the area’s dog parks. Wrap up a fun-filled day with dinner at any of the delicious dining options Sun Valley offers, all unique and catering to every budget and palate.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Summer in Sun Valley means live music at the Sun Valley Pavilion, golf at the renowned Sun Valley Golf Course, horseback riding at Sun Valley Stables, year-round outdoor ice skating and scenic gondola rides on Bald Mountain. You’ll be hard-pressed to run out of things to do in this town. And the next day? Do it all again!
6. Duluth, Minnesota
Long, frigid winters make Duluth locals pros at making the most of their short but glorious summers. A significant perk of summer up north is that most people recognize the importance of taking advantage of the stunning summer weather. There are plenty of green spaces, parks and beaches to get out and enjoy the summer sun.
This northern city is on the shore of Lake Superior, which isn’t your average lake – it looks more like a freshwater ocean than a low-key local watering hole. People travel from all over Minnesota and beyond to experience Lake Superior and appreciate the area’s beauty. Anyone looking to get out on the water can spend their summer days stand-up paddleboarding and boating on the lake. Then, for an outdoor adrenaline rush, walk across the scenic Swing Bridge at Jay Cooke State Park, which towers over the St. Louis River, or try rock climbing at the Positive Energy Outdoors education center.
And then, of course, there’s downtown Duluth. The city is a longtime maritime destination, and freighters headed toward the Atlantic make their way out to sea from here. Summer is a perfect time to gawk at the city’s stunning century-old Aerial Lift Bridge. This epic feat of engineering raises and lowers all day to accommodate the height of ships passing beneath it en route to Lake Superior. Wander along the Duluth Lakewalk for excellent bridge views before heading into town for a foodie adventure at one of the city’s hottest restaurants.
7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is just a stone’s throw away from both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, so it’s no surprise that this ski town has a whole lot of summer magic to offer. The charming Town Square in downtown Jackson Hole is home to galleries and restaurants, and the nearby National Museum of Wildlife Art displays creations by the likes of Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Local ranches (and, of course, those epic national parks) offer ample opportunity for camping and glamping escapes. Outdoorsy locals can enjoy whitewater rafting on the Snake River, leisurely float trips and epic fly fishing. Off-season ski resorts offer gorgeous gondola rides and sensational mountaintop hiking trails. It’s like living on a mountain postcard. Sign us up!