Featured Image: Blake Kessler/Palisades Tahoe
For many of us, skiing is an escape as we glide over frozen water, completely immersed in our surroundings. All senses are activated: feeling the snow change beneath our skis, hearing the wind rush past our ears and watching trees blur by in slow motion. We ski to be present with nature. Yet, as temperatures rise and our beloved ski hills melt, we seek similar gratification. Under a scorching sun, some turn to dirt, riding on two wheels at high speeds, dodging rocks and trees, while others float in a plastic bucket, at the mercy of a raging river. A group united by skiing is divided into numerous activities in the summer, except for one: the enjoyment of music.
Heard at farmers markets, in backyards and at beautiful outdoor venues across the country, music is the unifier that brings the collective of skiers together from their unique summer activities. Over the past decade, this sentiment has continued to thrive as ski resorts and adjacent towns host larger music festivals to bring the ski community back together to experience that same feeling we seek in winter. When we are enveloped in sound, all our senses activate. Bringing skiers together in the present moment, surrounded by soaring peaks and stunning landscapes.
In honor of this growing trend, here is our list of the top ten mountain music festivals in North America this summer.
4 Peaks Festival – Bend, Oregon
June 20-23
Located in Central Oregon, Bend has become a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts. With easy access to the legendary Mount Bachelor just 40 minutes away and the famous Deschutes River that winds through the stunning high desert, this city has definitely gained a great reputation. Notably, music is also at the center of Bend’s culture with their huge amphitheater downtown and the 4 Peaks Music Festival. Returning for its 16th year in 2024, 4 Peaks features multiple stages and great camping for an unforgettable weekend with beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains. Located at Stevenson Ranch, 4 Peaks has seen some amazing acts such as Billy Strings and Greensky Bluegrass. This year is no different with musical acts like Neal Francis, ALO, and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, among others.
Learn more about this festival here
Get Funky – Salt Lake City, Utah
June 21-22
House Heads, it’s time to get your funk on in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah. In recent years, Salt Lake has emerged as an up-and-coming hub for electronic music, attracting artists from around the globe. The Get Funky Festival exemplifies this trend, featuring the French duo Malaa and Tchami performing on Saturday, and American powerhouse Kaskade on Friday. Unlike many festivals on this list, Get Funky’s venue has a rich history. It takes place in the Great Saltair, a recreation of the original Saltair which was built in 1893 as a resort for railroad workers crossing the country when the Great Salt Lake was brimming with water. Historical photos show people smiling and swimming in the Great Salt Lake. Today, the Great Saltair stands on the banks of the now desolate and dry lake, serving as a music venue that brings a unique dystopian and isolated feel to a thriving electronic music community.
Learn more about the festival here
Telluride Bluegrass – Telluride, Colorado
June 20-23
Telluride is nestled in the stunning San Juan mountain range in Colorado, renowned for its mind-blowing views, world-class skiing, and a music festival that has been showcasing top-tier bluegrass for over 50 years. However, the festival’s story traces back to the town’s mining roots when, every Fourth of July, the community would come together to celebrate. This tradition continued until 1973, when the first bluegrass component was introduced, elevating the festival to its current esteemed status. Every year around the summer solstice, thousands flock to the breathtaking box canyon of Telluride, drawn by the sounds of mandolins, banjos, guitars and stand-up basses. A true staple in the Bluegrass scene, this festival continuously celebrates Telluride’s community spirit. This year is no exception, with a star-studded lineup featuring musical acts such as Billy Strings, Leftover Salmon, Sierra Ferrell, and many more!
Learn more about this festival here
Blues From The Top – Winter Park, Colorado
June 28-29
Isolated beyond Berthoud Pass, Winter Park stands as an oasis for both skiers and mountain bikers, boasting one of the most popular ski resorts and bike parks in all of Colorado. Yet, reducing Winter Park to just a resort would be a disservice to the vibrant community located just three miles down the road. This small town, nestled deep in the Colorado Rockies, features live music somewhere every week, hosts two major music festivals annually and boasts an amazing food scene. One of these festivals is Blues From the Top. Now in its 22nd season, this event is one of only two blues festivals in Colorado this year, making it a must-visit for those who love the soulful chords of pianos and electric guitars. Headlined by bands like Big Head Todd & The Monsters and Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, and set against fresh mountain air and views of the Continental Divide, what more could you ask for from a music experience?
Learn more about this festival here
Giddy Up Country – Mammoth, California –
July 5-6
Mammoth, California, is the premier skiing destination for all of Southern California, located just four hours from Los Angeles and its world-class terrain. What’s lesser-known is how fantastic Mammoth is in the summer. Imagine, after a long day swimming at Rainbow Falls and exploring Devil’s Postpile, you’re relaxing in one of the legendary hot springs, contemplating what the night might bring. Well, after an amazing 4th of July celebration, Mammoth is hosting a free three-day Country Festival in the Village. With Just Dave, Daniel Alan Band, Ariel Jean Band, and more keeping the tunes flowing, and Annemarie Dunn leading line dancing, there are plenty of smiles and good times to be had.
Learn more about this festival here
Under The Big Sky – Whitefish, Montana
July 11-13
Montana; A state that remains largely untamed by humans. Winding crystal clear rivers lead to picturesque lakes, all towered over by majestic mountains standing tall and powerful. An untouched landscape like this is a rarity in our ever-growing world, drawing many to its expanses to ski, hunt, and fish. This adventurer’s paradise, with its expansive landscapes, provides an ideal experience for those who enjoy the waves of sound. In such a sound-desolate land, music becomes more authentic, unobstructed by the underlying hum of more populous areas. Under the Big Sky takes advantage of this unique setting, inviting attendees to a stunning 350-acre ranch to camp and enjoy classic Americana stylings from Billy Strings, Turnpike Troubadours, Miranda Lambert, and more.
Learn more about this festival here
Capitol Hill Block Party – Seattle, Washington
July 19-21
Seattle, Washington, is a place of wonder, sitting at sea level yet boasting ski resorts as close as those near Denver. The city embodies a striking dichotomy with its big-city attributes like major sports organizations and skyscrapers, while still maintaining a deep connection with the outdoors—a lush rainforest to the west, stunning mountains to the east, and beautiful islands to the north. Amidst all the adventure in the immediate area, Seattle also carves out space for an amazing music scene. The Capitol Hill Block Party, a product of this love for music, takes place in the heart of the city within a burgeoning arts district. This three-day party features musical acts such as Remi Wolf, Still Woozy, and more.
Learn more about this festival here
Jeezum Crow – Jay Peak, Vermont
July 19-21
Nestled near the US-Canadian border, Jay Peak is a true four-season resort boasting a top tier ski resort, water park and a golf course, just to name a few of its attractions. The property offers a true escape, situated deep in the lush, rolling mountains of Vermont—making it an ideal location for a music festival. This year marks the 9th iteration of the Jeezum Crow Festival, a festival that strikes the perfect balance between great production and a minimalist stage to truly capitalize on the stunning landscape that Jay Peak has to offer. Featuring acts such as Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and The Del McCoury Band, this festival finds the right balance between Americana and psychedelic funk.
Learn more about this festival here
Tahoe Reggae Fest – Lake Tahoe, California
August 3-4
Set in one of the most stunning locations in the country, the Lake Tahoe Reggae Fest has so much to offer. Starting with the elephant in the room—Lake Tahoe is a beautifully massive lake that spans two states, boasting crystal clear water and stunning rocky beaches. The festival takes place just a few miles away from the lake at one of the most legendary ski resorts in the country, Palisades Tahoe. Palisades Tahoe is amazing to ski, but in the summer, it has its own allure with incredible verticals and jaw-dropping cliffs. The festival will take place at the base of the resort, filled with laid-back music under the warm California sun. The 7th iteration of the festival is not messing around, featuring a star-studded lineup including the likes of Shaggy, Rebelution, Atmosphere, and more.
Learn more about the festival here
Grand Targhee Bluegrass Fest – Alta, Wyoming
August 9-11
The Tetons… one of the most epic and notable mountain ranges in the United States. Home to Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, and Grand Targhee. Grand Targhee, the smaller resort of the two, is known for its technical alpine skiing and loads of snow—a true home to the locals of Driggs. While their operations slow in the summer, people flock to the resort for one weekend in the summer for their legendary Bluegrass festival. Going into its 33rd year, the Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival is a tribute to the tight-knit community that skis at the resort, bringing some of the biggest names in the genre to perform. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks, lush forests, and like-minded people, it’s the perfect place to dance and spin to the fast strums of a mandolin. This year should be a special one, with Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Del McCoury Band headlining, offering the perfect blend of traditional and new-age bluegrass..
Learn more about the festival here
