Featured Image: Courtesy of Copper Mountain
This year, spring skiing and summer activities took a backseat to widespread social unrest and the still very prevalent presence of the novel coronavirus pandemic. While ski season came to an abrupt halt, many mountain-goers took to trail running, mountain biking and rafting to safely enjoy the outdoors. Despite a few resorts—including Oregon’s Mount Hood and Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin—opening for limited skiing operations, the majority of resorts strayed from the opportunity to milk the last bit of snow on the ground. However, with more information on how to safely operate, many resorts across America have reopened chairlift and gondola access for hiking, mountain biking and more. Below, we’ve outlined, state-by-state, in no particular order, how folks like you can enjoy high-alpine adventures across the country.
Colorado
Information provided by Colorado Ski Country USA
Arapahoe Basin — A-Basin will open for summer operations on July 2 with mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, scenic chairlift rides, yoga and dining options for guests. The aerial adventure park will open at a later date for guests to enjoy.
Aspen Snowmass — Aspen Mountain opened June 12 and Snowmass opened June 21 for summer access. All access and activities are taking place with strict adherence to state and county guidelines with the health and welfare of guests and employees given top priority. Camp Aspen Snowmass opened June 15.
Beaver Creek — At Beaver Creek, the resort kicked off summer operations on July 1 with scenic chairlift rides on the Centennial Express Lift, hiking and bike hauls.
Breckenridge — Starting July 4, Breckenridge welcomes back the Gold Runner Coaster, Alpine Slides, BreckConnect Gondola, scenic chairlift rides, and hiking.
Copper Mountain — Copper will welcome guests starting July 4 where guests can find gondola rides, golf, mountain biking, hiking, small socially distant gatherings and dining. Copper will also offer a family friendly drive-in movie series every Saturday beginning on July 4 running through September 26. Guests are encouraged to reserve a spot as there is a 40 car max.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort — At Crested Butte, scenic lift rides and hiking trails will be available beginning July 4th. Unfortunately, the resort has made the difficult decision to not open its bike park or provide bike hauls this summer.
Keystone Resort — Scenic Gondola Rides and hiking will be available with additional activities (potentially) added as the summer progresses. The Bike Park at Keystone is currently closed.
Powderhorn Mountain Resort — Powderhorn opened for summer operations on June 12 with a new and improved mountain bike park, the Flat Top Flyer chairlift and the Sunset Grill and Umbrella bar open for guests. The resort has implemented several new summer operating policies to reduce the risk of the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Purgatory — Visitors can enjoy Purgatory’s summer activities from 9AM-4PM daily through August 16 and weekends only through October 4. A Mountain coaster, alpine slide, bike park, chairlift rides and treasure panning can be found this summertime.
Steamboat — In accordance with COVID-19 mitigation guidelines from local and state officials, Steamboat Ski Resort opened for limited summer operations on weekends beginning Friday, June 26. The summer season at the ski resort was scaled back but includes the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, Maverick mini golf course, scenic gondola rides, the Steamboat Mercantile retail store, and dining on the Oasis Sun Deck in Thunderhead Lodge and in the base area at Timber & Torch Grill. The Steamboat Gondola will run from 10AM-5PM and activities will be open 10AM-6PM Friday through Sunday ending on Labor Day on Monday, September 7. The Steamboat Grand reopened to guests on June 5 and is now taking reservations.
Sunlight — The Sunlight Ski and Bike shop is open daily from 9AM-5PM and offers shuttle service up the Roaring Fork Valley with bike rentals available for all skill levels. Visitors to Sunlight Mountain this summer can enjoy hiking and mountain biking in one of nature’s best outdoor playgrounds.
Telluride — The iconic mountain town opened for the summer on June 25. The new Telluride Bike Park will open four days every week, Thursday through Sunday, from 10AM-6PM, until September 27. The ticket windows will be open Thursday-Sunday from 9AM-6PM.
Winter Park — Following state and county reopening guidelines, Winter Park Resort opened its scenic gondola with access to mountaintop hiking trails, the base-area putting course, and its famed Trestle Bike Park on Saturday, June 27. Additional base-area services, including various restaurant options, bike rentals and some retail are also open. Guests can make lodging reservations for resort-managed properties. The resort will operate its modified summer recreational offerings seven days a week through Labor Day. In September, the resort will operate only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Utah
Information provided by Ski Utah
Alta Ski Area — Access to more than 13 miles of hiking trails at Alta opened on June 27. The Albion Basin campground opens on July 17. Let the Alta Lodge or The Snowpine Lodge’s do the cooking this summer. Beginning July 2, stop by the Gulch Pub from 11AM-8PM and enjoy a spot on the patio or order food to go. Savor Saturday lunch or Sunday brunch at the Alta Lodge. Lunch is available from 12PM–2PM, with Sunday brunch served from 9:30AM – 2:00PM. Curbside is also available at the Alta Lodge on the weekends. Stop in for Trainer’s Pizza at Goldminer’s Daughter on a Friday and Saturday before or after a hike.
Beaver Mountain — Tucked into the mountains near the top of Logan Canyon at 7,200 feet, Beaver Mountain offers a cool, laid-back escape from the Wasatch Front’s valley heat. Access is open to nearby OHV trails and Beaver Mountain’s five-mile hiking and mountain biking single track loop. For the 2020 summer season, only the resort’s RV sites will be open; the campground shower facilities will remain closed for the summer as well.
Brian Head Ski Resort — All base area activities—including the disc golf, the zipline, archery, bungee trampoline, climbing wall, avalanche tubing and mountain biking—will be open every Friday through Sunday, June 26 to September 12. Hours of operation are 9:30AM to 5:00PM, Friday and Sunday, and 9:30AM to 6:00PM on Saturday. To ensure proper social distancing, Brian Head will be limiting the number of daily bike park lift ticket sales. Guests are encouraged to purchase online ahead of time.
Brighton — The hiking trails to Brighton Lakes (to Dog Lake, Lake Mary, Lake Martha, and Lake Catherine) are scheduled to open this summer, snow-melt conditions allowing. The Brighton Store opens for operation on June 11 but the Milly Chalet will remain closed for the summer. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest’s Silver Lake Visitor Center will be closed for the 2020 summer season, however, the bathrooms there will be open and the Silver Lake perimeter trail will be staffed with rangers to assist visitors throughout the summer. The Salt Lake Climbers Alliance hosts the 8th annual Salt Lake Climbing Festival at Brighton, August 29 and 30.
Deer Valley Resort — Lift-served mountain biking (including rentals and lessons), hiking and scenic rides will open at Deer Valley on June 26 (conditions permitting) and will be offered 10:00AM to 5:00PM daily through September 7 and then Saturdays and Sundays only through September 20. Parking will be available in the Snow Park Lodge main lots only this summer; no services will be offered from the Silver Lake area. Food and beverage offerings open at Deer Valley for the summer include the Deer Valley Grocery ~ Café, open daily, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Royal Street Cafe, open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 26 to September 7; and the Silver Lake Snack Shack, open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 26 to September 7; Saturdays and Sundays, through September 20. Take-away only. Summer camp and the concert series are canceled for the 2020 summer season.
Eagle Point — All 11 miles of the Eagle Point’s “do-it-yourself” singletrack mountain biking and hiking trails are open, conditions permitting. The Canyonside Lodge restaurant and bar opened on June 19. The all-ages Mountain Archery Festival will be held at Eagle Point, June 26–28.
Park City Mountain — Park City Mountain will begin summer operations at the Park City town Village only on Thursday, July 2. Activities will include the alpine slide, mountain coaster, scenic lift rides, hiking and bike haul and grab ‘n go dining at Jupiter Java. The Resort will continue to act as a host venue for the Park City Farmer’s Market in the Silver King Parking Lot on Wednesday afternoons. Canyons Golf opened at Canyons Village on Friday, June 26.
Powder Mountain — Powder Mountain is working toward opening for summer operations on June 19 (weather and conditions permitting). The Wolf Barn Short Track trail is currently open, but all other trails remain closed at this time.
Snowbasin Resort — Snowbasin welcomed guests back for safe summer fun in the mountains on Saturdays and Sundays beginning June 27th. With enhanced safety measures in place, activities include the Needles Gondola for lift-served mountain biking, hiking and scenic rides; mini golf (limited to groups of six or fewer); shopping in the Grizzly Center; Mountain-Top Yoga at the Needles Lodge on Saturdays.; and outdoor grill dining at the Needles Lodge. Advance purchase of tickets is strongly recommended.
Snowbird — Snowbird opened its summer activities, most lodging, dining and The Cliff Spa on June 13. Access to the Aerial Tram, alpine slide, mountain coaster and Chickadee chairlift will be offered in designated two-hour time windows: 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:00PM and 5:00PM. Aerial Tram rides to Hidden Peak will be limited to 25 passengers, all of whom will be required to wear masks, which will be available for guests prior to boarding. Once atop Hidden Peak, visitors can choose from a variety of different hiking routes down Peruvian Gulch or simply bask in the sunlit views of the surrounding Uinta-Wasatch-Cache-National Forest. The Summit will be open for restrooms only and mountain biking off the Tram on the Big Mountain Trail remains closed at this time. The Snowbird Cliff will also opened on June 13, providing access to the solarium, yoga room, rooftop pool and hot tub. Select food and beverage and lodging options also opened at the resort on June 12, including dining at the Atrium, SeventyOne, Baked & Brewed, Tram Car Pizza and The Forklift; lodging includes The Cliff Lodge, The Lodge at Snowbird and The Inn.
Solitude Mountain Resort — Summer operations at Solitude are currently on hold, but on-mountain trails are open for public-access hiking and biking. The resort is requesting that visitors observe all posted signs and closures, and continue to be responsible and respectful of social distancing requirements when enjoying the trails.
Sundance Mountain Resort — Sundance’s summer operations are now open, including activities, the Sundance Spa, dining and lodging. Activities’ access—lift rides and hiking (11:00AM to 5:00PM), mountain biking (11:00AM to 5:30PM), zip lines (11:00AM to 4:00PM) and the stables (8:00AM to 6:00PM)—is open (no reservations required) Monday through Thursday; reservations or a season pass is required Friday through Sunday, however.
Utah Olympic Park — The alpine slide, extreme tubing, ziplining and ropes course are all open in two-hour increments, from 10:00AM to 5:00PM daily. Guests are encouraged to purchase activity tickets or the all-access Jumpside Pass online before they arrive, but purchase is also available onsite in the UOP Visitor Center. Admission to the UOP’s Alf Engen Ski Museum and Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum is free but masks are required for entry.
Woodward Park City — Woodward’s action sports indoor and outdoor parks for wheeled sports, including scooter, skateboarding and BMX are open for a limited number of guests per 90-minute session. Utah’s newest lift-served downhill mountain biking park opened June 14 with access to three lift-served flow trails. BMX dirt jumps will follow as conditions allow.
Wyoming
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort — The plan for this summer is to open the Bridger Gondola for sightseeing, hiking, and Via Ferrata and Teewinot Chairlift to service the Jackson Hole Bike Park. Jackson Hole Sports, Teton Village Sports, Rodeo and the General Store will all be open for the summer season. Base area activities, the climbing wall and bungee trampoline will be open in addition to the disc golf course. The Tin Can Cantina, Off Piste Market, Piste Mountain Bistro and The Deck will be open with additional health precautions.
Snow King Mountain Resort — All summer activities are currently open at Jackson’s local ski hill. This includes the Treetop Adventure ropes courses with zip lines, the mountain coaster, alpine slide, putt putt golf, scenic lift rides and an engaging maze that’ll have you questioning which turn to take next. For reservations, click here.
Washington
Crystal Mountain — A ride on the Mt. Rainier Gondola will take you over 2,400 vertical feet to the summit where you will find expansive views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Range. You’ll also be just a few short steps away from the Summit House, Washington’s highest elevation restaurant.
Mt. Baker — While summer activities are on hold at Mt. Baker, you are invited to stop by the Heather Meadows Cafe located on the second floor of the Heather Meadows Day Lodge for a delicious lunch or a quick treat. The resort has teamed up with local farms and companies to offer the freshest ingredients possible.
Oregon
Mount Hood Skibowl Adventure Park — With over 20 attractions, including an alpine slide, rock wall, hiking trails, go-karts, horseback riding and more, the Skibowl at Mount Hood is a one-stop getaway for outdoor fun. Of course, there are certain restrictions and guidelines in place to ensure the safety of visitors, but you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of warm weather activities when you visit.
Timberline Lodge — Timberline would like to welcome skiers and snowboarders to the 2020 Summer Ski Season, June 1st through Labor Day September 7th. The Palmer, Magic Mile, and Mile Park chairlifts will operate daily, weather permitting. The historic Timberline Lodge is also open for daily visitors as well as hotel guests.
Montana
Whitefish Mountain Resort — Whitefish opened June 13 with its Bike Park, Aerial Adventure Park, Alpine Slides, Zip Line Tours, Summer Tubing, a Strider Bike Park for the groms and, of course, Scenic Lift Rides and hiking. Restaurants, retail and lodging are available. Whitefish is open daily through September 7, and Friday-Sunday through September 20, 2020.
California
Big Bear Mountain — The Summit Bike Park—which features some of the state’s most badass downhill trails and freestyle hits—is now open, with strict social guidelines in place. Scenic lift rides, hiking trails and golf course reservations are also open to visitors.
Heavenly Mountain Resort — Beginning July 3rd, the Heavenly Gondola and Tamarack Express Chairlift will offer scenic views of the Lake Tahoe area. Hiking trails, the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster and Tamarack Express Chairlift (targeting to open July 15) will also be open to visitors.
Mammoth Mountain — Mammoth is currently open for the summer season with Bike Park operations, Scenic Gondola rides, dining, and more. Many town restaurants, activities including Sierra Star Golf Course, and campgrounds are open as well and the resort is currently taking lodging reservations, too.
Northstar California Resort — Northstar is inviting guests to enjoy hiking starting July 3, biking starting July 10, and golf starting July 15.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort — This summer, Kirkwood will offer foot-powered activities: hiking, biking and disc golfing. On-mountain trails are now open for public-access and disc golf is open for play. While at “the wood,” the resort asks for visitors to please observe all posted signs and closures, and continue to check on the guidelines of local health officials related to COVID-19 when enjoying what Mother Nature has to offer. KEEP THE WOOD CLEAN by packing in and out your things.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows — Offering lodging, dining and a variety of summer activities, Squaw Valley is one of the most happenin’ places in the mountains right now. Access to the new Via Ferrata, hiking/biking trails and the resort golf course are now available; July 3rd-5th, the resort will also be offering a unique drive-in movie experience at the base of the mountain.
New Hampshire
Attitash Mountain — Beginning on July 18, Attitash will operate its Alpine Slide, offer scenic chairlift rides and access to hiking trails.
Wildcat Mountain — Starting on August 1, scenic chairlift rides will be available at Wildcat; the gondola will stay closed this year.
Vermont
Mount Snow — Located in Wilmington, Mount Snow is open Fridays through Sundays 10:00AM to 5:00PM for scenic chairlift rides on the Bluebird Express. The Mount Snow Golf Club is open daily.
Okemo Mountain Resort — Okemo’s summer access includes scenic rides on the Sunburst Six chairlift, Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster rides, disc golf on The Maples Course at Jackson Gore and golf at Okemo Valley Golf Club. The resort is currently welcoming lodging guests at Jackson Gore Inn.
Stowe Mountain Resort — The Auto Toll Road opened earlier this week for visitors to zig-zag to the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield, where stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains await. Gondola SkyRides are also available, providing access to summer hiking trails.
Stratton Mountain — The Stratton Mountain Golf Course is open for the season for daily play and members. Visit the resort’s Golf Page and Golf FAQs for information on how to schedule a tee time. Stratton is also opening its Mountain Bike Park and scenic gondola rides every Saturday & Sunday from 10:00AM to 4:00PM, starting July 4. Tickets for both must be purchased in advance.
New York
Windham Mountain — This summer, the Windham Bike Park is open to visitors who reserve a spot online, with full service, lessons (limited to groups of three) and rentals available. On-site food and beverage options will also be offered on-site. Additionally, scenic chairlift rides will be offered to registered guests.
Whiteface Mountain — The Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway opened for the season on June 20th, with operating hours between 8:45AM to 5:30PM with limited operations, a 70 car max capacity. The Highway—which brings visitors to the top of Whiteface Mountain, the fifth highest peak in New York—is an easy way to get up to altitude, even during these unprecedented conditions.
Hunter Mountain — Beginning July 4, Hunter will offer scenic chairlift rides on its and hiking access into the Adirondack Mountains.
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