During the summer months, the mountains beckon travelers with their crisp air and winding trails. While winter is all about ski-in, ski-out access, in the warmer months, mountain resorts offer plenty of snow-free adventures. Try your hand at fly-fishing or mountain biking, or maybe scenic gondola rides, forest bathing, and treks past wildflower-strewn meadows are more your speed. Whatever your preference, from the Rockies to the Sierras and beyond, our best mountain resorts in the United States and Canada offer a summertime mix of thrills and relaxation, not to mention pleasantly cooler temperatures and easy access to nature.
Couples may gravitate toward luxury mountain resorts for romantic views and intimate fireside evenings, while families may prefer spots with tons of outdoor activities and suites or villas that allow everyone to stay together. Friends might head to hiking resorts for challenging treks and lively gatherings or to mountain spa retreats for a restorative dose of wellness. The following resorts make it easy to shape your ideal summer mountain escape, whether that means intimate dining and private excursions or simply stepping outside, surveying the sunny slopes, and taking a deep breath of mountain air.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
United States
Colorado
W Aspen
This high-energy stay in downtown Aspen offers retro-cool ’70s decor, multibedroom suites, and a swanky rooftop lounge with a pool, fire pits, and killer views of Aspen Mountain. While it’s known for its chic après-ski scene, W Aspen is every bit as compelling in the summer, when you and your friends can scale that peak on the nearby gondola to take a naturalist-led hike, catch some live bluegrass, or attend events like June’s Food & Wine Classic. To explore farther afield, borrow one of the hotel’s complimentary BMWs (once per stay) and hit the road for a scenic drive to Twin Lakes or Maroon Bells.
The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail
Built more than half a century ago to resemble a European Alpine village, this stylish resort is set in Lionshead Village at the base of Vail Mountain, with next-door access to a gondola, shopping, and nightlife. Suites range from romantic to family-friendly, and most have balcony views of fragrant fir and spruce trees — the same aromatherapy scents you’ll find inside. In the summer, guided Vail Valley adventures include mushroom foraging, photography hikes, rock climbing, and fly-fishing, or you could relax amid the mountains at the outdoor heated pool.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
This polished Beaver Creek resort balances outdoor adventure with indulgence. You can set out on the area’s many scenic hiking trails, play a round of tennis on the resort courts, or tee off at one of the nearby golf courses. Unwind after all that exertion at the mountainside outdoor pool or sprawling spa that makes use of local ingredients like activated charcoal mud from nearby mines. Spacious rooms and suites are styled like mountain lodges to get you in the alpine spirit. Outside, a blazing fire pit is rimmed with rocking chairs. Resort dining includes local seasonal produce and a sushi restaurant, and a free shuttle will take you to more dining and boutique shopping in Beaver Creek Village.
Marriott’s Mountain Valley Lodge at Breckenridge
Laid-back and conveniently located, this family-friendly resort in Breckenridge is close to two gondolas. One leads to the summer tubing and hiking trails atop Peak 9, while the other climbs to Breck’s Epic Discovery fun park, where summer thrills include bungee trampolines. The resort’s studios, suites, and villas feature private whirlpools for soaking. Meanwhile, the resort’s heated outdoor pool and three hot tubs offer close-up mountain views. Around the corner are Main Street shops and restaurants, plus an eight-mile bike path through the stunning Blue River Valley.
Utah
The St. Regis Deer Valley
Set on 12 secluded acres within Deer Valley Resort, this sweepingly romantic retreat features a funicular, as well as floor-to-ceiling views of the Wasatch Mountains. Park City is about two miles away, meaning guests enjoy easy access to its summer concert series, miles of hiking and biking trails, and a mountain park with an alpine slide. Elegant resort suites have fireplaces and full kitchens, plus immense windows and private balconies from which to take in the natural surroundings. The St. Regis Spa offers oxygenating treatments, and there’s both a golf-swing suite and a wine vault. Nightlife here means Champagne sabering and fireside s’mores.
California
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Surrounded by the pine forests of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this luxe ski-in, ski-out resort in Lake Tahoe is every bit as lovely in the summer months, thanks to an abundance of hiking and mountain biking trails. There’s even a private lakeside beach club. The central Living Room Lodge has soaring ceilings, stone fireplaces, and a crystal chandelier embedded with local wildflowers, while multibedroom suites offer mountain-view terraces. Summer activities here include forest bathing on the outdoor yoga deck, horseback riding on nearby mountain trails, and astronomer-led stargazing.
The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth
Set amid the Sierras, this resort overlooks the striking slopes of Mammoth Mountain. It’s also a stone’s-throw from Mammoth Lake and 75 stair-steps from shopping, dining, and nightlife in Mammoth Village. Comfortable suites provide a group-friendly base for summer hiking and mountain biking, as well as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Seasonal California cuisine is on the menu here, and resort perks include yoga classes, fitness gear to borrow, and movie nights.
Wyoming
The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection
Right on Town Square in the heart of Jackson Hole, this sleek family-friendly, and pet-friendly, hotel is a few minutes by car from Grand Teton National Park and an hour from Yellowstone. It’s also a quick drive to Teton Village, as well as the famous gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort that lifts passengers 2,700 feet in the air over 12 minutes. Other nearby adventures include Snake River rafting and fly-fishing. Every floor of the hotel features seasonal videos of area wild animals, plus pantry stations where you can create your own trail mix. From the lobby, a three-story wall of granite rises to a rooftop lounge with fire pits and panoramic views of Snow King Mountain.
Canada
British Columbia
The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler
This Coast Mountains getaway is set in the heart of Whistler Village, a short walk from the gondola to Whistler Mountain’s hiking trails, mountain biking park, and glacier-spanning suspension bridge. Less high-altitude summer activities include canoeing in nearby lakes, whitewater rafting the Green River rapids, and lounging around the resort’s mountain-view pools, spa, and sun terrace. The generously appointed suites, some of which have two levels and kitchenettes, really feel like a home away from home. While you could easily make a quick, cozy meal for yourself, you may be tempted to head instead to Grill & Vine, the resort’s signature restaurant, which highlights Canadian beef, fish, and seasonal produce.
Quebec
Le Westin Tremblant
Found in Tremblant’s charming pedestrian village, this family-friendly and adventure-filled Laurentian Mountains resort is close to the huge, hilly, and densely forested Parc national du Mont-Tremblant. That means you’re near a few hundred lakes, several rivers, miles of trails, and Lake Tremblant, with a sandy beach where you can rent a paddleboat or take a cruise on a double-decker pontoon. The resort itself has an outdoor pool and full-service spa. Should you choose to tear yourself away from the resort, there are two golf courses and the Mont-Tremblant casino nearby. Each July, a blues festival is held in the village, bringing music fans from around the world.
Alberta
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection
This Canadian Rockies resort is roughly an hour drive of Banff and Calgary. Surrounded by pine trees and mountain views, the resort’s Nordic-inspired outdoor spa is for adults only and features a Finnish-style sauna, a steam cabin, and a cold plunge pool. Younger kids can enjoy a woodland-themed indoor waterpark, as well as a creative play area, game room, and outdoor pool. Nearby adventures include golf, hiking to the whimsically named Troll Falls, and horseback rides at the family-owned Boundary Ranch.
Whether you’re seeking romance in the Rockies, family adventure in the Canadian wilderness, or wellness and rejuvenation in the Sierras, these North American mountain resorts deliver unforgettable summer experiences. So pack your hiking boots, grab your sunscreen, and discover why mountain escapes are summer’s smartest choice.
Related Articles
