GROUPON GUIDE TO RALEIGH-DURHAM

5 Great Mountain Vacations at Off-Season Ski Resorts

BY: Andy Seifert |Oct 17, 2022

At the world's top ski resorts, the end of ski season doesn't necessarily mean the end of all alpine activity. The mountains trade in their blankets of white for a lush green, and most resorts keep their gondolas and aerial trams open so you can see the gorgeous landscape from high above or hike and bike through mountain trails near the summit. Here are some of the best mountain vacations and warm-weather activities at our favorite ski resorts.

Whistler Blackcomb | Whistler, British Columbia

View from the gondola: The resort claims that its 3-mile-long Peak 2 Peak lift is the world's longest and highest. It takes you to a bike park and more than 31 miles of hiking trails.

Must-do activity: Practice bike jumping over ramps at the indoor Air Zone, then head to the massive bike park on Whistler Mountain, which has three zones spread across 4,900 vertical feet.

Good for kids: The Family Adventure Zone has a coaster slide, go-karts, a gyroscope, and more.

Best place to take in the view: From a sandy beach along one of three alpine lakes

Killington Resort | Killington, Vermont

View from the gondola: Take the quarter-mile ride up and you can see up to five different US states and some of Canada from the top of Killington Peak.

Must-do activity: Biking through the mountains. Newbies and experts alike can appreciate the 35 miles of mountain trails.

Good for kids: Kids ages 8–15 can prepare for the next ski season at five-day cross-training camps, which feature skateboarding, rock climbing, airbag jumping and other activities.

Best place to take in the view: The Peak Lodge—perched high up at 4,160 feet—has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking three mountain ranges.

Massanutten Ski Resort |Shenandoah Valley, VA

View from the top: Take Chairlift #4 to the mountain lodge, then take Chairlift #6 to Massanutten's peak. It's a picture-perfect view of the Shenandoah Valley, plus its surrounding mountains and villages.

Must-do activity: As the snow melts, Massanutten's trails become mountain-bike runs. Use the resort's lifts and use the slopes to glide down the mountain—both beginner and veteran mountain bikers will find suitable trails for their speed.

Good for kids: The resort's outdoor water park (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) will keep your children occupied for hours. Plunge head-first down the Rockingham Racer waterslide or try to steady your tube on the treacherous waters of the White Caps Wave Pool.

Best way to take in the view: With 18 holes at the Mountain Greens or Woodstone Meadows Golf Courses—each feature some of Virginia's most scenic holes.

Heavenly Ski Resort | Lake Tahoe, California

View from the gondola: After a 2.4-mile lift, you'll take in gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe from the observation deck. Hitch a ride up the Tamarack Express chairlift to go even higher.

Must-do activity: If you've ever wanted ziplining to be more competitive, try Heavenly's Hot Shot Zip Line. You'll race three friends as you careen down a 1,000-foot line at 40 mph. While you're suspended in mid-air, keep your eyes open for Mt. Tallac, which looms in the distance.

Good for kids: If you buy the Little Explorers Pass, your child will have access to a gondola ride, rock climbing, and the new Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster (good for kids 8 and over).

Best way to take in the view: Taking the Skyway Zip Line Tour. Admire the thick forest canopy from above it during Heavenly's zipline tour, which also boats two aerial bridges.

Vail Mountain Resort | Vail, Colorado

View from the gondolas: The Eagle Bahn gondola takes you to mountainside dining and activities; Gondola One is great for biking.

Must-do activity: Listen to some live music. The Bravo! Vail festival (June 22–August 4) features the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Another option is the Vail Jazz Festival, now in it's 23rd year.

Good for kids: At Adventure Ridge, kids and adults can try zipline and ropes courses and take horseback and pony rides. Family-friendly Friday Afternoon Club parties offer live music and free lawn games (late June–late August).

Best place to take in the view: Game Creek Restaurant, a gourmet eatery set on a pine-fringed ridge, which is only accessible by hiking trails or a four-wheel-drive shuttle

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