Summer Snowslope Getaways

Many enjoy the snowslopes in the winter seasons, but these spots also make great summer getaways. Check some great locations out.

1. Vail Mountain: Vail, Colorado- Rent bikes by the hour from Vail Sports (vailsports.com) and pedal through the European-style villages along the Gore Creek greenway to Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. after touring the extensive botanic garden's waterfalls, pools, and bridges, hit the nearby playground in Ford Park. The Eagle Bahn Gondola will carry you to Adventure Ridge, a mountaintop fun zone with breathtaking views, a slack line park, and brand-new zip lines and ropes courses (separate fees for most activities). Visit vail.com for more details. 

2. Wisp Resort: McHenry Maryland- At Wisp, families can split time between the mountain and nearby 3,900-acre Deep Creek Lake. Wisp's Mountain Coaster (a cross between an alpine slide and a roller coaster) has 3,500 feet of downhill twists that you tackle in two-person carts ($19 for 2 riders). The mountain's extensive canopy tour program, including zip lines and agility challenges, has options for kids as young as 4 ($14-$49 per activity). If you prefer something mellower, Wisp's Deep Creek Lake Beach Hut rents stand-up paddleboards ($24/hour $14/half hour). Check out wispresort.com for more details.

3. Park City Mountain Resort: Park City, Utah- Park City has everything you'd expect of a world-class ski resort during the summer- including one of the longest alpine slides in the world and a tandem zip line that's perfect for families- and it's only a few minutes from Utah Olympic Park. Carve out time to watch U.S. Ski Team aerialists practice their jumps throughout the summer at the Aerials Pool (free; utaholympiclegacy.com) For more details visit parkcitymountain.com

4. Smugglers' Notch Resort: Jeffersonville, Vermont- Smuggs has one of the most impressive warm weather programs on the East Coast. Take a hike to Rum Runners' Hideaway, a tiny mountain lake where you can rent canoes, or challenge the kids on the new Treetop Obstacle Course, a high-ropes course with more than 60 features ($60 ahes 8+, $30 ages 4-7). Families also enjoy nightly camp-type activities, such as make-your-own-box-cart derbies and bonfire sing-alongs. Visit smuggs.com for more information.

5. Big Sky Resort: Big Sky, Montana- Adventures about at Big Sky's compact mountain village, a favorite home base for families exploring nearby Yellowstone National Park. Big kids will love the Giant Swing ($13), which carries riders as high as 30 feet. The whole family should experience the Lone peak Expedition, which takes you up a 11,166-foot mountain via chairlift, safari-style truck, and tram, with dramatic views of 2 national parks awaiting you at the summit ($83). Go to bigskyresort.com to get more information

6. Heavenly Mountain Resort: South Lake Tahoe, California- You won't find a better family photo op than the one available aboard the resort's gondola, which treats you to views of the impossibly blue Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. At Adventure Peak, you have access to zip lines, ropes courses, and hiking trails galore. You'll even find a summer tubing hill covered with snow (Fees vary; check website for up-to-date prices) Visit skiheavenly.com.