Fourth of July Snowfall: Skiing Continues Till One Chooses to Stop It
Summer may be the season for sunshine and warm weather, but for dedicated skiers, it's also a time to hit the slopes. Here's a comprehensive guide to some of the best ski resorts in North America that offer summer skiing opportunities from May to October.
In Colorado, Arapahoe Basin and Breckenridge are known for extending their ski seasons into June and sometimes even July, providing late spring and early summer skiing options. The Rocky Mountains, a favourite among skiers, offer a unique chance to celebrate the Fourth of July with a skiing adventure.
Utah's Snowbird often keeps its season going into May, with glacier and high-altitude skiing available. Alta and Snowbird are famous for their excellent snow conditions and skiing, though mainly in winter months; Snowbird in particular extends into late spring.
Mount Hood in Oregon stands out for its year-round, lift-accessed skiing, making it one of the few consistent summer ski destinations in the U.S.
However, summer snow conditions can be very different from winter, featuring sticky, sluggish snow, sun-rotted snowpack, and an increased risk of rocks, dirt, and debris. Summer snow is slick on steep slopes, and falling can lead to a waterslide due to the melted water within the snowpack.
In Canada, Sun Peaks in British Columbia transforms into a warm-weather retreat, offering a variety of summer outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Whistler Blackcomb, another popular destination, previously offered summer skiing, especially on the Horstman Glacier, but has put summer skiing on indefinite hiatus as of 2025.
For those seeking genuine snow skiing during the warmer months, it's best to focus on resorts like Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge in Colorado, Snowbird in Utah, Mount Hood in Oregon, and certain resorts in Alaska and Canada that have glaciers.
To plan your summer skiing trips, it's essential to monitor resort websites or summer mountain resort guides updated yearly, as snow conditions and resort policies can change. It's also crucial to develop mountaineering skills, such as self-arrest, rope work, avalanche safety, and crevasse rescue, for year-round skiing, particularly on glaciers.
Skiing year-round is possible even on a shoestring budget, and resources like YouTube and books like Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills can serve as valuable learning tools for mountaineering skills. However, it's important to maintain caution when skiing, as wet slides can occur even in the summer months, and avalanches, although less common, can still occur, especially on steep slopes and in the morning.
In conclusion, with careful planning and the right skills, summer skiing in North America can be an unforgettable experience. So, grab your rock skis and get ready to make turns deep into the summer!
- For those who enjoy hiking and sports during summer, they might consider taking a break from their usual activities to try out binoculars for a unique view of the landscapes while exploring the slopes at Arapahoe Basin or Breckenridge in Colorado.
- While Whistler Blackcomb in Canada may no longer offer summer skiing, those interested in sports like mountain biking can still enjoy the beautiful scenery of the region during the warmer months, and perhaps even spot skiers at Mount Hood in Oregon or certain resorts in Alaska and Canada that have glaciers.
