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The US is home to some of the top ski resorts in the world and every winter avid skiers flock to Vermont, Tahoe, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming to enjoy their epic snowfall. But it’s worth noting our favorite ski resorts are still open—and just as incredible – come summer.  As for the best way to take in the scenery and conquer those mountains?  By bike.  Let’s go.

Squaw Valley, California

Squaw Valley, which rises from the banks of Truckee River, near Lake Tahoe is located just northwest of Tahoe City.  Though the Squaw Valley Ski Resort first opened for business on Thanksgiving Day in 1949, it became a household name after it was chosen as the location for the 1960 Winter Olympic Games.

Explore Squaw Valley by Bike 

Biking Squaw Valley Ski Resort is a picturesque experience that will give you access to 3600 acres of mountain and additional trails along the river and down to the lake. You can also opt for a bike tour through the mountain (intermediate levels and above) which begins top of the Aerial Tram. No matter where you bike, you’ll be treated to stunning views and not only trails along the water, but also through fields of wildflowers further inland, riding underneath ski lifts and alongside stone mountain slides.

Where to Stay

The Resort at Squaw Creek offers alpine-inspired slope-side accommodations with an outdoor pool, spa, and lawn games for some extra summer fun. It’s separated from the bustle from the main village but has its own ski lift and shuttle service to take you over in less than ten minutes. So really, you have the best of both worlds.

More Reasons to Visit Squaw Valley 

Though states like Utah, Colorado, Vermont, and New Hampshire typically come to mind when you think of the best ski resorts in the US, California is home to some of the greatest, like Squaw Valley, one of the most popular in the state. The area is also home to much more than skiing, especially in the summer months, when you can take the tram up to High Camp on the mountain for roller skating, swimming, or head into town to visit Truckee Old Town, where you’ll find quaint one-of-a-kind shops, artisans, and restaurants.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe Mountain Resort actually consists of two peaks: Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak and has a deep history. The first trails were cut at Mount Mansfield in 1933, making it one of the oldest in the nation (while their ski patrol also takes the crown for the oldest, having been founded in 1934). 

Explore Stowe by Bike

There are over 485 acres of skiable area in the winter, and come summer you can get your fill from 50 miles of mountain biking trails. Both on and off the mountain there are miles of maintained biking track for beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders. Choose your own adventure from wide-open paved roads to dirt and grass paths nestled amongst the trees on the steep ski runs.

Where to Stay

Remember The Sound of Music? Well, the von Trapp family was, of course, a real family that toured the country as the Trapp Family Singers for years after leaving Austria. Eventually, the family settled in Stowe and opened a lodge in the summer of 1950, aptly named the Trapp Family Lodge. If you’re looking for a gorgeous 2,500-acre lodge that’s near the mountain, but offers a range of activities and amenities that range from tennis to historical tours; wildflower walks, wine tastings, and more; this is where you should stay.

More Reasons to Visit Stowe

When you’re finished with your day of biking, Vermont offers so many charming New England activities you’ll wonder why you don’t spend more time there during the year. Visit sites like Cabot Cheese Factory, Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, or take a tour of Ben & Jerry’s (less than 10 miles from Stowe), or immerse yourself in outdoor concerts. Walk into town or take a short drive to enjoy experiences like glassblowing by local artisans and discover the many farmer’s markets, microbreweries, and cute stores.

Deer Valley, Utah

Deer Valley is a famed US ski resort 36 miles east of Salt Lake City in Park City, Utah. Home to the 2002 Winter Olympics. The ski resort actually opened back in the late 1930s at a nearby site but became Deer Valley in 1981 and the rest is ski lover’s history. It is one of only three remaining American ski resorts that still prohibit snowboarders.

Explore Deer Valley by Bike

The ski resort spans 2026 acres and in summer, Deer Valley is home to more than 70 miles of perfectly maintained mountain bike trails. The terrain is spread over six peaks and features more than 3000 feet of elevation so there is something for everyone. While you can always travel up and down the mountain on your own steam, weekend lift service continues through the early fall.  If you’re looking to venture beyond the mountain itself, you can connect to Park City’s 400-mile biking track that continues from the base, into the surrounding area.

Where to Stay

Stein Eriksen Lodge is the resort’s first luxury property and the only Forbes Five-Star hotel and spa in the entire state of Utah. Named for the Olympic Gold Medal ski racer from Norway, Eriksen was the director of the hotel until his 2015 death. It’s located at mid-mountain, making it the ultimate ski-in ski-out (or bike-in, bike-out) destination. There are private rooms with outdoor hot tubs on the patio and the property has two outdoor pools, a spa, gym, and elevated dining options like Glitrentind Restaurant and Stein Alpenglobes along with its own Wine Cellar.

More Reasons to Visit Deer Valley

In addition to featuring some of the most diverse ski terrains in the country, Deer Valley is beloved for its upscale hotels, restaurants, amenities, and experiences. Like its concert series, held at the outdoor amphitheater in Snow Park, for which you can pick up a gourmet concert picnic basket and dine under the stars. And in addition to biking, the resort can be enjoyed hiking, whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, and on horseback.

Winter Park, Colorado

Winter Park Resort is a popular Colorado ski resort located at the southern end of the Fraser Valley. Though it’s snow-covered for about six months of the year, the summer months bring with it many fun-filled summer activities, especially by bike.  It’s actually rated one of the mountain bike meccas, according to sports most avid participants. 

Explore Winter Park by Bike

There are many bike trails throughout the valley between Winter Park and Granby, but the hot favorite is Trestle Bike Park, which has become hugely popular of late for downhill riding. It became green-lit in 2009 and is now considered one of the most sought-after bike trails in the country for all levels. 

Where to Stay

Conveniently located just 100 feet from the base of the gondola, Zephyr Mountain Lodge is as its name suggests bursting with rustic mountain charm. Depending on the size of your party, you can book a one-bedroom unit, right through to a three-bedroom condo with a fully-equipped kitchen and the property has a newly opened hot tub. 

More Reasons to Visit Winter Park

Come for the biking and elevate your experience with an unlimited activities day pass. Included is everything from a leisurely gondola ride up the mountain, a trip down the state’s longest alpine slide, a putting course, and for adventure types, a climbing wall and two ropes courses.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has been a go-to ski destination since the 1960s. Located at Teton Village, Wyoming, it’s known for its steep terrain, which attracts advanced skiers in winter and avid bikers in the warmer months.

Explore Jackson Hole by Bike

You’ll have access to 2500 acres inbounds year-round as well as an additional 3000 acres in the backcountry. Mountain biking in the area, however, expands beyond the mountain to include Cache Creek, Shadow Mountain, Teton Pass, Munger Mountain, and all are easily accessible from the resort. Choose from smooth and rugged terrains and enjoy sweeping views of wildflower fields.

Where to Stay

Hotel Terra was rated Jackson Hole’s number one resort in the 2020 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Luxurious, modern, and slopeside it has expansive guest rooms, a spa, fitness center, bike-in, bike-out access to the mountain, and a rooftop hot tub and infinity pool where you can swim, rejuvenate and take in the epic mountain views.

More Reasons to Visit Jackson Hole

In addition to awesome biking trails, Jackson Hole has a wide range of climbing experiences for those looking for a challenge. At Via Ferrata, there is terrain for beginner and experienced climbers with rock faces, suspended bridges that cross open areas from one peak to another, and 500-foot vertical ascents. After expending all that energy head to Rendezvous Lodge, to eat, drink, and unwind.

 Sunday River, Maine

Sunday River, though more of a lesser-known gem, happens to be Maine’s largest and most-visited ski resort. Second, in size to Maine’s other popular ski resort, Sugarloaf, it’s the sixth-largest in New England and known for its extensive terrain.

Explore Sunday River by Bike

Sunday River has 135 trails that cover eight different peaks, making it the biggest terrain of all East Coast ski resorts. While the skiing is superb, Inland Woods + Trails has made a concerted effort in recent years to develop an expansive network of bike trails in the Bethel, Maine, area that surrounds the Sunday River.

Where to Stay

Grand Summit Hotel which sits on the side of the mountain is one of the most popular accommodations in Sunday River. There’s a range of rooms, from guest suites to fully-equipped condos and the hotel has an outdoor pool and hot tub, a health club, fitness center, and easy convenient access to the resort amenities. 

More Reasons to Visit Sunday River

In addition to the countless bike trails that pepper the mountain and the surrounding area, Sunday River is a lively town.  In the summer, the resort comes alive with golf, geocache tours, lift rides, and music festivals.  For those who love the water, there are many swimming holes in the surrounding area, along with the Androscoggin River, which is best enjoyed by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.