Beyond the Slopes - Seven Ski Resorts Which Turn Into Summer Hotspots

As snow gives way to wildflowers in ski resorts from Japan to Méribel, the focus shifts to summer. With climate change and overtourism pushing travellers away from traditional beach holidays, mountain escapes are increasingly coming into their own. According to a recent travel report, Booking.com found that 61% of travellers want to spend less time in the sun while on holiday, favouring more active experiences instead. From music festivals to trail running, ski resorts now offer something for every traveller during the summer months.

For a Music Festival - Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture

Set in the lush summer landscape of Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture, the Fuji Rock Festival (24-26 July) transforms the slopes into a vibrant music haven, boasting a spectacular line-up of international musicians, including English indie rock band The xx and singer-songwriter Arlo Parks. Despite the title reference to ‘rock’, the three-day event offers partygoers an experience across all genres. The festival attracts over 100,000 visitors annually and offers plenty of lodging options, from camping to local hotel and guesthouse packages. A three-day ticket costs £274. Presale is now open with general sale beginning 16 May. discover-niigata.com

For Biking Adventures - Aspen and Snowmass Village, Colorado

Aspen and Snowmass Village are a true paradise for cyclists, with more than 90 miles of scenic singletrack and a variety of terrain ranging from smooth riverside paths to rugged mountain switchbacks. In summer, the area transforms into one of Colorado’s premier mountain biking destinations, with an extensive trail network that caters to every type of rider. Blazing Adventures offers a thrilling half-day cycling expedition that promises breathtaking mountain views and exhilarating descents. Adrenaline junkies can head for Snowmass Bike Park - offering 25 miles of downhill trails - with bike clinics providing riders the chance to learn the basis or perfect their downhill and freeride techniques. gosnowmass.com / aspenchamber.org

For Trail Running - Meribel

For travellers whose idea of holiday hell is sitting on a sun lounger, Méribel is fast becoming a go-to for summer trail running in the Alps. The Méribel Trail (7–9 August 2026) brings together runners for a high-altitude challenge, with distances from 10 to 50km across technical terrain, steep climbs and sweeping ridgelines. New for 2026, La Nocturne des Crêtes adds a semi-nocturnal 22km race with 1,100m of elevation gain, where participants set off at dusk, offering a more atmospheric, endurance-led twist to the weekend. Meribel-tourism

For Culture - Telluride, Colorado

For travellers seeking more culture than cardio, Telluride stands out as one of Colorado’s most compelling summer mountain escapes. Set in a dramatic box canyon, the former mining town swaps ski season for a packed calendar of world-class festivals – from the Telluride Film Festival to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Between events, visitors can soak up the scenery via scenic gondola rides, explore the historic downtown, or simply lean into the slower pace and high-altitude atmosphere. colorado.com

For Watersports - Mammoth Lakes, California

As the name suggests, Mammoth Lakes is home to multiple stunning lakes where visitors can enjoy a plethora of water sports during the warmer months. Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the best ways to enjoy the calm waters and beautiful scenery. The Mammoth Lakes Basin and the June Lake Loop offer seven paddle-accessible lakes, with Horseshoe Lake a local favourite. There are several places to rent a SUP, saving visitors the trouble of having to lug all that extra gear around. Footloose Sports, and Mammoth Kayaks and Paddleboards both offer paddleboard hire. www.visitmammoth.com

For Hiking - Sugarloaf, Maine

A summer trip to a lesser-known ski resort, Sugarloaf, in western Maine presents hikers with a 4,237ft Sugarloaf Mountain summit, six major peaks of the Bigelow Reserve and sections of the legendary Appalachian Trail within a stone’s throw, all serving a sense of solitude that’s increasingly hard to find. Climb above the tree line without the crowds of the USA's more famous peaks, or wander quiet forest paths bursting with wild blueberries and moose sightings, with no trail fees and options for all hiking abilities. visitmaine.com

For Yoga - Nevada

Located a short 40-minute drive away from the buzzing centre of Las Vegas, Lee Canyon offers a high-elevation (over 9,000 ft) summer escape from the heat of the city, providing roughly 30-degree cooler temperatures. Mountainside Yoga classes run throughout the summer, allowing attendees to breathe and stretch at elevation in a tranquil forest setting in Lee Canyon’s Aspen Grove with qualified, experienced instructors. Visitors will also be able to enjoy downhill mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, hiking, disc golf, and archery when visiting in summer. travelnevada.com