| When most people think of ski resorts, they | | | | summer sky rides, and open their slopes to |
| naturally picture mountains full of fresh | | | | such summertime activities as tobogganing |
| fallen snow and people huddled around a | | | | down the side of the mountain. The kids in |
| roaring fire enjoying a cup of hot cocoa. | | | | particular love these fun rides. |
| While this image is certainly accurate, and | | | | |
| ski resorts are some of the most popular of | | | | Another great thing about visiting a ski |
| all vacation destinations, the prices of | | | | resort area in summer is that the mountain |
| these resort getaways can often be beyond the | | | | location often means cooler temperatures. |
| means of the budget traveler. | | | | Even when the lowland temperature is |
| | | | stiflingly hot, the temperature in the |
| There is another way, however, to enjoy these | | | | mountains can be refreshingly cool and |
| upscale resorts for a fraction of their in | | | | comfortable. Of course, it is important to |
| season costs. Many ski resort locations stay | | | | check the monthly weather for your |
| open all year round, and the prices of | | | | destination and to avoid the rainy season |
| lodging, meals and local entertainment often | | | | |
| drops precipitously after winter has passed. | | | | There are ski resorts in many states around |
| | | | the country, and the northeastern and western |
| Visiting a ski resort in the middle of the | | | | parts of the country have a great wealth of |
| summer does not mean there will be nothing to | | | | these resorts. While many of them stay open |
| do. In fact, many people prefer visiting | | | | year round and offer a host of off season |
| these resorts in the off season, since their | | | | activities, not all do, so it is important to |
| mountain locations provides for a | | | | verify the summer activities of the resort |
| comfortable, activity packed getaway. | | | | you are considering. |
| | | | |
| For instance, most ski resorts have ample | | | | It is also a good idea to research the |
| hiking trails through beautiful mountain | | | | activities that are offered by each resort. |
| vistas. All those great cross country ski | | | | With the concentration of ski resorts in some |
| trails become wonderful hiking and biking | | | | areas of the country, it will be easy to |
| trails after the snow has melted, and the | | | | compare the various offerings and choose the |
| scenery can be even more spectacular, and | | | | one that best suits your individuals needs. |
| more comfortable, without the cold and snow | | | | |
| of winter. | | | | It is also important to research the |
| | | | surrounding area and see what else there is |
| Besides hiking and biking, there are a great | | | | to do when you are not at the resort. While |
| many other activities to be offered as well, | | | | many ski resorts have plenty of activities to |
| including horseback riding, fishing swimming, | | | | keep you busy for days, you will probably |
| and other outdoor activities. In addition, | | | | want to venture off the property at least a |
| many ski resorts use their ski lifts as fun | | | | few times. |