March 10, 2025
Visiting a ski resort … in July? It’s a yes in my book! Snow-capped peaks and apres ski fun in the winter transform into summer playgrounds once temperatures climb. If you enjoy active vacations in gorgeous outdoor settings, a ski hotspot may be the perfect place for your summer escape. Here are the top three regions I recommend for a luxury getaway amid the great outdoors—and top properties to check into in each:
Aspen, Colorado
Surrounded by four spectacular mountains, the ski resorts in Aspen offer endless opportunities to play. Once the snow melts, wildflowers blanket the area—and gondolas can glide you right to the top of the mountain for hiking, yoga, and even al fresco dining and live music on the sundeck. Biking, zipline and rope courses, and mountain pond fishing will also keep you busy.
Stay at:
- Hotel Jerome – an Auberge Resort: Located right downtown, this historic hotel offers Western flavor.
- St. Regis Aspen Resort: The perfect location for downtown shopping and strolling—plus an outdoor pool and amazing afternoon tea.
- The Little Nell: Modern cosmopolitan flair, a deep wine list, and summer activities that include off-road tours and fly fishing.
Tahoe, California
California’s most popular winter wonderland is just as much of a blast in the summer. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe—the largest alpine lake in North America—is the perfect spot for boating, fishing, and watersports once the weather warms up. Tahoe’s ski resorts offer scenic gondola rides, hiking, water tubing, and “out west” activities like gem panning (the kids will love this!).
Stay at:
- Edgewood Tahoe Resort: Views for days out over Lake Tahoe define this stunner of a resort—book a table in the resort restaurant for a major “wow factor” as you dine while the sun sets on the lake. The designer golf course is a draw, too.
- Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe: This property offers the only ski-in/ski-out option in Tahoe—which means in the summer, it boasts the perfect mountainside location. Reserve a private fire pit to roast marshmallows after a day of hiking the trails.
Zermatt, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps are an iconic winter destination in Europe—but the region is just as dynamic in the summer. Head to Zermatt, where you can get up to active adventures like hiking past grazing sheep on the steep slopes, mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, and more. You can even ski in the summer! For gentler activities, enjoy strolling through the charming car-free village, or hopping aboard a train with floor-to-ceiling windows for an extra scenic ride.
Stay at:
- CERVO Mountain Resort: A luxurious mountain retreat with a wellness bent, the property boasts a yoga deck, climbing wall, Japanese-inspired spa hut, and gourmet, mostly vegetarian dining.
- Mont Cervin Palace: A legendary address that oozes European alpine charm—and boasts a massive spa and indoor pool.
- Grand Hotel Zermatterhof: Long a celebrity magnet, the opulent hotel offers a retro glamor vibe and unbeatable views of the Matterhorn.
Ready to design your own “summer playground” escape?
VIP your experience by booking with me! Thanks to my industry connections and luxury affiliations, I’m able to get special perks and upgrades for my clients at incredible properties like these. Work one-on-one with me to design your personalized spa escape, or book yourself in a gorgeous property via my Virtuoso Booking Portal.
