Can You Ski in the Summer in Colorado?

You can ski in the summer in Colorado if there is enough snow in the mountains. Some resorts are at higher elevations and typically have longer seasons that can last into the summer. There are some backcountry spots and glaciers you can ski in the summer too. 

My name is Christine, and I created this blog to share my love of skiing with others who have a similar passion. I love to ski as often as possible and have been to Colorado many times over the years, including during the summer. 

This post will examine if you can ski in the summer in Colorado. I’ll tell you some factors that come into play if you want to try to get some turns in when the snow isn’t falling. The goal is to help anyone chasing an endless winter find what they’re looking for. 

Let’s dive in. 

Key Takeaways

• It is possible to ski in Colorado during the summer, but it’s not guaranteed every summer. It depends on how much snow falls over the winter and how warm the summer is. 
• There are several resorts that stay open later in the season in the spring and even early summer when they have snow. These locations are typically at higher elevations than the rest of the resorts. 
• There are also places in Colorado where you can go backcountry skiing in the summer. Again, this depends on the conditions, and you’ll need to hike into these locations to ski. 

Can You Ski in the Summer in Colorado? 

If you love skiing, then it can be hard when it comes time to hang up your skis and boots for the summer. But there are a few locations in the US where you can ski during the warmer months, and Colorado is one of them. 

But skiing in Colorado during the summer isn’t always possible – it depends on how much snow has fallen in the winter and how warm the summer has been. Obviously, without enough snow, you can’t go skiing. 

Also Read: How Much Snow Is Needed for Skiing

A few ski resorts in Colorado offer potential skiing in the summer. These are Arapahoe Basin and Loveland, which are both on the continental divide and at a higher elevation than other resorts in the state. 

This higher elevation typically leads to colder temperatures, which allows the snow to stick around longer than the regular ski season. But it all depends on how much snow has fallen and how warm it’s been, so skiing in the summer at a resort is never guaranteed.

Where Can You Ski in the Summer in Colorado? 

I’ve been skiing a few times at Arapahoe Basin on the Fourth of July, which is just incredible. You’re not skiing on power or anything, but this is often the latest the resort stays open, and it’s like a huge party, so everyone is in a good mood. 

If you want to know if you can ski in Colorado in August, the answer turns more into a definite maybe. There aren’t many places that have a lot of snow during the height of the summer, and nearly all of these will be deep in the backcountry. 

But if you are up for an adventure and have the skills and experience to tackle backcountry terrain, you can venture high up into the mountains and search for snow. You won’t have extremely long runs, but it’s still fun and a great experience. 

There are also a few glaciers that are skiable in Colorado, but these are slowly getting smaller each year. That’s another option if you want to ski in Colorado in July or August. 

FAQs

Here are a few quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions relating to if you can ski in the summer in Colorado. 

Are Colorado ski resorts open in the summer? 

Most of the ski resorts in Colorado are not open in the summer, but a few are. Higher elevations resorts like Arapahoe Basin and Loveland sometimes stay open into the early summer if there is enough snow. 

Can you ski in Colorado year-round? 

It is technically possible to ski in Colorado year-round, but you’ll need to work for it during the later summer months. Even though a few resorts stay open into July, the only snow available during the rest of the summer is in the backcountry. 

What months can you ski in Colorado? 

The ski season runs in Colorado usually runs from November to April. Some resorts open in October and as late as June or July, but it depends on how much snow falls over the winter. If there is enough snow, it’s technically possible to ski year-round. 

Final Thoughts

It is possible to ski in Colorado in the Summer, but it’s not an option every year. If there is enough snow, a few resorts stay open into the early summer. If you want to ski in the heart of summer, you’ll need to venture into the backcountry. 

If you do venture into the Colorado backcountry to chase summer snow, always be careful and bring the necessary safety gear. 

Have you ever skied in the summer? Where did you go, and what was the experience like? Let me know in the comments below.