Tourist Attractions

Living here in Seattle, many of us take advantage of our close proximity to Whistler, B.C., to go skiing. Now that the season is changing, it got me to thinking about how creative ski resorts have gotten about finding ways to make money during the warm season, too. While many ski resorts make enough profit during the winter months to pay for themselves the rest of the year, many owners just couldn’t stand to see empty rooms and empty slopes during the beautiful summer months. They’ve hit on several ways to attract the tourist who loves the mountains, but not necessarily the cold.

Here are a few:

1. Mountain biking. Yes, you’ll see cyclists riding UP the mountains, but if you’re not quite that athletic, you can take the ski lift to the top of the mountain and ride down the same slopes people “swish” down. Most resorts offer trails for different levels of skill.
2. Hiking. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can also walk up and down the slopes. Be sure to keep your camera in hand to capture the spectacular views and the occasional wildlife spotting.
3. Golf. If you like to add a little something to your hike, you can find golf courses for all skill levels at most resorts; you can usually even choose between “real,” miniature, or Frisbee golf.
4. Alpine slides. You don’t need snow to bobsled down the hillside. Curvy cement or fiberglass chutes and specially-designed sleds will have you whooshing down at your own speed. This is a favorite activity for all ages and athletic abilities.
5. Zip lines. If hiking is just so blah for you and the alpine slides just too slow, you can fly over the slopes at speeds up to 50 miles an hour.
6. Mountain coasters. While some of these coasters operate all year, they may just be a little more thrilling in the summer, when the ground – sans snow – is a bit further away….
7. Hot springs. There’s nothing like sitting in a hot spring pool on the side of a rushing cold mountain river in the middle of July. As good as a cabana chair on a tropical beach for relaxation.

Yes, ski resorts are not just for winter. If hot sand and crashing waves aren’t your scene, head for the hills!