Don't panic, but there are only ten more weekends until fall officially starts with the autumnal equinox on September 22. In order to maximize all your sunshiny fun, we've created your summer-to-do list. And in honor of Outdoors Week (and because it's the mountains, duh) our list focuses on all the outdoor adventures that ski towns have to offer. So without further adieu, here are the 13 things you absolutely must-do outside before the leaves start to turn.
13. Play a round of golf: Plenty of ski resorts have diversified their summer offerings with golf courses so get out there, enjoy the beautiful weather, and play a round of 18. We love Sun Valley's Trail Creek golf course and the course at Jay Peak Resort in Vermont.
12. Try out a mountain biking park: Even novice bikers can have fun in the downhill bike park at most ski resorts. But nobody does it better than Whistler Bike Park, with a streamlined gear rental process, awesome bikes, and knowledgeable instructors who can provide tips for any level biker.
11. Hike the hills: There's nothing better than logging some vertical when in the high country, and it's the perfect way to avoid the high temperatures down valley. We've got a whole list of iconic ski town day hikes, from Mammoth to Stowe, over here.
10. Sip a shot at a ski town distillery: After you've logged some serious miles on the river or on the trail, relax your muscles with a few shots of liquor at these 10 delicious ski town distilleries.
9. People watch on a patio: All types travel to and live in ski towns, so grab a chair on a sunny patio and watch the world go by. Extra points if you can name where all the tourists are from (when in Colorado, the answer is always Texas).
8. Enjoy a beer at a ski town brewery: If distilleries aren't your thing, head instead to one of these 17 ski town breweries for a blissful few hours of hoppy fun.
7. Hit a ski town festival: We love ski town festivals, and there are still plenty left this summer. Favorites include the Steamboat Wine Festival, Wanderlust Whistler, and Telluride Blues & Brews.
6. Listen to an outdoor concert: Music just sounds better at altitude, and your summer isn't complete unless you've listened to some tunes in the high country. Our pick is the Jazz Aspen Snowmass festival August 29-31, where FUN., Ziggy Marley, Carrie Underwood, Nickel Creek, One Republic and Earth, Wind & Fire will all preform.
5. Tube down a river: In May and June, ski town rivers rage with melting ice and you're better off rafting or kayaking for a good time. But come late summer, many rivers transform into tranquil water worlds perfect for an afternoon float. Our top pick for low-key tubing fun is the Yampa River in Steamboat.
4. Enjoy a peaceful picnic in a secret ski town park: Avoid the ubiquitous mediocre (and pricey!) lunch spots and head for these awesome ski town parks. Pack a picnic and enjoy the view.
3. Stand Up Paddle Board on a lake (or river for the daring): Stand Up Paddling (or SUPing) is the new sports-craze and ski towns are cashing in. Rent a SUP at Colorado's Lake Dillon or head out to one of Whistler's many gorgeous lakes.
2. Go for a bike ride: Even if downhilling is too intense for you, there's no reason not to get on a bike at some point on your ski town vacation. Hit up one of these ski town bike paths or head to towns like Sun Valley to cruise around on smooth singletrack.
1. Sit and enjoy the sun: You might be desperately missing snow (or you might not), but either way, now is the time to sit and enjoy all that plentiful sunshine. Before you know it, you'll be enjoying powder like this and all these warm days will be a distant memory.
So that's it, Curbediverse: the 13 things you absolutely must do before summer is over. Did we miss any of your favorite things?
· Top Ten Reasons Skiing Telluride Should Be on Your Bucket List [Curbed Ski]
· All Outdoors Week Coverage [Curbed Ski]