The 7 Best Places in the U.S. To Ski and Mountain Bike in the Same Day

Skiing and mountain biking are two sports that complement each other very well. The former is primarily a winter activity, while the latter is typically for summer. Both use gravity to propel yourself down a mountain or hill, and many outdoor enthusiasts participate in both.

The springtime may create a decision for those who still want to ski, but with longer and warmer days, may feel the urge to jump on the mountain bike. This dilemma creates the opportunity to do skiing and mountain biking in the same day.

To make this list, the requirements are: the ski resort has to have a long season that extends deep into the spring, as well as have quality mountain bike trails in close proximity.

#1 Timberline Lodge, OR

Timberline takes the top spot on this list for several reasons. It has the longest ski season in North America, with plans to continue operations to Labor Day. Once the lower mountain closes, the upper Palmer lift stays open all through the summer for glacier skiing.

Local mountain bike trails: Timberline Bike Park is located on the lower mountain, so you don’t even have to go anywhere else to hit the dirt. Just go to your car to change out your gear. Close-by Skibowl offers more lift-accessed trails, while other close-by networks include Sandy Ridge and Post Canyon.

#2 Snowbird, UT

Snowbird boasts about having the longest season in Utah, often staying open into May and sometimes later.

Local mountain bike trails: There are many trail options in the foothills of Salt Lake City. Check out Corner Canyon about 30 minutes from Snowbird, or if snow-free, Park City is a destination mountain bike location.

#3 Mt Bachelor, OR

Mt Bachelor is well known for its long spring season, which usually extends to late May.

Local mountain bike trails: There are many trails that start right near the mountain and go all the way into the town of Bend. Other popular trailheads lower down are Phil’s and Wanoga. Bend Trails has all the information you need.

#4 Killington, VT

Yes, an East Coast resort that stays open until May and sometimes June, thanks to relatively high elevation and snow-making capabilities.

Local mountain bike trails: Within 30 minutes you can check out the networks of Green Mountain, Pine Hill Park, and Shelbourne. See Vermont Mountain Bike Association for more information.

#5 and #6 Arapahoe Basin and Breckenridge, CO

Both of these Colorado resorts boast a long season.

Local mountain bike trails: If the higher elevation trails are still snow-covered, head east toward Denver for the many options available. Colorado Mountain Bike Association has all the latest information on trails.

#7 Mt. Baker, WA

I am making an exception for Mt. Baker because its season doesn’t typically extend past April, however, the best mountain biking options are in lower elevations closer to the ocean, so the mild climate means you can ride there year-round.

Local mountain bike trails: Head back towards the city of Bellingham and hit the world-class network of Galbraith or checkout Chuckanut Mountain.