When summer hits, things really start to heat up. Temperatures rise, the days get longer, and school comes to an end. Summertime often means fun, sun and family, and (of course) summer vacation! While many families are packing up and heading to a crowded beach or coastal town, more and more families are heading up to the mountains for cool summer getaway. While the beach offers crowds, sun and sand, a summer vacation to the mountains presents an array of fun activities for families of all ages. If you’re looking to have the best family summer vacation in the mountains, check out these tips below. This summer mountain vacation planning guide can assist you in executing the perfect adventure.

Why Choose the Mountains for a Summer Vacation?

If you ever took a vacation in the mountains as a kid, then you probably remember one thing: riding in the car. Back in the day, a mountain vacation meant hours in the car looking at mountains out of the backseat window. If and when you did stop, it was usually for a pee break or the obligatory family photo at some scenic turnoff spot along the road.

Well, that’s not the case anymore.

A summer family vacation in the mountains in the 21st century means a smorgasbord of outdoor and indoor activities that will jam pack your getaway: golf, tennis, fly-fishing, mountain and road biking, whitewater rafting and kayaking, parasailing, hiking, horseback riding, and hot-air ballooning, just to name a few. Add to it luxury shopping, fine-dining restaurants, a bevy of cultural and arts festivals, and a temperate climate that has mild afternoons and cool evenings, and you can see why more and more families are heading up the hill in the summers.

Planning is Key

The key to success in pulling off the perfect family vacation to plan ahead. The first thing you should do is sit down with your family and talk about your adventure. What do you want to do? The activities that you choose are important in selecting your destination. Make a list of everything you want to accomplish on your vacation, and discuss each item with your family. Here are some popular activities to get you going:

• Arts and culture: Sightseeing, historic tours, live music, ballet, summer theater, and numerous festivals and events.
• Easy outdoor fun: Hiking, biking, golf, hot-air balloon rides, gondola rides, wilderness tours and outdoor dining and shopping.
• More physical outdoor activities: Tennis, horseback riding, parasailing, off-roading/ATVs, and hunting.
• Water activities: Fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, float trips and hot springs.
• Indoor activities: Spa treatments, yoga/pilates, kids programs, shopping and fine dining.

Kids will love the variety offered by a mountain vacation. But remember, some activities are only available at certain times of the year. For example, if you want to go whitewater rafting, you will need to go between May and July, when the river waters are at the appropriate levels. Also, if you’re planning to attend a popular summer concert or festival, you will need to make plans as early as possible, as many annual events sell out quickly.

Pro tip: Everyone loves a deal. If you’re looking for a bargain on a specific activity, check out our resort pages here, where there are deals and discounts for most activities at most mountain resorts. Here, you can compare deals and specials to pick what’s best for you.

Ride or Fly?

Once you’ve made your plans and picked your dates, it’s time to decide if you’re going to drive or fly. If you’re close to your destination, it’s easy to drive. Just be sure to check the parking regulations and fees at your destination. You don’t want to get caught paying through the teeth for parking — or not being able to find it at all. A little research here will go a long way to avoid aggravation when you arrive at your destination.

Flying is becoming a more popular (and viable) options these days. Many mountain destinations have airports nearby that provide service from major airlines like American, Delta and United. For example, you can fly into Eagle Airport just outside of Vail, Colorado, or land at Pitkin-County Airport only five miles outside of Aspen. Many travelers prefer the short commute from these airports rather than a two- to four-hour drive from a larger airport like Denver International Airport.

Mountain airports like Vail and Aspen often have issues with planes arriving in the winter because of snow and wind, but arrivals at these destinations in the summer months are very reliable, and often at a fraction of the cost of a winter flight. With competitive rates from a number of available airlines, why not look into flying? If you do need a car, there are rental companies like Hertz and Budget available at these smaller airports, just like the big ones. Just remember to book your car rental early if you need one. Look into shuttle services and other free local transportation if you really want to save. Uber and Lyft are also popular services at most mountain resorts.

Book early

Once you’ve set your dates for travel, the next step is to book your lodging. You’re going to want to find a place to stay on your vacation, and the best choices are going to go quick. Once you’ve solidified your travel plans, be ready to book your accommodations. If you’re traveling with a group and need multiple rooms, be sure to secure your reservations early so you will be close together.

Always check online. There are many deals to be had for summer getaways, so be sure to check online for the best deals. In fact, there are plenty of specials and discounts for lodging over right here! There are many current specials that offer 20% off or more on your entire stay. On the site, you can book directly with the hotel or resort, so you’re not dealing some agent in another state. You’ll get deals and specials with locals who can answer your questions, even after your arrival. You don’t want to get stuck dealing with some website sales agent when you’re stuck outside your resort. It’s the smart way to book.

Pro tip: While many mountain resorts have a wide variety of name-brand hotels, take the time and take a closer look at condominium, town house and private home rentals that might be available at your destination. If you’re traveling with a group, it’s possible to find a private home that can accommodate your group that would cost less than renting individual hotel rooms or condominiums.

Many private homes in the mountains have spectacular views and awesome amenities like a private hot tub or pool, media and game rooms, and nearby hiking trails and other scenery. A private home can be perfect for a family getaway or even a family reunion. You’ll love the privacy, added space, and warmth of spending quality time as a family unit. It’s worth a look!

It’s All in the Details

Planning, travel and lodging? Check, check and check. Next, you’ll want to hammer out the finer details of your vacation. Many mountain resorts have a concierge desk that can assist you in planning a number of outings ranging from golf tee times to fine-dining dinner reservations. They can also recommend a relaxing spa, direct you to the best shopping, or answer any other questions that you may have.

If you’ve selected a great adventure through one of the specials here, then nail down your dates and other relevant info, book it and bring your confirmation number with you on your trip. If you are a worry-wart, go ahead and call the company and confirm everything. (Don’t worry, that’s what they are there for.) Once you arrive at your destination, you want to be able to hit family vacation mode at full speed.
Other important items to consider include luggage transportation, travel insurance, baby sitters and nanny services, grocery delivery and private chefs.

Family First

Most importantly, it’s all about the family experience. Being able to spend time with your loved ones in the mountains is a spectacular memory that will be shared for a lifetime by all participants. It’s one of those memories that transcends generations and brings everyone together. Anyone who lives there will tell you. Anyone who has visited will stay the same. The mountains are special. Just like family.