While hitting the slopes might not be the first thing that comes to mind when picturing a quintessential Fourth of July, it might be just what the doctor ordered for skiers looking to get a few more festive turns in before hanging up their sticks for the season. Despite the difficult conditions that plagued much of the continent this past winter, four North American resorts have managed to keep lifts spinning through the holiday weekend. So leave the boat in the shed, bring the grill to the mountain, and send off the season in style at one of the following ski areas.
Timberline Lodge, OR
Thanks to the Palmer lift, which tops out just a couple thousand feet below the summit of Mount Hood, Timberline Lodge consistently boasts the longest outdoor ski season in North America, often spinning lifts into September. While the 2025-26 winter was not exactly one for the history books, the Oregon resort has managed to stay open for skiing and riding through July 19, despite being primarily reliant on natural snowfall. For $124, skiers can soak up the sun and take in the magnificent views of Oregon’s highest peak while sliding on snow in the heart of summer.
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Banff Sunshine, AB
While much of the continent suffered this winter from warm temperatures and low snowfall totals, the Canadian Rockies — and Banff Sunshine in particular — actually enjoyed one of their best winters on record. The Alberta resort received 402 inches of light continental snowfall, nearly doubling its yearly average of 236 inches. Thanks to the monster winter, Banff Sunshine reopened for summer skiing on June 20 following a monthlong hiatus in late spring, and currently plans to keep lifts spinning through July 5. With the Strawberry Express and Standish Express both running through Sunday, offering access to varied terrain and even a terrain park, the best place to celebrate America’s 250th birthday might not even be in the United States. Tickets to close out Banff Sunshine’s record-breaking year cost just CAD 80 (USD 56).
Copper Mountain, CO
Every year, on the high-elevation slopes of Copper Mountain Resort, Woodward builds the Rocky Mountains’ only summer skiing terrain park. The park, complete with jibs, rails, jumps, and even a surface lift, allows skiers and riders to work on tricks and lap their hearts out before the dreaded offseason. Woodward Copper’s lift-served park is reserved strictly for youth and adult camp members; however, those itching to get back on snow without paying for the summer camp experience can access the hike park for just $25. So load the skis into the car and head up Interstate 70 one last time to enjoy what Copper has to offer before the snow is gone.
Big SNOW American Dream, NJ
Here’s a question most people probably don’t know the answer to: what U.S. state has the longest ski season? Colorado? Utah? Oregon? Maybe California? No, no, no, and no. The only state where skiers can hit the slopes 12 months, 365 days a year, is actually New Jersey. That’s right—the Garden State is home to America’s only year-round ski resort: Big SNOW American Dream. The indoor mountain, located just a few minutes’ walk from MetLife Stadium, offers four lifts accessing 160 vertical feet of temperature-controlled slope, and even a terrain park. For just $28, skiers can escape the East Coast’s summer heat and hit the New Jersey slopes—all before heading across the street for the FIFA World Cup, which might cost a little more than $28.