Beat the heat on the mountain this summer

By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news

Wanting to escape the Rouge Valley heat?

There’s no snow, but the Mt. Ashland Ski Area is offering a summer season of live music, movies and more.

Gabriella Conner, Mt. Ashland’s marketing manager, said the seasonally snowless ski area is welcoming guests to “escape the valley heat and discover their Local Mountain Playground, just a short 20-minute drive from the South Ashland exit.”

As Conner notes, “When the snow melts, Mt. Ashland transforms into a breathtaking alpine landscape, rich with green valleys, vibrant wildflowers, and crisp mountain air. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy miles of scenic trails, take in panoramic views, and test their skills on the Mountain’s 18-hole disc golf course.”

From now through August, Mt. Ashland offers outdoor recreation but is also a full summer destination with a lineup of exciting, family-friendly events. New this year are Drive-In Movie Nights and the Mt. Ashland Summer Concert Series, both offering unique ways to enjoy cooler evenings under the stars.

The Summer Concert Series, which will be held July 18 and 25 and August 22 and 29, will feature nights of live music and dancing at the summit of the Siskiyous. Featuring performances by top regional acts, delicious food from local food trucks, and refreshing beverages from Mt. Ashland’s own T-Bar, Conner touts the series as an all-ages event that is the perfect mountain escape. Ticket pricing will vary by performance, with tickets on sale now through the Mt. Ashland website, mtashland.com.

Drive-In Movie Nights at the Mt. Ashland parking lot will give movie viewers an open-air cinema with views of Mt. Shasta and the Siskiyou Summit. Conner said moviegoers are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs, or “cozy up in the back of their truck for a nostalgic night watching classic films on a massive 40-foot by 26-foot screen.” Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks will be available for purchase, or people can bring their own.

“It’s the ultimate throwback experience for all ages,” Conner said.

Also scheduled are returning offering, including Movie Nights on the Mountain and multiple Sip & Paint events scheduled for late summer that Connor said offer relaxing and creative ways to beat the Rogue Valley’s often oppressive heat.

For people seeking more active pursuits, Mt. Ashland has a robust schedule of races and runs. Group Runs and Rides will take place every Saturday through August 30. Led by the Mt. Ashland Endurance Team, these sessions are described as a way to explore the trails by foot or bike. More competitive runners can look forward to two major events: the Siskiyou Outback Trail Running Festival on July 12–13, and the Mt. Ashland Trail Run on September 13.

The Mt. Ashland Association is also seeking for volunteers to help support the summer lineup of events and activities. Volunteer opportunities are listed on the Mountain’s website, and incentives include free event tickets and lift vouchers for the 2025/26 Winter Season.

“It’s a great way to give back and enjoy Mt. Ashland’s events for free while supporting your local mountain,” Connor said. “Come for the cooler temps, stay for the views, music, and mountain magic!”

For event details, volunteer signups, and updates, visit mtashland.com.

Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at 337lee337@charter.net.