Forget what you think you know about Greek Peak! While it’s famously known for its winter sports, it transforms into a vibrant hub of outdoor adventure and family fun during the summer months. If you’re searching for Greek Peak Summer Activities, you’re in for a real treat.
This premier four-season destination in Central New York offers an incredible array of options, whether you’re a family looking for unforgettable bonding experiences, a thrill-seeker craving adrenaline-pumping adventures, or someone simply seeking a relaxing escape. Get ready to discover a whole new side of Greek Peak, packed with sun-soaked fun and mountain charm!
Greek Peak Summer Activities
Greek Peak Mountain Resort offers so many incredible summer activities for every kind of adventure-seeker. Through several main hubs throughout the property, you can access endless summer fun in Central New York!
Thrilling Outdoor Adventures at The Adventure Center
The Adventure Center, located at 1856 NY-392, Cortland, NY 13045 is home to so many family-friendly outdoor summer activities!
Nor’Easter Mountain Coaster
A family favorite, riders control their speed on this exhilarating coaster ride down the mountain. The mountain coaster offers scenic views and a unique experience for all riders.
(Ages 3+ and 38″ tall; under 54″ must ride with an adult)
Zipline Tours
Soar through the trees on a guided zipline tour. Greek Peak offers four ziplines during the summer season, each more fun than the last!
(Advanced booking recommended. Participants must be 48 inches tall and 60-270 lbs)
Aerial Ropes Challenge Course
Test your balance and agility on a high ropes course with various obstacles! Set in a picturesque wooded area, you’ll begin your adventure with ground school before you climb to new heights and test your balance and problem solving skills. Can you make it though level three!? We did, but it wasn’t always easy.
(Advanced booking recommended)
Summer on the Slopes
While the ski trails rest, bike and UTV trails play! The mountain, 2000 NYS Route 392, Cortland, NY, provides fun for all kinds of thrill-seekers all year round!
Bike Park
Hit the bike park for access to over 18 downhill trails serviced by a lift. Catering to all skill levels, from beginner (Green Circle) to expert (Double Black Diamond), riders of all kinds can enjoy a day on the slopes. Whether you’re one for flowy jump lines or prefer the precision of a tech trail, there are plenty of fun and challenging route for you to check out.
If you’re new to biking, full-suspension downhill bike rentals, helmets, and protective gear are available for renting. Lessons are also offered for those looking to improve their skills! We highly recommend booking a lesson if it’s your first time – it can feel intimidating but to start with someone who knows what they’re doing can make a world of difference.
UTV Mountain Tours
New to the Greek Peak summer activities list, a UTV tour is a must-do on your next visit! Explore the mountain’s terrain on a guided UTV tour for a unique off-road experience.
Follow behind a knowledgeable Greek Peak staff member, caravan style, as you romp through pristine areas of the property on old logging roads (YES! you’re driving the UTV). At your tours halfway point you’ll not only gain a bird’s eye perspective of the resort, but you’ll take a short walk to Virgil’s High Point along the Finger Lakes Trail.
Scenic Chair Lift Ride
Not one for mountain biking or handling the UTV but still want a bird’s eye view of beautiful Central New York? Enjoy a scenic chair lift ride up and down Visions Quad.
In total, the trip takes about 40 minutes with time to enjoy the views of Virgil Valley from the top! Guests must ride the chairlift up and down so allot for the right amount of time.
Laid Back Outdoor Fun at Hope Lake
Head on back behind Hope Lake Lodge for some more laid back outdoor fun. Virgil’s Hope Lake, located at 2245 Clute Rd, Cortland, NY 13045, offers light hiking, disc gold, swimming, and more water fun!
Disc Golf
Enjoy a round of disc golf around Hope Lake. Starting back behind the lodge near the waterslide, this 2+ mile course makes its way back around the lake and into mountain terrain.
New to disc golf? Rental equipment is available at the arcade inside Hope Lake Lodge, at the Adventure Center, and at Hope Lake Park. Stop by the kiosk at Hole 1 for printed maps, resort details, and event info.
Swimming
Play in the sand and take a dip in Hope Lake while the lifeguard is on duty!
The lake is also stocked with fish – if you have a valid NYS fishing license you are able to
Boat Rental
Rent a canoe, row boat, or stand up paddle board at the bath house.
It’s important to note that you will need to rent as personal water crafts are not allowed on Hope Lake.
Dive into Aquatic Adventures at Cascades Indoor Waterpark
Indoor water parks aren’t just for winter getaways. They’re perfect for summer too! There’s no such thing as bad weather and you don’t need to worry about sunscreen (unless in the outside pool). So head on over to 2000 NY-392, Cortland, NY 13045 for summer waterpark fun!
Water Slides for Every Thrill Level
Cascades Indoor Waterpark features both interior slides (for younger children, 42-48″ tall and under 130 lbs) and thrilling interior/exterior slides (requiring 48″ height, or 42-48″ with an adult).
Experience twists and turns that take you outside the building before splashing back in on your choice of a tube or body slide. These slides really the joy! You can’t make it to the bottom without a huge smile plastered across your face – promise.
Interactive Play Areas
Big Bear Falls: A massive interactive play structure with water blasters, slides, a net climb, and a 500-gallon deluge bucket.
Little Bear Falls: Designed specifically for toddlers and small children, with shallow water, bubblers, and a kid-sized slide.
Wave Pool & Relaxation
Whitewater Wave Pool: Enjoy the excitement of ocean-like waves in the indoor wave pool.
The Cove: A 22,000-gallon basketball cove fully equipped with hoops. Can someone say, “Slam Dunk!?”
Northwoods Pool and Hot Springs: A heated outdoor swimming pool (open year-round) and a spacious indoor/outdoor hot tub for unwinding (ages 13+) is an incredible way to end your day.
Relaxation & Resort Amenities
No matter what Greek Peak summer activities you choose, access to resort amenities is definitely a highlight. Whether you’re looking for dinner or a spa treatment, Greek Peak Mountain Resort can deliver.
Waterfalls Spa
Spend the weekend adventuring and end it with a spa treatment. Indulge in a massage, facial, or on of the other relaxing treatments offered at this serene retreat.
Schedule a spa package, such as the Drift Away Together package to really enjoy those last couple of hours at the resort. Spend time in the tranquil relaxation room before your 80-minute massage and soak accompanied by your choice of champagne or wine and a delicious dessert.
Dining Options
Greek Peak summer activities must be fuels by delicious food! Luckily, the resort offers a variety of amazing dining opportunities.
- Carvers Steakhouse: A family-friendly sit-down restaurant offering steakhouse classics. If you’re looking for perfectly cooked steak with large, sharing-portioned sides, Carver’s is the place for you.
Serving breakfast Thursday-Monday from 8-11, enjoy a few classics before taking off for the day’s adventures.
- Trax Pub and Grill: Located in the main ski lodge with a large outdoor deck, Trax offers brick over style pizza and an elevated bar menu you won’t be disappointed in.
Visit on the weekend for brunch for the mountain’s take on some breakfast classics. Stuffed French Toast, Chicken & Waffles, and Griddle Classics are calling your name.
- Carvers Bar: The bar at Carver’s might inspire you to sip and stay a while. With a curated wine list, premium spirits, and comfortable seating, Carvers Bar is a great spot for unwinding before or after dinner.
- Edgewater Cafe: Conveniently located inside the waterpark, Edgewater Cafe serves quick, casual bites for the whole family! Parents, it’s important to note that you can purchase alcoholic beverages here to improve your overall experience!
- Starbucks: Located next to the front desk and perfect for yours coffee fix. Starbucks also offers grab and go items and breakfast sandwiches.
Lodging
The Lodge at Hope Lake: A truly incredible accommodation option, Hope Lake Lodge is Greek Peak’s signature mountain resort hotel. With rustic timber framing, woods-inspired decor, and upscale amenities, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Whether you’re here to ski, soak in the spa, hit up the adventure center, or splash in the waterpark, this is the perfect stay all year round.
The Campground at Hope Lake: For those who prefer camping, or simply want to spend more on adventures and less on accommodations, the campground offers RV and tent sites with various amenities, providing easy access to resort activities.
The campground is open April to November and provides a peaceful escape on the property.
Planning Your Greek Peak Summer Visit
Sometimes Greek Peak summer activities sell out so here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect stay full of incredible adventures.
- Tickets & Passes: Purchase passes and make reservations ahead of time. Summer activities like zip lining, the aerial course, and UTV tours can sell out; book them online in advance.
- Hours of Operation: Check the Greek Peak website for up-to-date hours for all attractions, as they can vary. Sometimes, Greek Peak hosts events that render some attractions unavailable for a day or a weekend; always check ahead of time.
- Accommodation: Definitely consider staying at Hope Lake Lodge or Campground. Not only are these beautiful accommodations, but they are conveniently located for access to all activities.
- Special Events: Keep an eye on the Greek Peak events calendar for any special summer happenings, concerts, or themed weekends. Aside from them potentially altering hours of operation, you might want to partake in these fun events!
- Look into Packages: Greek Peak Mountain Resort offers a variety of summer fun packages worth checking out. Whether you want to stay for two nights and get the third free, gain access to the water park with your room, or all-day mountain coaster access, these packages are calling your name.
- Come Prepared to Play: Keep in mind that many activities have height and age restrictions, so check these beforehand if traveling with young children. Additionally, most adventure activities require closed-toe shoes; make sure you pack a pair!
- Like to Hike? You’re in luck! The Finger Lakes trail actually runs through he property at Greek Peak providing easy access for anyone interested. If you don’t mind making the quick drive to Ithaca, there are a variety of amazing hikes and waterfall views available to you as well.
Conclusion
Greek Peak in the summer offers an incredible blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for a memorable summer getaway. From thrilling rides and waterpark fun to scenic mountain biking and serene spa treatments, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. Start planning your Greek Peak summer adventure today!