Vermont resorts lure in new season of visitors

(NECN: Anya Huneke, Warren, VT) - If you think you can only hit the slopes in the winter, some ski areas plan to prove you wrong. A number are making a push to become four-season resorts adding activities that require sun instead of snow. The sounds of summer are everywhere in Vermont. Including some places you might not think to look. Hoping to entice more warm-weather guests. Sugarbush resort in warren is one of almost a dozen resorts in the Green Mountains that has become a four-season destination. JJ TolandCommunic. Dir., Sugarbush "This'll be the third summer we have a summer program up on the mountain. We've seen the summer business grow year after year." Activity at the golf course is already in full swing. But crews are busy getting trails ready for mountain bikers. Bear: "These guys put in hours and hours creating trails... putting in built-in brims, bridges, whoop-dee-doos..." And courses ready for disc golfers. Course manager Josh Rappeport says he's just as excited to be here when there's no snow on the slopes. Josh RappeportCourse Mgr. "It's an absolutely gorgeous mountain-- there's no reason not to enjoy it all summer long." From Jay Peak to Stratton, ski areas are adding such things as water parks, zip lines, spas, tennis courts, and ropes courses. And the price of lodging is often lower than it is in the winter. Jen ButsonVT Ski Areas Assoc "One of the best kept secrets is that people can fall in love with a place in the winter and discover it in the summer at a reduced rate." With all the activities you could argue that there's actually more to do in the summer at ski resorts than in the winter... And you can't beat the crowds..." Mark/Alina "What crowds? It's a lot more quiet than it is in the winter.” That's, in part, because many are not in the know about the off-season. Sugarbush communications director JJ Toland says summer is not expected to compete with winter in terms of revenues. But it is an opportunity to expand the appeal of the resort, and lure in a new season of visitors.