Summit County is widely looked at as a ski-obsessed community, as should be the case when you have four world-class slopes right in your backyard. Although, many people seem to forget a simple fact — when the snow melts, the outdoor action in the area certainly doesn't dry up.

And while some choose to spend the Fourth of July lounging in a patio chair with a cold one in the cupholder, there are quite a few other ways to enjoy the holiday, especially for the, well, more active visitors to the area.

Here's a list of five activities unique to the area that are worth a try:

1. Skiing — sort of

Sure, there is still some white stuff tucked away on various peaks, and, yes, some locals are still hiking to catch a few runs, but for those not looking to take extreme measures to dust off the skis, Summit County has something that no place in the world has — Woodward at Copper Mountain, the first-ever indoor/outdoor ski and snowboard facility. Stocked full of foam pits, trampolines, Snowflex ramps and slopes and even skateboard features, the Woodward Barn (located on Copper Road) gives skiers and boarders the chance to hone their skills in the summer months. The facility offers drop-in sessions as well as lessons on the different features the barn boasts. Also, Woodward hosts summer camps that take participants to the on-snow terrain park located on Copper Mountain. For more information, visit www.woodwardatcopper.com.

2. Downhill mountain biking

Summit County is chalk full of some of the best mountain bike trails in the state. (A number of local shops rent out bikes and equipment and can offer advice on trails and routes to fit particular skill levels.) But if you're looking for a bit more of an adrenaline rush, dowhnill mountain biking is your sport. Both Copper Mountain and the Keystone Bike Park offer the chance at this sport — and the padding to make it through it. Those taking the ride can travel up the hill in a chairlift or trudge up on your pair of fat tires. Then, it's literally all downhill from there.

3. Stand-up paddling

It may look a little strange, but stand-up paddling is one of the latest trends in the boating community. And it's pretty simple, at least to explain: You stand on what looks like a giant surfboard and paddle. Matti Wade at Ten Mile Kayaks, located on the west end of Frisco's Main Street rents the boats and offers lessons. But, if that's not the boating that appeals to you, there's also lake and whitewater kayaking, rowing, sailing and canoeing, available at both the Frisco and Dillon marinas and various retail shops.

4. Rafting

The same slopes that give us our prime ski areas also give Summit County another great recreational feature: whitewater. As local rafting guide Duke Bradford said, the area is the “Mecca” of rafting, as Colorado — along with California and West Virginia — is considered The Area in the U.S. to raft. There are a slew of local rafting companies, and every one of them can fix you up with the type of trip you're looking for, ranging from beginner to advanced.

5. Dogsledding

Sounds a little strange for the summer, but the folks at Snow Caps Sled Dogs (located, literally, at the end of Tiger Road outside Breck) offer a unique version of the winter activity. Guests have the choice of being pulled by a full team of dogs in a suped-up golf cart (more family oriented) or having a pair of dogs tow you while you steer a scooter. You're not going to find too many things like it. Reservations are required, and more information can be found at www.snowcapssleddogs.com.