Where to Ski in July

By Seth Fiegerman, MainStreet

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- The East Coast has been sweating through a heat wave for the past week and other parts of the country haven't fared much better. So why not save all the beaches and tropical island getaways for the colder months?

A mound of snow sounds pretty nice to those of use sweating it out along the Atlantic. With that in mind, we found a few great spots where you can still ski in July.

Oregon: The Timberline Lodge is situated 6,000 feet up on Mount Hood in Oregon and there are slopes open year-round. If you live nearby and have an extreme urge to ski, you can sign up for the summer pass, which costs $855 and is good for unlimited rides every day until Sept. 6. Otherwise, you can start small and buy a day pass for $15 ($9 for seniors).

Chalet rooms start at $125 per person and on certain days this month, you'll get a free dinner with your stay. Or for $240 you can sign up for their Brewmaster's Bonanza package, which includes access to a nearby village where you can get all the beer you need to unwind after hitting the slopes. If skiing is too boring for you, Timberline is also renowned for their snowboarding events.

Vancouver: Earlier in the year, Whistler mountain was flooded with athletes participating in the 2010 Winter Olympics, but now it should be just a little bit quieter. Whistler Blackcomb, a popular ski resort, boasts 11 camps for young skiers and the opportunity for adults to ski on a glacier. Adults can get a one-day ski and ride ticket for $55 ($48 for seniors and teens). The slopes are open until July 25, so book it fast!

Chile: While it may be hard to find a good place to ski here in North America, it's actually peak skiing season down in South America. Portillo in Chile is the oldest ski resort in South America and one of the best the continent has to offer. Depending on which lodging you choose, you can get a week-long pass plus lodging and four meals a day for $770 a person.