Surrounded by sweeping views of Ruth Glacier and the jagged Alaska Range, the Sheldon Chalet welcomed its first guests in February, but its debut has been nearly half a century in the making. In the 1970s, trailblazing bush pilot Don Sheldon and his wife, Roberta, had lofty dreams of bringing adventure tourism to their almost five-acre homestead in the shadow of North America’s tallest mountain. Four decades later, their children discovered Don’s blueprints for a hexagonal structure and reimagined the building with a level of luxury that early Alaskan pioneers could never have fathomed.
Guests arrive by helicopter from Talkeetna and are welcomed with champagne, oysters, king crab legs, and knockout views of Denali’s 20,310-foot summit, ten miles to the northwest. Don might have rolled his eyes at the faux-fur throws in the five guest rooms or the helipad that doubles as a wine-tasting deck, but he would have loved the world-class adventure offerings. In the winter, ski-tour the mile-thick Ruth Glacier, rappel into crevasses, or explore neighboring Mountain House, a rugged hut built by Don in 1966 as a refuge for climbers. In the summer, heli-fish for king salmon along the Chulitna River or hike to historic homesteads. When you need a rest day, the staff can arrange a helicopter trip to remote hot springs or a flightseeing tour of the park. Many guests come specifically for the otherworldly glow of the aurora borealis, which can be seen from mid-September through late April. No matter the season, spend your evenings on the chalet’s observation deck as meteors light up the sky.
Access
From Anchorage, drive two hours north to the small village of Talkeetna or book a three-hour journey on the Alaska Railroad. Then board the waiting helicopter for a 45-minute flight to the chalet. From $2,300, all-inclusive
Weather
Denali National Park’s weather is extremely variable, so bring winter clothes even in the warmest months. The chalet will provide a comprehensive list of necessary gear once you book your stay. You can ski all year on the glacier, but the best snow conditions are from February to April. The heli-hiking and fishing season is May through July.
Side Trip
In winter, bookend your trip with steep-and-deep skiing at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, 40 miles south of Anchorage. The aerial tram to the top of Mount Alyeska delivers stunning views of the glacier-filled Chugach Mountains.
Required Reading
Wager with the Wind: The Don Sheldon Story, by James Greiner, explores the bush pilot’s life, from mountain rescue missions to the cancer that claimed him in 1975, at age 53.
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Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is only a few hours north of the state’s most famous attraction, the Grand Canyon, but most people have never heard of the stunning wilderness area, much less visited its swirling, colorful sandstone. There’s a reason for that—getting to know the monument isn't easy. While the stunning 2,000- to 3,000-foot namesake cliffs run for 30 miles and can be viewed from U.S. Highway 89A, getting to the monument’s other treasures takes a little effort. There’s no visitor center, no paved paths, and only a few hardscrabble trails. But once you make it into this truly wild backcountry, most of which is protected as a wilderness area, it’s a chance to experience sherbet-colored slot canyons, sandstone arches, and endangered California condors. Before you head into one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets, make sure you have plenty of water, a pair of broken-in hiking boots, and your sense of awe.
Through-Hike Paria Canyon
At the northern end of the monument is Paria Canyon, the best nontechnical canyoneering trip in the U.S. Typically, hikers take three to seven days to traverse the 38-mile sandstone canyon. The opposite of the wide-open spaces surrounding it, Paria is a world of walls, with 500- to 1,000-foot sandstone edifices occasionally opening into meadows of willow and rabbitbrush before squeezing back together. The goal is to simply keep your feet wet and follow the river, looking up often at the swirling sandstone and ribbon of blue above as light changes them hour and hour and minute by minute on the trip down to Lee’s Ferry. Tip: While day hiking in the canyon is permitted, the BLM issues only 20 overnight permits per day—so make your reservation early.See Arizona’s Most Famous Wave
On the north edge of Paria Canyon lies Coyote Buttes North, a day-hiking area that is also restricted to 20 visitors per day. The limit is to protect what may be the Southwest’s most beautiful natural attraction, an area known as The Wave. The petrified ocher sand dunes twist through the landscape, creating what look like optical illusions. Hit it at the right time and the deep, sinuous gullies will be glimmering with pools of water. The Wave is not the only sight to see. The 7.4-mile out-and-back hike also passes stunning features like the Second Wave, Melody Arch, Sand Cove, the Alcove, and the Boneyard.Photograph White Pocket
Unlike other parts of Vermilion Cliffs, the White Pocket section doesn't require a permit to visit it. But that doesn't mean getting there is easy. It takes an ATV or high-clearance vehicle to reach the slickrock formation, but it’s worth the effort. No one is certain what geologic process took place in the Pocket—whether the area was liquefied by an earthquake or subjected to massive heat and pressure—but whatever happened here, it created something totally unique. The entire area is covered in candy-striped layers of rock hardened into waves, studded with brain-like formations, unusual cones, and mounds of white rock. Photographers, in particular, might want to consider camping near the White Pocket trailhead to get the best evening and morning light and even some night sky shots. Better yet, sign on for one of the increasingly popular White Pocket photo tours to get the angles right the first time.To plan a trip to Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs or one of Arizona’s other stunning wilderness destinations, go to UnRealAZ.com.
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Growing up in Bosnia, Harun Mehmedinovic didn't realize that he lived in a special place. He spent his childhood visiting the remote countryside, chasing fireflies under a clear Milky Way. It was only later that he realized the rest of Europe had lost nearly all of its dark skies to light pollution. So when he came to the United States in 1996, after enduring years of war, Arizona’s dark, star-filled skies reminded him of better times at home. “Finding dark skies in Europe is like finding a unicorn,” he says. “I was very happy to learn they existed in the U.S.”
These days, Mehmedinovic is perhaps more familiar with the country’s dark skies than just about anyone. After establishing himself as an award-winning filmmaker and photographer in Los Angeles, Mehmedinovic now splits his time between L.A. and Flagstaff, where he teaches film and photography at Northern Arizona University. But he’s best known for his Skyglow project, a light-pollution awareness campaign highlighting the importance of dark skies and featuring Arizona’s incredible views of the cosmos.
The project started when Mehmedinovic returned to Arizona after a dozen years away and realized that the images he’d seen in comic book Westerns as a kid— the iconic buttes, deep gorges and shimmering night skies—weren't just fanciful doodles. “It was mind-blowing. When I first went to Monument Valley it looked just like those drawings,” he says. “I fell in love.”
He was also impressed by the sheer brightness of the stars he could see and began taking time-lapse shots. A few years later, Mehmedinovic and his friend and fellow photographer Gavin Heffernan decided to turn their passion into something bigger—and Skyglow was born. Over the course of three years, the duo has chronicled dark skies and light pollution in remote spots and cities all across North America. The resulting book and time-lapse videos they created have been read and watched by millions.
Arizona and its vast dark skies play a major role in the Skyglow project. Mehmedinovic has taken incredible time-lapse images of thunderstorms over the Grand Canyon; moonrises on Lake Powell; the Milky Way shining on Oak Creek Canyon; Monument Valley at dusk; and the stars over Flagstaff, a city that has fought for decades to preserve its dark skies. But his favorite spot from the project is one he recently revisited with Outside: Vermilion Cliffs, a national monument on the edge of Grand Canyon National Park that’s famous for its petrified sandstone waves and brain-shaped rock. It looks like the set from a sci-fi movie. “It’s amazing during the day, but it’s even better at night,” the photographer says. “It gets very, very dark, and the air is so dry you get this intense clarity.”
Of course, Vermilion Cliffs is just one of many remarkable spots in Arizona, and Mehmedinovic says there’s more to appreciate than just the darkness. “Everywhere you go, there are these ancient geologic features and remnants of old cowboy and mining towns,” he says. “It has so many places with these little stories.”
By his own admission, Mehmedinovic hasn't photographed even half of the places in Arizona on his list—and that list keeps growing every day. “Arizona is incredible,” he says. “If you visit the state or just look at my pictures, it’s pretty self-evident: 99.99 percent of people are going to conclude that Arizona is an amazing place."
To plan a trip to Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs or one of Arizona’s other dark-sky destinations, go to UnRealAZ.com.
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For many, the idea of traveling the world solo is both thrilling and intimidating. And if you’re like me, one of the scariest things is making friends and connecting with locals. Talking to a total stranger in a totally new place, perhaps even in a language that isn’t English? For years, that thought alone made me cringe.
But I am here to tell you that the best and most rewarding part of solo travel is often the friends you make along the way. After all, nothing unites people quite like a shared travel experience.
But how do you go about putting yourself out there? Being an American expat based in Wanaka, New Zealand, a beautiful mountain town and tourist hub in the Southern Alps, I’ve seen both sides of the coin as backpackers, travelers, and seasonal workers often try befriending me. Combine that with a decade of international solo travel under my belt, and I have a few tried-and-true tips for making friends on the road.
Ask Lots of Questions of Everyone You Meet
I’ve found that the more openly curious I am, the more people I meet. Mostly this involves asking a lot of questions. What’s the worst that could happen? Someone doesn’t reply and stares at you like you’ve grown a second head? Sure, that can happen, but you’ll often be surprised. I’ve gone sailing in Greece with people I met in a café after asking them to share their favorite local haunts and admitting I was traveling alone.Follow the Fun
Whenever I arrive somewhere new, I peruse the posters and signs tacked to the walls of cafés, bars, and even telephone poles looking for cool events, gigs, and shows. I ask myself: If I lived here, where would I go? And then I take myself there. It’s a great way to get away from all the tourist spots tagged on Instagram and into the cool neighborhoods where the locals actually hang out. Not only will you likely make a few friends, but you’ll also get to know the city you flew halfway around the world to explore.Take Your Time
One of the best ways to make friends with locals is simply to slow down. It’s hard to truly get to know anyone if you’re in a new place every night. It took me years to learn this lesson. When I first began traveling, I was like a baby seeing everything for the first time; I wanted it all. Now, instead of running around trying to tick all the spots off my list, I find more value in renting an apartment or house and sticking around in one spot for longer. When you’re buying your fruit from the same fruit lady and grabbing your morning coffee at the same café, you can’t help but build connections. I once crashed a friend’s wedding in Sri Lanka that way after knowing the couple for just four days, but that’s a story for another time.Say Yes to Every Opportunity
It may seem obvious, but when I moved to Wanaka and went in search of new friends, my personal philosophy was to say yes to everything, whether it was an adventure in the mountains or simply hanging out by the lake. This approach has enabled me to befriend locals no matter where I am, and it has led me to do things like a downhill mountain biking mission for which I was wildly unprepared. Five years later, I’ve yet to get back on a mountain bike due to sheer trauma, but I now count some of the strangers I met on that ride as my best friends.Be Chill
Though I reckon I’ve got another 20 years before the born-and-bred New Zealanders here in Wanaka accept me as a true local, I’ve lived here long enough for the tourists to consider me one. And let me tell you, while asking questions is a great way to start a conversation, I find myself engaging more with the travelers who treat me like a human instead of a walking guidebook. Having the same old conversation about how long you’re in town and what your favorite spots are gets real old real fast.]]>
Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
Indigenous Culture, Art, Beaches
The best thing about traveling in Australia’s far north is connecting with the Aboriginal people who have roamed these canyons and coasts for some 65,000 years. Nowhere is their culture more alive than in Arnhem Land, a 37,500-square-mile preserve with rusty red coastlines, rugged escarpments, and croc-filled oxbow lakes. You can camp on the Cobourg Peninsula with a permit, but it’s easier to leave the planning to professionals. On Intrepid Travel’s seven-day trek through the region, you’ll camp and stay in lodges, eat bush foods like mud crabs and tart billy goat plums, and listen to Aboriginal guides tell Dreamtime stories about everything from creation myths to morality. After spending the last two nights in an oceanfront cabin on Bremer Island, a haven for sea turtle hatchlings, you’ll head back to the mainland to explore the Buku Art Centre, home to the region’s most prized Aboriginal art.Detour: South of Darwin, the territory’s capital, paddle the gorges of Nitmiluk National Park and take a dip in the plunge pools of Edith Falls.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Surfing, Snorkeling, Diving
This reef compares favorably to its more famous sister on the east coast: it’s home to pumping surf breaks, migrating whale sharks, and healthier coral. Pack a spare can of gas for the 707-mile drive north from Perth and hold tight as you overtake road trains—semitrucks up to six trailers long that look straight out of Mad Max. When you reach the southern end of the reef, 78 miles north of Carnarvon, relax in a palm-frond surf shack on the sand at Red Bluff (from $22), and watch for breaching whales between sets on the legendary left-hand point break. Visit between March and July and Coral Bay Eco Tours will take you snorkeling amid docile whale sharks. On your way back to Perth, stop by the Lobster Shack in Cervantes to taste the Thompson family’s renowned western rock lobster, grilled on the half shell.Detour: Book a four- or seven-day stay at Swell, a new eco-lodge on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, and you’ll get a free outing to snorkel the reefs (from $1,983 for four nights, all-inclusive).
Northwest Tasmania
Trekking, Photography, Wildlife
Tasmania is in the midst of a cultural boom, thanks to innovative chefs, craft distillers, and a world-class modern art museum called MONA. But head to its northwest and you’ll find the Tarkine, one of the largest, oldest, and least disturbed temperate rainforests in the world. Though home to such rare and endangered species as the orange bellied parrot and Tasmanian devil, most of the forest lacks protection from logging and mining. Discover why it’s worth saving during a four-day excursion at Tarkine Trails’ Tiger Ridge, a camp offering daily walks or photography workshops under giant stringybark gum trees. Hikers should tack on a jaunt along the 40-mile Overland Track in nearby Cradle Mountain–Lake St. Clair National Park. End the trek with a stay at Pumphouse Point, a renovated 1940s hydroelectric plant that appears to float on the inky waters of the country’s deepest lake (from $213).Detour: Take on the new Great Tasmanian Traverse and spend 37 days in the bush, including eight days rafting the Franklin River, one of the world’s greatest whitewater trips.
The Red Center, Northern Territory
Skydiving, Overlanding, Art Installations
Uluru, the sacred monolith formerly known as Ayers Rock, pulls massive crowds to the country’s geographic center, but it’s still worth your time to go there. Take the scenic route from Alice Springs along red-dirt roads, stopping at Kings Creek Station to swim in a shipping container turned pool before bedding down in a glamping tent at the base of the George Gill Range (from $945, all-inclusive; campsites and safari tents available from $18). When you finally reach Uluru, admire it from the air on a sunrise skydive booked through Ayers Rock Resort. At sundown, watch it fade from pink to purple as you enjoy lamb topped with native sea parsley at the resort’s Field of Light exhibition, a mesmerizing art installation of 50,000 glowing glass stalks.Detour: Book a cabin on the Ghan for the world’s longest north-to-south rail journey, bisecting Australia from Darwin to Adelaide. It’s a four-day trip, but you can halve it by departing from Alice Springs (from $767, all-inclusive).
Wollemi National Park, New South Wales
Glowworms, Villas, Hot Tubs
An hour and a half west of Sydney, you’ll find the Greater Blue Mountains, a 2.6-million-acre Unesco World Heritage site known for its sandstone plateaus, undulating forests, waterfall-spilling cliffs, and mysterious blue haze that’s thought to be caused by droplets of eucalyptus oil. Get off the beaten path by setting out for the fern-filled canyons of Wollemi National Park. The villas at neighboring Emirates One and Only Wolgan Valley are splurge worthy, with private plunge pools, guided hikes, and binoculars for spotting resident kangaroos and wombats (from $1,955, all-inclusive). If you’d rather point your field glasses skyward, Bubbletent Australia’s three transparent domes, set 3,600 feet up the rim of nearby Capertree Valley, are perfect for stargazing or simply soaking in the wood-fired outdoor hot tubs (from $492 for two nights).Detour: The Jenolan Caves in the southern Blue Mountains are the world’s oldest known caverns. Access is easy with daily guided tours.
Gold Coast, Queensland
Surf Schools, Swimming Holes, Breweries
This surfer’s paradise, an hour’s drive from Brisbane, has a reputation for being a little too much like Las Vegas. To escape the glitz, head to the more soulful southern end of the Goldie, near Burleigh Heads. Surf Services Australia offers lessons from five-time Australian national champion Mark Richardson, who will put you on a gently peeling right-hander known as Currumbin Alley. Later, take a walk past secret swimming holes along the Ocean View Track in Burleigh Head National Park before grabbing a draft of award-winning extra pale ale at nearby Balter Brewing Company, which was cofounded by local pro surfers. Stay at the Halcyon House, a Mediterranean-style boutique hotel right off the sand in Cabarita Beach, a mellow surf town 20 minutes south of the Gold Coast in New South Wales (from $436).Detour: A two-hour flight from Brisbane will get you to Lord Howe, a volcanic island blessed with misty cloud forests, empty kite-surfing breaks, great scuba diving, and the Seven Peaks Walk, Australia’s newest Great Walk.
Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Camping, Camels, Pub Life
South Australia is known more for shorelines and Shiraz than untamed outback, but the state’s mauve and ocher interior features some of the most enigmatic landscape in the country. Begin your adventure at Wilpena Pound, a massive crater-like amphitheater 270 miles north of Adelaide, which is ringed by serrated mountain peaks that were once taller than the Himalayas. Be sure to hike the 4.3-mile Wangara Lookout Trail for panoramic views of the inner basin before heading back to Wilpena Pound Resort, where you’ll find a range of accommodations, including campsites (from $18). Then take to the sky on Wrightsair’s flightseeing tour of the Pound, the spiny Flinders mountains, and Lake Eyre, a salt lake that fills with water and shines pink after a deluge. Lunch is at William Creek Hotel, a 131-year-old Aussie pub and the lake’s closest settlement. For another truly Australian experience, keep an eye out for emus and yellow-footed rock wallabies from atop a camel during one of Camel Treks Australia’s multi-day expeditions out of Beltana Station (from $1,060).Detour: Inspired by similar retreats in the U.S., tiny-house getaway Cabn recently opened Jude, a diminutive Scandinavian-style home surrounded by the forests, farms, and wineries just outside the state’s capital city in the Adelaide Hills (from $138). The glassed-in hideaway is tough to leave, but nearby Mount Lofty might lure you out for a morning run or rock climb.
Poor Knights Islands, North Island
Paddleboarding, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling
Most people think all the fun happens on New Zealand’s South Island. They’re wrong. The waters off Poor Knights Islands, a small volcanic archipelago off the primeval Tutukaka Coast, were ranked as one of the top ten dive sites in the world by Jacques Cousteau. Moray eels hide in seaweed-covered crevices, psychedelic sea slugs rest on fan corals, and snapper, kingfish, and trevally school in the hundreds around a labyrinth of underwater tunnels, arches, and coral gardens. Dive Tutukaka offers private charters to some 100 sites, including Northern Arch, where stingrays mate and hide from orcas. Decompress on the mainland at the 6,000-acre Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, which offers a hilltop infinity pool, fishing guides, horseback riding, and helicopter tours of the craggy coastlines (from $547).Detour: In the Bay of Islands, north of the Tutukaka Coast, parasail between isles and fill up on oysters and seafood chowder at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in the village of Russell.
Mackenzie Basin, South Island
Stars, Vistas, Scenic Retreats
The peaks in this region served as Edmund Hillary’s training ground for Mount Everest. While you explore 12,218-foot Aoraki–Mount Cook, starting from Lake Pukaki or the Mueller Hut, you might notice something that hasn’t changed since the Kiwi explorer trekked the area—incredible stargazing. On a clear night, you’ll see why the region was christened the first and largest Gold Tier reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association. Several companies run night-sky tours, but be sure to check out the planetarium and stargazing events at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center and the local wine at the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. Then soak in a cedar tub before drifting off under exotic constellations in your glass-roofed bedroom at SkyScape, a guesthouse on a working sheep farm deep inside the reserve (from $383).Detour: If you’re looking for stars in the country’s north, Great Barrier Island is the world’s only isle designated a Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Queenstown, South Island
Mountain Biking, Wine, Eco-Lodges
Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, has taken off as a cycling destination. Every November, the city hosts the Pioneer Mountain Bike Stage Race, where two-person teams ride 263 miles through the Southern Alps. If that’s not your style, rent a hardtail from Gibbston Valley Winery and cap off a nine-mile round-trip ride along the Kawarau River with a complimentary wine and cheese lunch. The winery also rents full-suspension rigs for shredding the 25 miles of trails at neighboring Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort. When you’re cycled out, recuperate in heated spring water at Onsen Hot Pools, a spa just north of Queenstown that overlooks the rapids-filled Shotover River. Then check in to Camp Glenorchy, a solar-powered lodge that opened earlier this year on the shores of Lake Wakatipu (from $161).Detour: Riding the Roxburgh Gorge Trail in the Central Otago region, you’ll wind past sheep farms, Gold Rush towns, and the Clutha Mata-au, the South Island’s longest river.
Taupo Volcanic Zone, North Island
Volcanoes, Hot Springs, Summit Views
Extending from Mount Ruapehu to White Island, off the northeastern coast, this active volcanic region steams and seethes with dozens of geothermal features, ranging from the waterfall-and-hot-spring-fed Kerosene Creek to the thermal pools of the Wairakei Terraces spa. It’s also pocked with calderas and punctuated by snowcapped peaks, the most well-known being Mount Tongariro, home to the stunning 12-mile Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The route can be crowded, so head out in the early morning under shooting stars—or go in winter, when crampons and an ice ax are required—and you should have the trail all to yourself. If you need a guide, Stewart Barclay, founder of Adrift Tongariro, has completed the crossing more than 2,000 times. He’ll happily rise at 12:30 A.M. to lead your expedition before the rest of the mountain even wakes up.Detour: Want to really escape the masses? Barclay also leads climbs of 9,177-foot Mount Ruapehu, the tallest peak on the North Island.
Paparoa National Park, South Island
Mountain Biking, Hiking, Kayaking
The west coast of New Zealand’s South Island draws travelers in search of glaciers, rainforests, whitebait (tiny delicious fish that are fried whole or frittered), and pounamu—jade stones that are an important part of Maori culture. Once the 34-mile Paparoa hut-to-hut track is finished in early 2019, it will be a hiker’s and biker’s paradise, too. The trail winds through beech trees and nikau palms that provide habitat for roroa, the iconic terrestrial bird better known as the great spotted kiwi. For another epic bikepacking journey, head to the 53-mile Old Ghost Road: this former mining track, which runs along the Mokihinui River and through the Lyell Range, is defined by steep climbs, exposed drop-offs, and long descents. The route is home to five huts that come with gas stoves, fireplaces, toilets, and bunk beds ($91).Detour: In the South Island’s northwest corner, Wilsons Abel Tasman offers guided kayaking trips along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, where you’ll stop for day hikes and sleep on the beach (from $1,060 for three days). Recuperate at the Mussel Inn café in the town of Onekaka in Golden Bay over pan-fried tarakihi fish, green-lipped mussels, and a house-brewed Captain Cooker—a malt beer infused with manuka tree cuttings that was inspired by the first ale ever brewed in New Zealand, by none other than Captain Cook.
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Summer isn’t the only season with a jam-packed lineup of raucous festivals. This season’s best fiestas will see you watching films atop a ski resort, rocking out to electronic music at the foot of snow-capped peaks, and learning new skills like skate skiing or ice climbing. Plan your winter accordingly.
Snow Monster Festival
Zao, Japan
February 2–3, 2019These monsters are actually naturally occurring mounds of snow whipped into beast-like shapes by the wind. The weekend-long, free-of-charge Snow Monster Festival at the Zao Onsen ski area sees them illuminated each night by brightly colored lights. Plus, there are fireworks, friendly mascots skiing down the mountain, and street vendors selling hot sake and ramen to keep you warm. Whiteroom Tours offers guided tours of Japan and the famed festival.
WinterWonderGrass
Stratton, Vermont
December 14–16, 2018WinterWonderGrass brings big-name bluegrass bands to small mountain towns every winter. This year, it heads to Vermont’s Stratton Mountain Resort for the first time. You’ll rock out to headliners Railroad Earth, the Infamous Stringdusters, and Keller and the Keels inside heated tents while sampling local craft beer and food truck fare. There’s even a kid pavilion filled with hula hoops, music, and face painting. Can’t make it to the Green Mountain State? The event stops off in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, February 22 to 24, and Squaw Valley, California, March 29 to 31.
Hahnenkamm
Kitzbühel, Austria
January 21–27, 2019Last year, 85,000 spectators showed up to watch the world’s best ski racers reach speeds of up to 85 miles per hour while bombing down more than 2,600 vertical feet in the Hahnenkamm, a legendary competition first held in 1931 that’s now one of the most challenging downhill races on the World Cup circuit. Many of those revelers also came for the street party that takes over the quaint Tyrolian village of Kitzbühel. The Streif and Ganslern runs are closed for the race, but you can ski everywhere else on the mountain.
Ouray Ice Climbing Festival
Ouray, Colorado
January 24–27, 2019Every January, the tiny town of Ouray, Colorado, welcomes the country’s largest ice climbing party to the Uncompahgre Gorge, where elite climbers battle it out and newbies check out clinics and gear expos. Spectators who aren’t interested in scaling frozen cliffs will find plenty to do as well, from demonstrations to beer tents to film premieres. It’s free to spectate and climb, or you can pay around $60 for an all-access pass to the clinics and nightly events.
Sundance Film Festival
Park City, Utah
January 24–February 3, 2019Yes, the rich and famous descend on Park City once a year for the annual Sundance Film Festival. But very few of them actually ski, so the slopes at Park City Mountain Resort are usually empty. You can sign up to become a volunteer at the film festival, doing things like checking tickets or organizing shuttles in exchange for free entrance into select films. Or buy a pass or individual tickets to catch some of the 200 feature-length and short films premiering at the festival in between runs down the resort’s wide-open bowls.
Mardi Gras in the Mountains
Red River, New Mexico
February 28–March 5, 2019If you want to celebrate Mardi Gras clicked into your skis, Red River is the spot. This northern New Mexico town throws down every year with a six-day celebration through Fat Tuesday, the final day of the Carnival season. Rid yourself of worries by lighting them afire during the Burning of the Wild Tchoupitoulas, join a crawfish boil, and toss beads in the parade—all after spending a day skiing 1,600-vertical-foot laps.
Festival Sayulita
Sayulita, Mexico
January 30–February 3, 2019At this sixth-annual festival, held in the laid-back surf town of Sayulita, you’ll spend five days watching award-winning documentaries and short films in outdoor theaters set up on the beach. When you’re not watching movies, you can listen to live music around town, taste mezcal, or join festival group dinners—and, of course, there’s surfing and yoga aplenty. Plus, the event raises money for the town’s new community center.
Alpenglow Mountain Festival
Tahoe City, California
February 16–24, 2019Alpenglow Sports, a beloved outdoor shop in Tahoe City, California, hosts the legendary Mountain Festival every winter. The nine-day, backcountry-focused event includes guided ski tours, skate-skiing clinics, snowshoe treks, avalanche safety courses, film screenings, and workshops on everything from tuning your skis to backcountry bartending to winter astronomy. Whether you’re brand new to the backcountry or a lifelong enthusiast, you’ll find something to do, even if it’s just the free morning yoga classes.
Chamonix Unlimited
Chamonix, France
April 2–7, 2019Every winter, thousands of electronic music fans and a handful of hardy skiers descend on this six-day music festival hosted by French ski company Black Crows in the company’s hometown of Chamonix. This year’s headliners include artists like German DJ Stephan Bodzin, Swiss duo Adriatique, and Detroit techno legend Jeff Mills. Venues include the tram deck just below the peak of Aiguille du Midi and the Plan Joran gondola station.
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With sprawling mountainside villages, water-guzzling snow machines, and high-powered chairlifts, it’s no secret operating a ski resort can be a dirty business. But in recent years, mountains around the country have started taking steps to reduce their environmental footprints by switching to renewable energy, banning single-use plastics, upgrading to water-saving snowmaking machines, and incentivizing skiers to arrive by public transportation, electric cars, or carpools. Which is all right and good, but is it enough?
To find out which U.S. ski resorts are really pushing the needle, environmentally speaking, we asked sustainability experts from organizations like Protect Our Winters, the National Ski Areas Association, and Stoke Certified for their picks. If you want to spend your dollars at a resort that’s truly making an impact, these ten spots pass the test.
Aspen Snowmass
Colorado
Aspen Skiing Company has long been a leader for its climate change advocacy and forward-thinking environmental operations. On the ground, the company captures waste methane from a local coal mine to generate carbon-negative electricity to help power the resort and built industry-leading solar arrays and LEED-certified mountaintop restaurants. This year, along with sister company Alterra and Protect Our Winters, Aspen was a strong advocate for electric services company Xcel Energy’s plan to close two Colorado coal plants and replace them with wind and solar, a move that will increase the percentage of renewable energy in the state from 29 to 55 by 2026.Diamond Peak
Nevada
This 655-acre community-owned ski area on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore recently became one of the first mountains in the country to receive a Stoke certification, a new sustainability accreditation for the ski and surf tourism industries. How? Free shuttles from town to the slopes, electric vehicle charging stations, water bottle filling stations, a children’s coloring book featuring plants and animals native to the resort, and millions of dollars of investment into local watershed restoration. Plus, the resort hopes to run entirely on renewable energy by next year.Sugarbush
Vermont
Sugarbush has done a lot of little things—and they all add up. The resort installed 15 electric vehicle charging stations, built a solar array that supplies power to the local grid, and upgraded its snowmaking system to reduce energy usage by 24 percent. The mountain also hired “trash talkers” to stand at garbage cans throughout the main lodge and help guests separate trash, compost, and recycling into the proper bins.Arapahoe Basin
Colorado
Mike Nathan, A-Basin’s sustainability manager, recently testified in front of Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission about the need to increase electric vehicles usage. The ski area is part of a contingent of resorts working with the High Country Conservation Center and Xcel Energy to develop a countywide energy reduction plan. The resort also matches employee contributions to an environmental fund that contributes to local land conservation efforts. In 2017, it installed a second solar array that generates nearly all the power needed by the summit lodge and ski patrol headquarters building.Snowbird
Utah
On the mountain, Snowbird has taken steps to reduce the waste generated by its lodges. This winter, it’s releasing a new carpooling app to further its mission to improve local air quality by promoting ridesharing and public transportation and discouraging vehicle idling. Exhaust from the Cliff Lodge’s power plant is converted to steam that heats the lodge’s hotel rooms and swimming pool. Off the mountain, the resort recently sent delegates to Washington, D.C., to lobby Capitol Hill for climate change policy, and the resort has submitted signed statements to Utah’s Public Service Commission advocating for more renewable energy.Berkshire East
Massachusetts
Berkshire East, a 180-acre family-owned ski area in western Massachusetts, is one of a few resorts in the world that generates all of its electricity from on-site renewable energy sources, thanks to a wind turbine and solar field. Expanding on this, the ski area recently received a grant to work with the local utility company to construct a microgrid battery system that’ll store the excess energy it generates. Old snowmaking equipment has been ungraded with energy-efficient guns, and the heating system is currently being updated to use environmentally friendly biomass.Eldora Mountain Resort
Colorado
POWDR Corp bought Eldora, a 680-acre ski area just up the hill from Boulder, Colorado, in 2016 and set about revamping the ski area’s sustainability cred by committing it to regionwide energy conservation programs and the We Are Still In campaign, which shows support for the Paris Climate Agreement by helping companies, organizations, and local governments undertake positive climate actions.Taos Ski Valley
New Mexico
In 2017, Taos Ski Valley became the first ski resort in the world designated as a B Corp, a strict certification process that measures a for-profit company’s social and environmental performance, ranging from employee benefits to energy and waste reduction. Taos, which is privately owned by conservationist and hedge fund manager Louis Bacon, has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020. To achieve that, the resort upgraded the snowmaking machines, added electric vehicles to its fleet, and built a geothermal heating and cooling system for the Blake, the newly built base hotel just steps from the new high-speed quad lift.Crystal Mountain
Michigan
This year, the National Ski Areas Association awarded Crystal Mountain in Traverse City, Michigan, its Climate Change Impact Award for the mountain’s advocacy of and investment in clean energy. Crystal Mountain was the first ski area in the state to install electric vehicle charging stations. It’s home to the first LEED-certified spa in the Midwest, and it recently outfitted its hotel with geothermal energy. The resort also lobbied the local utility company to get more renewables on the grid.Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
California
Squaw Valley is in the midst of planning a massive base-area overhaul, and while that may not be particularly low impact, it’s doing innovative work on the mountain. Last winter, Squaw announced plans to team up with Tesla and the local utility company to build a battery system to store solar power that will serve the resort and local residents in the event of an outage. The resort also plans to be powered entirely with renewable electricity by the end of this year.]]>
It’s no shocker that if you want something that will last a long, long time, you should invest in quality. But what may come as a surprise is that spending more can actually save you money in the long run by eliminating repeat purchases. Plus, you’ll be rewarded with something you actually like using and take pride in. That’s rare in this era of cheap, disposable everything. When it comes to travel gear, though, style also comes into play. What’s the use in buying something you plan to use forever if it goes out of fashion in five years? With that in mind, here are ten pieces of gear that will outlast you and look great while they’re doing it.
Filson Ranger Backpack ($225)
A good day bag should carry more than just stuff—it should carry a lifetime of travel stories. Filson’s Ranger Backpack, with its hardy materials and bombproof construction, is meant to do just that. Details like the rugged twill fabric and superstrong bridle-leather buckles ensure it’ll hold up over the long haul. The best part? It has everything you need without being overkill, and its simple design means there’s less to wear out.
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Saddleback Front Pocket ID Wallet ($49)
There’s a simple reason Saddleback has a cult following: The company makes good-looking leather goods that last. My Front Pocket ID Wallet has survived longer than any other wallet I’ve owned. There’s no plastic ID window to crack, no fold to wear out, and few pockets to overstuff. The full-grain leather also ages well, and, as the name indicates, the small size means it easily fits in a front pocket, making it a perfect, low-profile travel billfold.
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Kitsbow The Icon Shirt V2 ($220)
At $220, the new version of the Icon is a decidedly expensive shirt. But it’s also legendary. The Pendleton wool’s moisture-wicking, warmth-giving, and funk-resisting properties make it a great choice for travel. The abrasion-resistant, waterproof elbow and shoulder patches are also bigger than before, and there’s more articulation in the shoulders, so you don’t have to worry about tears and busted seams when exploring off the beaten path.
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Shinola Runwell 47mm Watch ($550)
Detroit-based Shinola was founded in 2013 to bring manufacturing jobs back to the struggling city. Today, it makes a variety of high-quality, American-made products, from leather goods to bicycles, but hand-assembled timepieces remain the heart of its business. They’re designed to compete with high-end Swiss watches that sell for three or four times the price—and they’re built to last. My three-year old Runwell looks as new as the day I bought it and quite literally hasn’t missed a beat. As someone who has beaten up a lot of watches, I can vouch for the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal face. The material is harder than anything on earth, save diamond.
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Darn Tough Switchback Micro Crew Light Cushion ($20)
Socks aren’t exciting, but chances are you wear them every day. If you want them to last for more than a year or two, there’s only one option: Darn Tough. The merino and nylon blend wicks moisture and regulates temperature wonderfully, but the best part is these socks really do live up to their name. And if you do somehow blow through a pair, the company will replace them, no questions asked.
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Frye Boots Melissa Chelsea ($298)
A good travel boot should be made from leather—it lasts forever and looks better as it ages—and when it comes to leather boots, nothing beats Frye. The company has been making shoes and building a reputation for quality since 1863. The women’s Melissa Chelsea and men’s Jones Chelsea are classics that’ll last for years, thanks to a durable, low box-spring construction, and they’ll never leave you looking out of place.
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Briggs and Riley Medium Expandable Spinner ($649)
The last thing you should have to worry about while traveling is your suitcase failing. Broken zippers, wheels, or handles are commonplace with low-end luggage, so don’t waste your time. Briggs and Riley’s Expandable Spinner is a hard-sided beast with a shell made from high-strength polycarbonate resin that’ll hold up to years of airline abuse. The company has an incredible lifetime guarantee and will repair your bag “free of charge, no proof of purchase needed, no questions asked” if it’s ever damaged.
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Patagonia Men’s Synchilla Snap-T Pullover ($159)
If you don’t already own a Snap-T Pullover, you should fix that immediately. It’s one of the most iconic pieces of outerwear ever created, and it hasn’t changed much since Patagonia first started making it in 1985, which says something about the longevity of its styling. These days, it’s fair trade certified and made with recycled polyester, but it’s still as durable as always. Chances are you’ll be wearing the same one 30 years from now.
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Barbour Women’s Classic Beadnell Jacket ($399)
I know people who’ve owned and used the hell out of the same Barbour jacket for 40 years and love it as much as the day they bought it. Waxed canvas is the secret to the jacket’s longevity, because you can rewaterproof it time and time again. That and the ability to zip in a warmer liner make it a fantastic travel jacket.
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ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Brief ($26)
Last but certainly not least is the best pair of men’s underwear on the market. I bought my first pair years ago after a friend recommended them and was hooked. They’re lightweight, incredibly breathable, and dry fast enough that I’ve packed just a few pairs for a long trip and easily washed them out in a hotel sink. They’ve totally changed my perception of how underwear is supposed to feel, and the durable nylon and Lycra blend means they’ll last years longer, wear better, and be more resistant to stretching than your old cotton tighty-whities.
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Imagine loading onto the chairlift with gold-medalist ski racer Tommy Moe or standing atop the terrain park next to Olympic snowboard champion Red Gerard. What if you could learn to bobsled or Nordic ski from someone who has competed among the very best in the world? Select ski resorts and outfitters are launching experiences that pair you with Winter Olympians for a day of high-level instruction, personal guiding, or some good old-fashioned fun.
Snowboard with Red Gerard or Jamie Anderson
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, California
Last year, Stomp Sessions launched an app with the goal of linking you up with top-notch pros in sports like skateboarding and snowboarding. This winter, the company will host on-demand lessons with local experts (from $239 an hour), plus three to four weekend-long camps at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows with elite Winter Olympians, like 2018 snowboard slopestyle gold medalists Jamie Anderson and Red Gerard and ski racers Julia Mancuso and Daron Rahlves. If that’s not your speed, join 1998 Olympic mogul champ Jonny Moseley, Squaw’s chief mountain host, during this year’s holiday season for free-of-charge afternoon tours of the mountain.Bobsled with Valerie Fleming or Shauna Rohbock
Park City, Utah
There aren’t many places in the world where you can hop into a bobsled and rocket down a track at 70 miles per hour while pulling three Gs, but Park City, Utah, is one of them. Stay at the St. Regis Deer Valley (from $538), and you can sign up to have Olympic bobsled silver medalists Valerie Fleming or Shauna Rohbock guide you down the track. If you’d rather ski, guests at the Waldorf Astoria Park City (from $409) can shred Park City Mountain Resort alongside Olympic mogul skier Nate Roberts.Ski with Tommy Moe
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Ski-racing legend Tommy Moe won two Olympic medals at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you can spend a day skiing with the super-G and downhill specialist around his favorite spots on his home mountain, like the Hobacks or out-of-bounds runs like Four Pines and Pinedale. And while Moe skis fast, you don’t have to—intermediate to advanced skiers are welcome (from $750).Do a Biathlon with Glenn Jobe
Boreal Mountain, California
Biathlon, which combines Nordic skiing with shooting, isn’t a sport you want to pick up without some basic instruction and safety tips, so why not have your coach be a former Olympian? The two-hour introductory biathlon clinic at Auburn Ski Club Training Center on California’s Donner Summit costs only $85 and is taught by the club’s biathlon director, Glenn Jobe, who competed at the 1980 games in Lake Placid, New York.Ski with Wendy Fisher
Crested Butte, Colorado
On select Wednesdays this winter at Crested Butte, Wendy Fisher will be teaching half-day clinics for intermediate and advanced skiers. Fisher raced at the 1992 Olympics in Albertville, France, and later won two big-mountain freeskiing world titles. Her clinics are designed for groups of up to six people and cost $135 per person, or you can book Fisher for a private lesson starting at $583.]]>
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One evening two decades ago, on a Thursday after work, a friend and I loaded our climbing gear and drove 17 hours from Boulder, Colorado, to Smith Rock, Oregon, where I’d always wanted to climb a classic test piece called Chain Reaction. We didn’t arrive until 2 p.m. Friday and were too knackered to climb. That left a day and a half before we had to load up and return to Colorado in time for work Monday morning.
Though I sent the route, I don’t consider that trip a success, other than the fact that we never fell asleep at the wheel. Sure, it lives on as a mythic tale in my personal narrative, but the rush added so much stress over succeeding that I didn’t really enjoy the process. I barely remember the trip through the fog of sleep-deprived driving.
The moral of the story—other than youth often serves up more energy than good sense—is that a good road trip means more than just getting there and back. My wife, Jen, and I have been living on the road on and off for three years and have developed a dialed process for trip planning. Here’s a primer.
Long Weekend
The three-day trip can be the trickiest to plan and execute, because time is short and overdoing it is tempting. If I have one piece of advice, it’s that less is almost always more.Pick a Destination That’s Not Too Far
Obviously, an end goal will drive you, so pick somewhere you want to target. In general, Jen and I prefer to drive four hours or less in a day, six at the max. After that, you’re getting into “more road time than sleep time” territory. This might seem limiting, but don’t neglect nearby spots.Plan for Two Nights in the Same Place
Sure, you can make a loop and see a couple places in one shot. But the setup and tear-down process is a drag and cuts out precious time for hiking, biking, boating, or just plain sitting.Get Out the Maps
Once you know where you want to go, sit down with your favorite mapping software. We always start with Google Maps to get a baseline of distances and driving times. After that, we open the website AllStays. For short weekends, city and state parks and established camping areas are great options, because they allow you to roll up at a site, set up quickly, and get busy recreating. Reservation sites (if you can get them) remove the guesswork and wandering in search of that perfect spot. Still, we always consult OnX, our preferred map app, in case there’s easy and stunning public access in the vicinity.Stay Longer
One mistake I see so many people make is devoting the entire last day to getting home. Look, I get that there’s a lot to do—unpacking, cleaning, getting ready for work the next day—but having invested all that time to drive and get away, you should make the most of it. Plan an activity for day three and stick to it. If you get home late, throw all your gear in a pile, or just leave it in the car. It will get put away eventually, and I promise you’ll value another day outside more than you would spending half a day cleaning.Long Week
Even though nine days—a full workweek and two weekends—seems like a ton of time, it’s still easy to pack in too much travel and too many activities. Again, restraint will deliver higher-quality experiences in the outdoors and less time burning up the highway.Pick Somewhere You’ve Always Wanted to Go
A weeklong trip should put you in range of some marquee destinations, but again, unless you want to spend half your time driving, rein in your aspirations (or consider flying). For us, 12 hours is acceptable proximity; less time is preferable. For instance, at 13 hours, Grand Teton National Park would be a good bet from our house in Santa Fe. Figuring six hours a day driving (plus stoppage), the trip to and from the Tetons will take four days total, leaving just five days on the ground, which will go quickly between biking, hiking, climbing, boating, and seeing friends. On the other hand, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is just six hours away, meaning only two days of driving round-trip and a lot more time for discovering things along the way.Plan Your Route, Including Pit Stops
When planning long trips, I’ll spend a lot more time with Google Maps for a macro view of towns, recreation sites, and parks we might want to visit en route. For that hypothetical Tetons trip, I see that Aspen, Colorado, is only 30 minutes out of the way. I’ve been wanting to climb in the Maroon Bells, so we decide to make it a halfway stopping point. On the way back, with just an hour more driving, we can stop in Durango and do one of my favorite bike rides.Pick a Few Campsite Options
Assuming you haven’t made reservations at national parks, which you often must do months in advance, you can use AllStays to scan for other parks and campgrounds. Jen and I generally prefer dry camping on public lands, so I normally spend more time on OnX looking for national forest and BLM land near our chosen destinations. Toggling the public/private land filters on and off makes it easy to find nearby swaths, after which I zoom in and use the app’s aerial photography to scan forest roads for pullouts and campsites. I tend to flag three to five spots near a place so we have options if one is full when we arrive.Don’t Be Afraid of RV Parks
If we’re going somewhere distant like the Tetons, without any aspirations to stop en route, we’ll often book a cheap RV spot where we can roll in late, hook up for a night, and blaze at dawn. It makes stops quicker. We also sometimes just use interstate rest stops, which can be a bit ugly but will get you where you want to go faster.Don’t Pass by the Gems
Part of the appeal of driving somewhere you’ve never been is stopping in places along the way. Sure, the Tetons are the goal—but don’t just motor past the local shop selling fresh tortillas, the restaurant advertising the country’s best burgers, or the prettiest campsite you’ve ever seen. The Tetons will be there. Stop and enjoy the fruits of the route you’ve picked.A Month or More
You have time—remember that. Pick a locale, something as big as half a state, then head that direction and plan as you go. With pervasive Wi-Fi and cell service these days, you’ll never get completely lost or stuck, and, frankly, that’s a real pity. Many of our most memorable experiences have been when we made an unexpected turn into a place we’d never heard of (like Window Rock Park on the Navajo Nation) or discovered a quiet corner on public lands between destinations (such as an open prairie on BLM land near Carlsbad, where we ended up staying two weeks because it was so serene). Part of the magic of living on the road is that you are no longer bound by the rigid schedule of home. Be flexible and enjoy it.]]>
Fat biking is booming in Jackson, and with good reason. What better way to give your ski legs a break and take in epic Teton views? That’s right, “groomed” fat biking is here, meaning whenever there’s high pressure in Jackson, there’s usually rideable packed trails to rip on. “Within an hour’s drive,” says Hal Wheeler, owner of The Hub Bicycles, “we easily have a hundred miles of groomed fat biking.”
Cache Creek
Best For: First-Timers
Thanks to locals like Dave Hunger of Teton Mountain Bike Tours and the crew at Fitzgerald’s Bicycles, Cache Creek, the town’s most popular singletrack in the summer, is now the perfect place to try out fat biking in the snow, too. “If people rent a fat bike from me, that’s where I send them,” says Hunger. “Cache Creek is one of the most popular spots to ride. Combined with grooming, all that packing is what makes the snow so good to ride there.” It’s also the closest spot—the rolling 10 to 15 miles of groomed road and singletrack starts right outside of town.Bike Rentals
Stay Wild Otso fat bikes, custom-designed for the local trails, are available to rent at The Hub Bicycles. And tons of other fat bike rentals are available at: Fitzgerald’s Bicycles, Hoback Sports, Teton Mountain Bike Tours, and the Turpin Meadow Guest Ranch Nordic shop. Call ahead for availability.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Best For: A Guided Tour
Former Olympic nordic skiers Hans and Nancy Johnstone were quick to welcome fat bikes on the ten miles of groomed trail at their guest ranch. The ranch also runs guided tours and rents bikes—last winter, 300 people showed up to its fat-bike demo day. Bonus: As long as you’re not leaving an indentation, you can ride select Nordic skate trails, and, says Jackson cyclist Brook Yeomans, “Turpin Meadow also grooms singletrack with a roller behind a snowmachine.” The area is rife with mountain bike trails in the summer, so it’s likely that grooming will expand during spells of protracted high pressure.Gros Ventre Snowmobile Network
Best For: Teton Views
The state of Wyoming grooms the road for snowmobile traffic, so it’s best to call a local snowmobile shop to see if it’s buff before you make the 25-mile drive. And while the 15-mile road is popular with ’bilers, encounters usually consist of a fleeting and friendly wave. “Once they pass, you never see them again,” says Hunger. Once there, simply ride till you feel like turning around and bombing back out.
Granite Hot Springs
Best For: Big Reward
This ten-mile groomed road ends at Granite Hot Springs, a low-key hot springs maintained by the Forest Service. It’s a long, steady climb that requires a decent fitness level and firm snow—if the snow gets soft, the road gets unrideable pretty quick. “Hit it right and it’ll instantly be one of your best memories ever,” says George Flynn, of Fitzgerald’s Bikes. “It’s a long climb, but it’s not a super aggressive grade.” Check in with a local bike shop before you venture out—and don’t forget to bring $8 for the springs.
Grand Targhee Resort
Best For: Fast and Flowy
On the other side of Teton Pass, 45 miles northwest of town, Grand Targhee Resort is home to the area’s best-maintained network, featuring 13 miles of Nordic trails and groomed singletrack. And they’re only getting better: the bermed corners of all the new machine-built trails are designed so they can be groomed in winter, too. “The singletrack fat biking there is like nowhere else,” says Flynn. “They’re super passionate about making cycling a year-round sport. And it’s working. Summertime mountain bikers will love the Targhee trails.”Additional Trail Information
To find 40+ fat bike trails in and around Jackson Hole, go to JHNordic.com/Trails for GPS maps, trail elevation profiles, access and trail info (click the fat bike icon). Click here to learn more.To learn more and plan your next trip to Jackson Hole, please go to Visitjacksonhole.com. | Hero photo credit: Jay Nel-McIntosh
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Shoulder season is the best. Out here in the Rockies, where I live, it’s that glorious downtime between hectic summer crowds and frantic ski-season hoards, when trailheads are mostly empty, aspen trees are in full golden glory, and the local brewpub has a lot more room. From leaf-peeping jaunts around alpine lakes to squeezing in one last epic mountain bike ride, there’s plenty to do. But the weather’s also changing and unpredictable. You’ll need a wardrobe that can keep up whether you’re in the backcountry or the back room at the bar, which these double-duty clothes can do.
The North Face Men’s Slim-Fit Motion Pants ($75)
The Motion Pants are a do-everything classic. The gusseted crotch and articulated knees help you move through mountains, and the slim fit and on-point styling keep you from looking like too much of a hiker when you’re out to dinner.
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Women’s Smartloft 60 Jacket ($180)
Wool is an incredible insulating layer when the temperature drops and keeps you warm even if it gets wet. It’s also stink-free, meaning you won’t draw the wrong kind of attention when you head into town for a post-ride pint.
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Outdoor Research Men’s Prologue Refuge Jacket ($199)
This jacket has a workwear vibe that’s way more fashionable than your typical down puffy. Plus, you get the benefit of waxed canvas on top for weather resistance and a lower half that’s stuffed with Outdoor Research’s new, extremely breathable VerticalX insulation.
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Pladra Men’s Elli Olympic Brown Flannel ($119)
A nice flannel is a must. It’s as good-looking as it is capable. Pladra makes awesome shirts for men and women that are bombproof, made in the United States, and backed by a lifetime guarantee for anything that fails during normal use. The slimmer cut and fun prints on the cuffs and inside the collar are nice touches that’ll help you stand out from the sea of plaid.
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Teva Arrowood Lux Waterproof ($140)
It’s hard to find shoes with enough grip and protection for the trail that won’t make you look like a Boy Scout around town. Enter the Teva Arrowood Lux Waterproof. These things are insanely comfortable, thanks to a proprietary foam in the sole that’s lightweight and durable. The fully waterproof leather upper means they’re ready to tackle whatever the trail throws at them.
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Fits Casual Crew Socks ($22)
Fits makes my favorite wool socks. They last longer than any others I’ve worn, and true to their name, the fit is incredible. For an all-around travel sock, go with the Casual Crew. They’re a bit thinner than the brand’s hiking-specific styles, but they still have some cushion and are made with a wool blend, so your feet won’t stink after a day or two of exploring. Plus, the hip patterns make it easy to dress up.
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Mission Workshop Radian Travel Pack ($585)
Yes, this is an expensive backpack, but it’s also damn near perfect. The front panel zips all the way open so it can be packed like a normal suitcase. It has compartments for your laptop, iPad, and plenty of other gadgets. The rolltop offers quick access to your gear, and the shoulder straps tuck away so you can check it on a plane. On top of all that, this pack has an adjustable internal frame to let you dial in the fit and is made from super-durable, water-resistant materials that stand up to plenty of abuse on the trail while looking stylish enough for the big city and mountain town alike.
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It used to be that if you wanted to try out the latest and greatest mountain bikes all in one place, you had to know someone in the business who could sneak you into Interbike, the industry-only trade show in Las Vegas. “All our guests wanted to go,” says Mark Sevenoff, who owns the Moab, Utah–based mountain bike touring company Western Spirit with his wife, Ashley Korenblat, former president of the International Mountain Bicycling Association. “People really want to be able to try that $10,000 Yeti before they plunk down for it.” So the couple thought why not create their own demo event right after Interbike—one that was open to everyone who wanted to come? With all the companies already in Vegas with fleets of demo bikes, it would be easy for them pop over to Moab.
And so, in 2010, Outerbike was born. Far from your typical demo day at your local shop, the annual three-day event sees giant firms like Cannondale and Specialized, high-end shops like Yeti and Evil, and direct-to-consumer brands like Canyon and YT bring their newest rigs to one of the sport’s most iconic locations for a single purpose: to help you find your dream ride.
Over the years, the Outerbike has become part party and part gathering of the clans and has expanded to include additional locations, like Crested Butte, Colorado, and Sun Valley, Idaho. This week, it will travel east of the Rockies for the first time with an event in Bentonville, Arkansas, from October 26 to 28, meaning a whole new region of the country can get in on the action. If this is your first time attending, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your weekend in bike demo heaven.
Fight the Sticker Shock
At $240 for an all-access three-day ticket, attending Outerbike is not cheap. However, with demos at most bike shops running close to $100 a day and bike shuttles for trails like Moab’s Magnificent 7 starting around $25 per person, the event is actually quite a deal. You just need to test two bikes and take two shuttles to break even, and it’s easy to beat that goal in a single day.Make a Wish List
There are plenty of brands and bikes to test, but there’s always a line at the gates for the 9 a.m. start and plenty of competition throughout the day to get on the year’s hottest new rides. Coming prepared each morning with a list of the bikes you’re most excited to try will save time and guarantee you land at least one. That said, be open to surprises. If all the bikes on your list are checked out, that’s the perfect opportunity to fall in love with something completely unexpected.Skip Lunch
OK, not really. With the miles you’ll be logging, you’ll definitely want a midday fuel-up. But while everyone’s chowing down on the (surprisingly tasty and healthy) lunches included with each pass, the bikes they were just testing are up for grabs. If you missed your dream ride during the morning rush, this is your second-best chance.Establish a Test Loop
You’ll be tempted to shred as much different singletrack as you can, thanks to unlimited chairlifts and/or shuttles depending on the location, but if you’re serious about finding the perfect bike, consider creating your own test loop near the venue so you can directly compare lap times and ride quality. “Challenge yourself and pick a gnarly climb or tricky roll in on the edge of your comfort zone,” Sevenoff suggests. “You may not clear it on one bike, but on another, it could be super easy.”Demo the Direct-to-Consumer Brands
Canyon, YT, Norco, Fezzari, and other direct-to-consumer bike manufacturers are putting out some seriously good rides at seriously good prices. Check out our review of YT’s Jeffsy. But since you can’t pop down to the shop for a test ride, events like Outerbike are the only real way to know how those bikes fit and perform before you buy.Don’t Just Wait in Line
“Be involved,” Sevenoff says. “Talk to the demo people. Every brand is different, but most will let you know right away what they have in stock so you don’t waste time waiting until you’re at the front of the line.” If you’re friendly, some may even take your cellphone number and text you when the bike you want is in, he says, and other brands, like Ibis and Yeti, have started taking reservations.Pack Your Tools
With mechanics to set up each bike to your liking and a patrol out on the trails to fix flats and other mechanical issues, it’s easy to just go out and ride. But being able to take care of your own flat tire won’t just save you time; packing a full kit, including a multitool and shock pump, will let you dial in the bike while you’re out on the trail. Nothing ruins a test ride like a rear shock that’s accidently way too stiff or a brake lever that’s out of prime position.Bring Your Own Bike
Part of Outerbike’s attraction is the ability to show up with little more than your kit and ride some amazing trails without having to pack your bike for a long drive or flight. But riding your own steed on the test loop is a great way to establish a baseline against which to compare the rigs you’ve been drooling over. Plus, with your own bike in tow, you can extend your trip well beyond the weekend, Sevenoff says. For example, the day before the Moab event kicks off, Outerbike offers shuttles of the world-famous Whole Enchilada trail, more than 7,000 feet of descent in 27 miles.]]>
Give us a cabin with a wood-burning fireplace, a cozy chair to read a book, some good coffee, and maybe an evening nip of whiskey, and we’re happy. Give us hiking and biking trails, backcountry ski runs, old-growth forests, or loaner canoes and kayaks—plus no cell service or internet, so we can truly get away—and we may never leave.
The Sky and Timber Loft Cabin
Cheshire, Oregon
Jason Williams, a bike mechanic, and his partner, Shasta Brewer, a freelance designer, spent three years restoring their log home on a five-acre property just 15 minutes outside Eugene, Oregon. Then they tackled their Sky and Timber guesthouse cabin, up the hill, which is where you’ll stay. It has a high-beam ceiling of exposed logs, a record player, and a stovetop espresso maker, plus thoughtful extras like birding books, binoculars, and board games. There’s no Wi-Fi and limited cell coverage. Instead, guests explore forest trails before lounging around the outdoor fire pit or the living room’s cast-iron wood stove. $108Fariss Farms
Allisonia, Virginia
In the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find Fariss Farms and Iron Heart Winery, a 990-acre property and vineyard that’s part of the state’s booming wine scene. Choose from three cabins, one of which dates back to 1882 and each of which were recently renovated with newly timbered and reclaimed logs. A trail leads from your front porch to a swimming hole on Little Reed Island Creek, or bring a canoe to paddle New River and a bike to cycle the 57-mile New River Trail, which follows an abandoned railroad. From $155Starfire Cabin
Sandpoint, Idaho
George and Kristina Orton spent three years milling trees from their own property to build the 800-square-foot Starfire Cabin. It sleeps up to four in a bedroom and an upper loft, and comes stocked with firewood. Kayaking on Lake Pend Oreille, skiing at Schweitzer Mountain, and exploring the waterfront town of Sandpoint are all options a short drive away, but the log cabin feels remote, with limited cell-phone service, no Wi-Fi, and stargazing through a skylight. Kristina occasionally shows up with homemade pies and cookies. $150Sherman Log House
Ludlow, Vermont
Located five miles from Okemo Mountain Resort, the Sherman Log House, from vacation rental company Vacasa, has walls of shiplap planks, hardwood floors, and three bedrooms with enough room for up to ten people. You’ll play board games in front of a wood-burning fireplace and enjoy views of the snow-covered Green Mountains from the large jetted bathtub. When you’re not skiing at Okemo, which is on the Epic Pass as of this winter, head to the nearby Crowley Cheese Factory for a tasting tour, or spend some time in the charming village of Ludlow (population 811), 30 miles away. $143The Hunt Hill Log Cabins
Sarona, Wisconsin
The Hunt Hill Audubon Society rents out two cabins that overlook 600 acres of old-growth forest, bogs, and four glacial lakes in a protected nature reserve. The cabins are rustic, but you’ll have access to 13 miles of trails and a canoe to spot ospreys and otters from the water. Built in 1917, the Frances Andrews Cabin sleeps up to six and sports views of Big Devil and Upper and Lower Twin Lakes. The Log Cabin, constructed in 1930, has a stone fireplace and a loft and bedroom that sleep up to four. It’s open all year. $120The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island
Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
This privately owned island is only accessible by boat, has seven miles of secluded coastline, and accommodates a maximum of just 32 guests. Book a room in the lodge or one of the five hunting-camp-inspired bungalows and your stay includes boat transfers, meals, and guided outings with local naturalists. Fall and winter bring cooler temperatures and fewer bugs and people, making it an ideal time to visit. If that still sounds too crowded, you can rent out the entire island. From $575, all-inclusive]]>
My mother thinks I’m a food snob. Though she’s lived around the world, she was born and bred in the Midwest, and her cooking reflects that straightforward, no-nonsense approach. She can whip a pound of ground beef and a few odd veggies into a feast in under 30 minutes. By the time she’s finished eating and cleaned up, I’m usually still fastidiously julienning the carrots, digging through the fridge for Thai basil (because standard won’t do), and weighing the pros and cons of rice vinegar versus mirin.
But living in Artemis, our Airstream, has changed all that. Don’t get me wrong—compared to tent camping, we have a Top Chef–worthy kitchen with a three-burner gas stove, an oven large enough for full-size baking sheets, and a five-cubic-foot refrigerator. Still, when you are constrained to 12 square inches of counter space, gourmet cooking is hard. In the name of time and water efficiency, we have resorted to many kitchen shortcuts. As much as I hate to say it, these purchases have made our evenings calmer and resulted in more time to idle at the table and under the stars. Also, my mother will be proud.
Bagged Prewashed Lettuce
In the same way that I know meat doesn’t come in neat blocks from a shrink-wrapped package, I have always resisted bagged greens. But we eat salad every night, and properly washing a dirty head of lettuce could burn through 5 percent of our water for two weeks. So we’ve resigned ourselves to bags—at least in the trailer. Pro tip: Skip the stuff in plastic boxes. They take up way too much space in a tiny fridge.Grated Cheese and Sliced Bread
Our miniature camping grater gets the job done but takes ages and often produces bloody knuckles. Buying grated cheese saves time and dirty dishes. As for bread, I used to bake at an artisan shop and believed you shouldn’t be able to buy loaves presliced any more than an apple or a filet. But cutting bread spreads crumbs on the floor, which we already sweep three times a day.Paper Kitchen Products
I have an aversion to single-use paper products like a Pro Tour racer has an aversion to a Huffy. But on the road, where we sometimes go two weeks between laundry, paper towels are a godsend. They soak up grease, wipe spills, clean pots, and save water. If we used tea towels to clean the kitchen, we’d have to get a second hamper. Similarly, we wash our plates every night, except when we have company, which means lots of dishes and lots of water. In that case, paper plates aren’t so bad.Frozen Veggies
My aversion to freezer vegetables was probably even greater than my aversion to bagged lettuce until I realized that in the off-season (the majority of time we’re eating this stuff anyway), frozen peas, asparagus, and strawberries are probably more nutritious than their fresh counterparts. Also, frozen veggies keep longer and don’t generate scraps from cleaning and chopping.Canned Wine
You know what takes up a lot of space in a tiny fridge? A bottle of wine. And I think canned wines are like screw-top bottles a decade ago: They seem inferior, but really our aversion is just cultural. I’m no sommelier, but we’ve had a bunch of wines that taste pretty good to our palate (Underwood!). Don’t just take it from me.Premade Foods
I was raised in a family where every meal is made from scratch, but having some prepacked options makes mealtime easier, especially if you’re up a forest road and haven’t been able to resupply for a while. And there are healthy options: Maya Kaimal Curries served over a meat or veggie, Annie’s Shells mac and cheese with broccoli and fresh tomatoes, or any of the Good-to-Go entrées. These aren’t fancy, but they’re quick, nourishing, and tasty.Freeze-Dried Fruit
Though conventional wisdom says you need just an apple a day, we like to eat bananas, mangos, apples, kiwis, raspberries, blueberries, and tons of other fruits. But that’s a lot of bulk when you head out for two weeks. Even if you could store it, half would go bad before you got to the bottom of the bin. We discovered freeze-dried fruit at Trader Joe’s and haven’t been vitamin C deficient since. There’s a veritable cornucopia of flavors (strawberries…mmm!), and the bags weigh next to nothing (one to two ounces) while packing a week’s worth of fruit.Vacuum Sealer
This will sound counterintuitive because of my fixation over storage space, but I love our FoodSaver GameSaver Outdoorsman. We originally bought it for packaging elk and deer for winter, and it’s a godsend. But we also use it to make our own boil-in-a-bag meals. When we cook stews, curries, or rice dishes (or pretty much anything), we make double batches, vacuum-pack the leftovers, and freeze it. Presto! Dinner a week later. It’s also great for cleanup-free overnight backpacking trips.Food Wraps
Dirty dishes mean wasted water, which is our biggest bane since water is a precious commodity and the most limiting factor in how long we can stay in the woods. Rather than stuff leftovers in Tupperware, which will need washing, or worse, Ziplocs, which will just get tossed, we’ve come to love these beeswax-infused organic cotton wraps called Bee’s Wraps. They keep pretty much anything fresh and need just a quick wipe before you can use them again. One sheet last months.Sous Vide
This gourmet gadget cooks whatever you want in a perfect-temperature water bath, but honestly it’s a boon for easy food prep and cleanup. In the past, we’ve had trouble cooking the perfect steak on the road; now all it takes is preseasoning the meat, stuffing it in a Ziploc (or sealing it with the FoodSaver), and tossing it into a pot of hot water. (A quick sear on the grill is nice for color and carbon.) From pork to chicken, salmon to eggs, you can throw it in, set the thermometer, and come home to the perfect meal every time. There are all kinds of DIY setups for turning a cooler into a safe cooker at camp. Best of all, when you’re done, there’s zero cleanup, and you can recycle the water for making coffee or washing your face.]]>
A mountain bike is Katie Holden’s ticket to travel the world. Between racing, coaching, and guiding trips, the 33-year-old champion downhiller and Liv ambassador from Bellingham, Washington, has been to 50 countries and every state in the union. All told, she’s away from home more than 200 days a year. We caught up with Holden—who’s sponsored by Thule, among other companies—to get the scoop on her essential travel gear.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set ($40)
“When you’re traveling all over, it’s easy for your bag to turn into a full tornado. These packing cubes tame the storm and make it easy to keep track of what’s clean and dirty. I also like the clear Specter cubes because they allow me to see exactly what’s inside.”
Buy Now
Sea to Summit Lite Line Clothesline ($10)
“One way to make traveling simpler is to bring less clothing and just wash it. I’ve been traveling with this mini clothesline for years. A small bottle of concentrated laundry soap usually lasts me an entire trip.”
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Intelligent Change Five-Minute Journal ($23)
“When you’re waking up in different places all the time, on different people’s schedules, it’s easy to get scattered and out of sync. This journal has a few prompts that literally take five minutes in the morning and five minutes at night to respond to. It helps me focus on my day and figure out what’s important to me personally and professionally.”
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MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Water Filter ($50)
“Global travelers are often forced to buy bottled water, which is so wasteful and avoidable. I bring this filter on any international trip. It’s such a small thing to pack and removes the dilemma of questionable tap water, saving you from using single-use plastic bottles—or the alternative: spending hours on the toilet.”
Buy Now
Moment Superfish Lens ($90), Macro ($90), Tele Portrait ($90), and Wide ($100)
“I love real cameras, but more often than not, I shoot with my iPhone when I’m traveling. Pair the technology in phones these days with lenses like these and you can capture everything beautifully. Plus, you don’t have to lug around heavy gear.”
Superfish Macro Tele Portrait Wide
Anker PowerPort 6 ($30) and PowerCore 20100 ($50)
“I really like this USB wall charger for travel. It charges up to six different USB devices at once, and because it plugs in with a cord, it won’t weigh down international power adapters or pull them out of the wall. When outlets aren’t an option, this PowerCore battery pack is a great backup. It lasts a long time and lets you charge two devices at once.”
PowerPort PowerCore
Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell Jacket ($129) and Pants ($99)
“This is a winning combo for any wet day. They’re light enough that you can use them for warm-weather rain, but you can also wear them over base layers for the cold. I bring the jacket and pants with me on every trip.”
Jacket Pants
Thule RoundTrip Pro XT ($600)
“If you’re traveling with a bike, I can’t recommend this bike bag enough. It’s super easy to pack and roll through the airport or anywhere, and it fits upright in the back seat of all but the smallest cars, which is a huge convenience.”
Buy Now
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With so many great guest houses out there, it wasn’t easy to decide which were worthy of making our list of the world's best adventure lodges. In the end, we weighed the location, amenities, outdoor access, architecture, style, and so much more to cull our list candidates. So what did it take to make the final cut? Everything. From paragliding over the Dolomites and paddleboarding around deserted Panamanian isles to farm-to-table feasts and Finnish-style saunas, these lodges have it all. Time to check in.
Remota
Puerto Natales, Chile
The design of this 72-room lodge in Chilean Patagonia is almost as dramatic as the landscape that surrounds it. Slanted steel-and-glass walls mimic the iconic wind-bullied sheep-shearing sheds endemic to the country’s Magallanes region. But getting outside is why you travel all the way to Puerto Natales, the gateway to 700-square-mile Torres del Paine National Park. Spend one day hiking 12 miles round-trip to the base of the park’s famous 8,500-foot granite spires and another stalking fat brown trout along the Río Prat. Or paddle the waters of Last Hope Fjord in a kayak, then send the 30 private sport-climbing routes the lodge put up on its own secluded cliffs. Before a king crab dinner, hit the indoor pool or Finnish-style sauna, housed in a building purposefully set a three-minute walk away. Why? So you can feel the wind and rain first. From $280 —Tim NevilleAdler Lodge Alpe
South Tyrol, Italy
Surrounded by the toothy spires of Italy’s Dolomites, the Adler offers some of the best adventure access in Europe. It’s located on the Alpe di Siusi plateau, a carless Unesco World Heritage site that’s accessible only by foot, skis, or cable car unless you’re staying at the lodge. In summer, head out on guided hikes, like the eight-mile Witch’s Path, which winds through green foothills and alpine meadows. Other options: grab a loaner hardtail and hit the nearby singletrack or paraglide over the iconic 8,400-foot Schlern massif with Tandem Fly. In winter, explore Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park on skis, or ice-climb Vallunga Valley’s 18 routes. That is, if you can drag yourself away from the lodge and its floor-to-ceiling window views, sauna, saltwater pool, and gourmet meals eaten under the stars with a glass of Montalcino in hand. From $235, all-inclusive —Nick DavidsonThe Lodge on Little St. Simons Island
Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
Rent your own slice of southern charm at Little St. Simons, a private 11,000-acre barrier island with an unpretentious collection of five cottages and one lodge. More Southern Gothic than tropical, the landscape is dominated by live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, rugged dunes, and seven miles of private beach. You can book a room or cottage or blow it out by reserving the whole resort. With a limit of only 32 guests at a time, you’re almost guaranteed solitude as you walk the trails, comb the beach, or fish for flounder and red drum. Naturalists are on hand to take you birding and kayaking along the tidal waters and teach you about the local population of nesting loggerhead turtles. Better yet, everything is included, from the bicycles to the Low Country shrimp boils. From $425 —Graham AverillCollective Retreats
Wolcott, Colorado
Don’t dismiss these pop-up wilderness retreats as just another glamping getaway. Private decks with Adirondack chairs, Pendleton blanket-adorned beds, and en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets and rain-style showers make these canvas tents more of a mobile private lodge. Locations include Big Sky, Montana, the Texas Hill Country, and even New York City’s Governors Island. But our favorite venue is situated on 1,000 acres of working ranchland just outside Vail, where guests can explore White River National Forest , take in views of the Sawatch Range on horseback, and raft whitewater on the Upper Colorado. Hiking and biking trails are right outside your tent. Nearby hot springs, campfire s’mores, and chef-crafted farm-to-table fare are motivation to trek or ride a few extra miles. From $500 —Jen MurphyThe Swag
Waynesville, North Carolina
The hardest part about staying at this 250-acre southern oasis , perched atop its own mile-high grassy peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, may be convincing yourself to leave. Fill your days with croquet, treehouse picnics, and hammock sessions. Or hike straight from the property into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Join a guide in search of bears and birds, or head into the Cataloochee Valley at dusk to see elk milling around the park’s meadows. The Swag will pack your lunch and have afternoon tea waiting when you return. Save room for dinner—big plates of regional fare like local trout, cast-iron fried chicken, and banana-pudding pie—then savor the evening views from your room’s copper soaking tub. You even get a personalized hiking stick to take home. From $525 —G.A.Surfers Lodge Peniche
Peniche, Portugal
When former Swedish national surf champion John Malmqvist outgrew beach camping and hostels, he started dreaming up the ultimate surf stay. The result, Surfers Lodge Peniche, feels more like a home than a hotel. Located an hour north of Lisbon, just outside the small city of Peniche, the space marries Scandinavian aesthetics with 1960s California beach vibes. The in-house school caters to all abilities. First-timers work on pop-ups at nearby Baleal Beach, while experienced riders get barreled at Supertubos, a World Surf League tour stop just ten minutes away. Back at the lodge, follow up your session with a massage, yoga, and vegetarian-focused organic meals. On Sundays everyone heads up to the Moroccan-inspired roof deck to listen to DJ sets and soak in the sunset from the Jacuzzi. From $57 —J.M.Vermejo Park Ranch
Raton, New Mexico
Spread across 585,000 acres straddling the New Mexico–Colorado border, Vermejo Park Ranch is so massive that even its veteran guides estimate they’ve seen only 60 percent of the property. Ted Turner purchased the land in 1996 and fondly refers to it as his private Yellowstone. It can be yours, too, as a splurge. Accommodations include private guesthouses; the 12-room Casa Minor, built in the early 1900s; and the Costilla Lodge, a large log-and-stone cabin located at 10,200 feet. Or stay in the media mogul’s former personal residence, Casa Grande, an estate of Gatsby-esque grandeur. But the real luxury? The southern Rockies just outside your door. Home to elk, bison, antelope, black bears, coyotes, and more than 180 species of birds, Vermejo is the closest you’ll come to a big-game safari in the U.S. Instead of 20 tourist-loaded cars bearing down on one poor bison, you’re likely to be surrounded by a herd while hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. From $850, meals included –J.M.Islas Secas Reserve and Lodge (From $1,000, All-Inclusive)
Isla Cavada, Panama
With parts of Costa Rica overrun with tourists and Nicaragua working to recover from recent unrest, Panama is poised to be the next great Central American hot spot. This new sustainable adventure outpost on Cavada, a 400-acre island in the Pacific’s Gulf of Chiriquí, is one of its crown jewels. Hike a couple of miles through the dense jungle, SUP or kayak the calm leeward bays of the resort’s private 14-island archipelago, float in a secluded plunge pool, or lounge on empty beaches—the lodge has nine casitas and only hosts up to 18 people at once. It also has its own dive center with on-site instructors, so even novice guests can explore the gulf, which is filled with manta rays, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, leatherback turtles, and teeming coral reefs. Finally, boat into the big blue to catch-and-release monster tuna and marlin in the world-renowned Hannibal Bank and off Isla Montuosa. From $1,000, all-inclusive –Stephanie PearsonDenali Backcountry Lodge
Denali National Park, Alaska
Best For: Mountain views and digital detoxingThe journey to Denali Backcountry Lodge is an adventure in itself. It’s accessed by either a six-hour bus ride deep into five-million-acre Denali National Park, or via a 35-minute air-taxi flight from the park entrance over the snowcapped Alaska Range. Once you’ve checked in to one of its 42 log cabins—nestled alongside Moose Creek by an old gold-mining camp—let the rugged wilderness engulf you. There’s no TV or cell service. Naturalists lead botanical walks and day hikes through the nearby trailless tundra, while you keep an eye out for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and blond grizzlies. Or explore the endless backcountry on your own. Just be sure to pack a can of bear spray in your day bag. Our favorite excursion? Cycling five miles to Wonder Lake, where you’ll score the park’s best view of 20,310-foot Denali gleaming pearly white in the midnight sun. From $545, meals included –N.D.
Chem Chem Lodge
Manyara, Tanzania
Best For: Game viewing and Giving BackSandwiched between two national parks, this safari camp provides unparalleled access to Africa’s big game. It’s located along an ancient migration corridor, where herds of giraffes, elephants, zebras, and gazelles pass by to forage the plains of Tarangire. The lodge is a collection of breezy tent villas, and all visitor profits are funneled into community-based projects, like anti-poaching efforts and skills training for locals to help reduce human-animal conflict. You can participate, too, by bringing children’s clothes and classroom supplies in your luggage and stopping by a Chem Chem–sponsored school during your stay. The owners also have two properties nearby: Little Chem Chem, on a 40,000-acre private preserve, and the smaller Forest Chem Chem, which offers three vintage tents beneath fever trees on the Tarangire River. From $920, meals, activities, and conservations fees included —G.A.
Wickaninnish Inn
Tofino, British Columbia
Best For: Surfing and storm watchingJust 25 minutes north of the 198-square-mile Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this 75-room lodge on Vancouver Island embraces B.C.’s turbulent weather. In addition to ocean views, each room comes with hurricane-rated glass to better withstand the stunning tempests that roll in from across the Pacific. Don the inn’s complimentary rain slickers and boots, and step outside for a free “West Coast facial,” or head to the Ancient Cedars Spa for treatments based on indigenous cleansing ceremonies. On clearer days, walk the 13 beaches that line the seal-and-eagle-flecked coast, or make your way 25 miles south to the village of Ucluelet for a short hike to the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, a linebacker of concrete and steel that defies the storm-whipped swells that assail it each winter. The island has plenty of good surf breaks, including Cox Bay Beach, just minutes from the inn. Afterward, refuel with a meal of drippingly fresh steelhead salmon. From $260 —T.N.
Lone Mountain Ranch
Big Sky, Montana
Best For: Nordic skiing, yoga, and Yellowstone accessSitting on 150 acres in Custer Gallatin National Forest, this former cattle farm, founded in 1915, keeps 52 miles of trails meticulously groomed for cross-country skiing. Routes meander from your door up 2,000 feet through pine forests and alpine meadows and offer stunning views of 11,145-foot Lone Mountain, home to the Big Sky Resort. Many of the lodge’s 27 log cabins have wood stoves or 1920s-era stone fireplaces. Meanwhile, chef Eric Gruber, of the Horn and Cantle restaurant, knows how to feed starving skiers, whipping up three nour-ishing daily meals, like homemade pappardelle with elk meatballs. Take a break from nordic skiing and head into the backcountry of nearby Yellowstone or ride the lifts at Big Sky, 12 minutes away. Not into snow? Visit in the warmer months to hike, horseback ride, fly-fish, whitewater raft, or enjoy a weeklong meditation and yoga retreat. From $375 —S.P.
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