Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses is not easy. You need shades that fit your face and stay in place even when you’re doing something active like jogging or paddling. They should be athletic—breathable, with premium optics and durable construction—so you can be active in them, but not so overly techy looking that you can’t wear them on a stroll around town.

We asked 11 Lake Tahoe, California-based testers to help us narrow down dozens of sunglasses (81 in total, to be exact, tested over the past 12 months) to find the ones that performed the best for a wide range of year-round activities. We put these sunglasses to the test while Nordic skiing, road tripping, trail running, rock climbing, and more. This collection of sunglasses represents our favorites for every type of outdoor play.

Update April 2025: We selected new winners in eight categories and updated prices on eight models that are still available and continue to stand out among all the sunglasses we’ve tested.

At a Glance

• Best Oversized:
• Most Lightweight:
• Best Après Glasses:
• Best Budget Shields:
• Best Full Coverage:
• Best for Swapping Lenses:
• Best Glacier Glasses:
• Best When On Water:
• Best for Cycling:
• Best for Running:
• Best in Mixed Light:
• Most Fun:
• Best Ventilation:
• Best Casual Shade:
• Most Versatile:
• Best Under $25:
• How to Choose Sunglasses
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best Oversized

Dragon Amped

Lens: Non-polarized polycarbonate
Frame shape: Shield
Fit: Large to extra large

Pros and Cons
⊕ Full-coverage eye protection
⊕ Fun frame and lens colors for a style-forward look
⊕ Exceptionally comfortable fit over the nose
⊗ Too big for small faces

Dragon took cues from the brand’s top-selling DX3 Goggles to create the shape and style of their first-ever shield sunglasses, the Amped. These massively oversized sunglasses give you the full-coverage feel of a wrap-around goggle but in a surprisingly lightweight, easy-to-wear package. We first used these shades while mountain biking and sitting on the back of a wakesurfing boat, but found they worked just as well for Nordic skiing and hiking, too. Be warned: These are attention-getting glasses; you’ll stand out in the crowd.

Testers liked that the Amped didn’t pinch at the nose—it comes with a wide nose bridge—and had a super comfortable feel, but those with smaller faces felt a bit overshadowed. “I think these are too big for my face, but I want to wear them anyway because I feel cool in them,” one tester said. The indestructible polycarbonate lens has Dragon’s signature Lumalens technology, which optimizes color and contrast, and effectively boosts depth perception while blocking 100 percent of UV rays.

The frame is made from a plant-based resin, a nice touch if you’re trying to eliminate excess plastic from your life. The base price of $150 gets you the smoke black version, or pay $10 extra for a flashier-colored Ion lens.

Best Ultralight

Scott Stride

Lens: Toric
Frame shape: Frameless square shield
Fit: Medium

Pros and Cons
⊕ Ample field of view
⊕ Featherweight in feel
⊕ Breathable rubber nose pad for sweaty pursuits
⊗ You might snap them if you accidentally sit on them
⊗ Red lens color wasn’t for everyone

The Scott Stride’s toric lens (shaped like the edge of a donut) didn’t seem noticeable at first, but eventually, we realized we had more peripheral vision than we’re used to without suffering from a bubble-shaped lens that distorts vision. For sports where seeing clearly makes a big difference—like road cycling, mountain biking, and trail running—a toric lens can help you take in the whole picture of the terrain ahead. One tester called them futuristic and praised their non-obstructed view. “The lens provided ample coverage and great clarity in a comfortable, non-slip fit,” he said.

The Stride is built frameless for the fast-and-light crew, like uphill skiers, marathon runners, and backpackers. It tips the scales at a mere 27 grams—you won’t even feel it on your face. Plus, the pliable temples fit perfectly under bike and ski helmets. The glasses come with two lens color choices: a white or a red chrome. The red blocks more intense rays but it’s a little jarring to look through as it makes the world look like it’s been dyed in strawberry Kool-Aid; opt for the white lens if you want a more toned-down, everyday look.

Best Après Glasses

Shady Rays Allure

Lens: Polarized, choose from seven lens colors
Frame shape: Round
Fit: Small to medium

Pros and Cons
⊕ Resilient, heavy-duty feel
⊕ High-quality lens for its price
⊗ Not as sporty as other glasses on this list
⊗ Jostled during high-impact activity

We put the Shady Rays Allure to the test on hikes and light runs and found it satisfactory, albeit lacking the best stay-put feel in the group. But where it really shone was afterward. Testers wore these shades on a sunny deck after spring skiing, tailgating post bike ride, and on sunset dog walks along the beach. Thanks to sturdy metal temples, the Allure feels hefty and unbreakable, despite its delicate look. “A little on the heavy side,” one tester said, “but that also made me feel like I could stash this in my jacket pocket while skiing and not worry about damaging it.”

The polarized lens, which comes in mirrored and non-mirrored options, was high quality given its relatively low price (it’s not easy finding a good polarized lens for under $60) and got the job done even on snow and water in bright sun. The diminutive, rounded frame makes these more suited to those with smaller faces. Shady Rays calls them women’s frames, but our male testers were equally happy in them. They’re a nice contrast if you’re not into the big, oversized shield look that’s so prevalent these days.

Best Budget Shields

Knockaround Campeones

Lens: Non-polarized polycarbonate
Frame shape: Shield
Fit: Medium to large

Pros and Cons
⊕ Affordable and high performing
⊕ Super lightweight
⊗ Not as comfortable as other glasses
⊗ Less effective at cutting glare on water

Unless you’re deep-sea fishing or lake kayaking, you actually don’t need a polarized lens, which helps cut glare from flat, reflective surfaces like water and roads. The Knockaround Campeones come with intentionally non-polarized lenses to allow for more depth perception, higher contrast, and less eye fatigue during non-water-based activities where glare isn’t an issue. (Plus, not having polarization keeps the price down.)

These were our testers’ favorite shields in the lower price bracket. We wore them Nordic skiing, backcountry skiing, and road running, and they stayed put on our faces during all of those activities, mostly due to an adjustable rubber nose pad that gives you a custom fit. Plus, unlike some sunglasses that show every morsel of sweat and sunscreen smudged across the lens and require constant cleaning, these stayed mostly clean despite heavy use, thanks to an oil-resistant lens treatment. “I sweat in them all day without dealing with greasy smudges. I call that a win,” one tester said.

Best Full Coverage

POC Devour Glacial

Lens: Comes with two interchangeable lenses
Frame shape: Oversized shield
Fit: Medium to extra large

Pros and Cons
⊕ Fits like sunglasses, performs like goggles
⊕ Zero fogging
⊗ Lenses were clunky to swap out
⊗ A little overbuilt for casual wear

The POC Devour Glacial is based on the design of POC’s top-selling glasses, used mostly by downhill mountain bikers, but has additional features that make them more suitable for snow and mountain travel. The Devour Glacial comes with lenses you can swap out, side shields for added protection, and the same color-sharpening lens technology as POC’s ski goggles. Testers wore them backcountry skiing in place of goggles, and they did the job of both breathable sunglasses on the skintrack uphill and goggles for wind protection on the way down. “Why carry more stuff if you don’t have to?” one tester said. “This is the ultimate two-in-one tool.” Even our more skeptical testers were converts: “I would usually never ski down in a pair of sunglasses, but these are not normal sunglasses.”

Since they come with a dark full-sun lens and a completely clear lens, one tester figured: night skiing? She took them on a night backcountry tour under a full moon and the crisp, clear lens and wide field of view were perfect. You’re likely not going to want to wear these shades around town afterward—they look like techy lab glasses. If you want more of an everyday style with similar features, consider POC’s more streamlined instead.

Best for Swapping Lenses

Tifosi Moab

Lens: Comes with three interchangeable polycarbonate lenses in different tints
Frame shape: Shield
Fit: Medium to large

Pros and Cons
⊕ Comes stock with three lenses
⊕ Quick and easy to swap lenses
⊕ Lightweight at just 31 grams
⊗ Some fogging issues, despite ventilation system

Not everyone wants to spend $250 on a pair of sunglasses that they may leave on the roof of their car. Tifosi gets that. The brand somehow manages to find the sweet spot of high-performing, good-looking glasses that don’t cost more than your monthly phone bill. The Tifosi Moab, which debuted in fall 2024, is one of their higher-end sport shields, but it still runs you less than $80. And it comes with not one but two extra lenses, making it even more of a bargain. We mostly wore the dark lens on sunny days Nordic skiing and running, but a lower-light lens and a clear lens came in handy while running at dusk. “Rarely do I find a lens that shines in all conditions,” one tester said. “I tried these in full sun, low light, and snow—they provided great contrast in all conditions.”

Fit and airflow were remarkably good even as effort and speed increased. One tester complained of fogging during a sweaty backcountry tour, but well-placed vents along the bottom and side of the lens kept everyone else fog-free. Adjustable rubber nose tabs and bendable temples made these shades comfortable on a range of faces. “The Moab is a basic shield, perfect for Nordic skiing, running, or cycling but not so techy that I felt weird wearing it into the post office afterward,” another tester said.

Best Glacier Glasses

Revo Himalaya

Lens: Polarized glass
Frame shape: Aviator
Fit: Medium to large

Pros and Cons
⊕ Incredible optic clarity
⊕ Removable side-eye covers
⊕ Durable frame material
⊗ So pricey, you’re not going to want to lose them
⊗ Glass lenses can feel heavy

Revo teamed up with climber and filmmaker Renan Ozturk to help design the Himalaya. These are stylish modern-day glacier glasses with a hint of retro charm that you can wear climbing a high-altitude peak or doing more casual, everyday outings. A removable leather side shield gives you sleek side-eye protection if you want it, or take it off if you’re not traversing glaciated terrain.

The lenses on the Himalaya are polarized crystal glass, offering the elevated visual clarity that only glass lenses can deliver. Our testers wore them skiing around Tahoe, climbing in the desert, and trout fishing local streams, and they earned high marks for performance and clarity in all of those activities, especially on snow and water. “The lenses protected my eyes like a windshield while skiing on a sunny spring day,” one tester said. The chunky frame and burly lenses have a solid go-ahead-and-try-to-break me vibe. One caveat: They’re heavier than other options.

Best When On Water

Bajio 12 South

Lens: Polarized glass or polycarbonate
Frame shape: Rounded square
Fit: Medium to large

Pros and Cons
⊕ Cushy rubber temples and nose pad
⊕ Temples hinge out for custom fit
⊕ Ultra-clear, high definition polarized lenses
⊕ Available in a prescription lens
⊗ Heavy at 40 grams

Designed for saltwater fishing but versatile enough for everyday and multi-sport use, the Bajio 12 South sunglasses are packed with smart tech without looking, well, techy. They’re cool without trying too hard. And they stay put whether you’re running on the beach or casting a line.

High definition polarized lenses—which come in the polycarbonate we tested or a slightly pricier glass option—have a patented blue-light blocking technology that made our eyes feel rested even after a day of boating on Lake Tahoe in harsh sun. “These lenses are some of the clearest I’ve ever looked through,” one tester said. “They made everything sharper.”

The bridge and arms come with injection-molded rubber pieces for a soft touch, and flexible hinges at the temple made these some of the most comfortable shades in the test on a range of head sizes.

Best for Cycling

Zeal Harbinger

Lens: Comes in polarized and non-polarized options
Frame shape: Shield
Fit: Small to large

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight and simple; not overbuilt
⊕ Universally appealing fit
⊕ Frame is made from a plant-based resin
⊗ Smudge easily

These were some of our favorite sunglasses of the test—an overall crowd pleaser. The Zeal Harbinger was designed for endurance sports like running, cycling, and ski touring. It’s lightweight and feels invisible on your face, with a comfortable, no-slide fit. If you’re into shields but don’t want a pair that takes up half your face, this is a nice in-between: big enough to protect your eyes from wind and sun but not so oversized that you look ridiculous and those with smaller faces can’t pull it off. Testers with a variety of head shapes unanimously approved of these glasses. The one lens was versatile enough to work well in bright sun and low-light conditions.

Testers wore these mountain biking in the Southwest and on a backcountry hut trip in the Sierra. The cyclists had the highest praise for the Harbingers. “These might be the best cycling glasses I’ve ever worn,” one said. “They fit perfectly with my helmet, offered ample peripheral vision, and never once fogged.” Only gripe: The lens is scratch and impact-resistant, but it easily showed smudges from oily sunscreen and greasy fingerprints. For $199, you can get a non-polarized lens; or upgrade to a polarized one for $249.

Best for Running

Julbo Density

Lens: Cylindrical photochromic
Frame shape: Shield
Fit: Large

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely minimalist feel considering the wide field of view
⊕ Pliable rubber temples don’t snag hair
⊕ Grippy rubber nose pad stays put
⊗ Looks huge on smaller faces
⊗ Feel fragile

These are the sunglasses you forget you’re wearing until you walk indoors. Even then, the transition lens adapts so shockingly well from bright light to dim darkness that you don’t need to take them off.

Our testers wore these in a ski-mo race, up a 12,000-foot peak in Yosemite, and while running and Nordic skiing over 100 collective miles. They are invisibly light—a mere 20 grams—with thin, delicate rubbery temples that one tester described as “reminiscent of bird bones.” Testers praised the full coverage that didn’t sacrifice venting, and one called them the “most fog-resistant sunglasses I’ve ever used.”

Testers repeatedly chose the Density (and even fought over who got to wear them) for late afternoon mountain bike rides, early morning trail runs, and ski touring on cloudy days. “This is the only pair of sunglasses I’ve used that I could put on starting a ski tour pre-dawn and wear into the middle of a bright April day, while never fogging—despite lots of uphill slogging,” tester Goran Lynch said.

If you’ve got a smaller face, check out ($145), which is similar to the Density in lens tech and lightweight feel but in a more diminutive frame size.

Read our full review of the Julbo Density.

Best in Mixed Light

Glade Ramble

Lens: Cylindrical photochromic lens made from 50 percent recycled content
Frame shape: Full frame shield
Fit: Medium

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight design
⊕ Ample ventilation
⊕ Comfortable nose bridge with no pressure points
⊗ A bit techy for everyday use

You know how some full-frame shield sunglasses look like overkill, as if you should only be allowed to wear them while racing bikes in Leadville or sky running in Chamonix? These are not those glasses. The Glade Ramble is built for sport, but has a laid back, under-the-radar vibe. “These are the non-obnoxious version of full coverage glasses,” wrote one tester, while another added: “They strike the sweet spot of good looks and functionality at the right price.” Hitting just under $100, the Ramble has a high-end feel without the sticker shock of pricier glasses.

Testers wore these while skiing Mount Shasta and on a weeklong ski touring trip in Lofoten, Norway, as well as during summer’s mountain biking window. They excelled in variable light conditions: The photochromic lenses transition from light to dark, which means when you’re moving between a forested area where the light is fickle and bright sun, your sunglasses magically adjust as needed to keep your vision clear and comfortable. “I unabashedly have a crush on these glasses,” said Tahoe tester Kate Shaw. This is the perfect shade for runners, cyclists, or skiers who prioritize lightweight, durable, style-forward gear.

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Columbia Firecamp Polarized Sunglasses ($65)

Columbia’s Firecamp Polarized Sunglasses are engineered to keep you protected no matter where the day takes you. The metal, double-bar bridge gives these sunglasses a sleek, modern look, while the lightweight design provides all-day comfort. And polarized lenses help reduce glare and eyestrain so you can focus on what matters most.

Most Fun

Blenders Millenia X2

Lens: Polarized
Frame shape: Rounded square
Fit: Medium to large

Pros and Cons
⊕ Flashy and cool
⊕ Lightweight design at just 26 grams
⊗ Lenses were easily smudged with fingerprints
⊗ No rubber padding on temples or nose bridge makes them less comfortable than others

Who said sunglasses needed to be so serious? Blenders’ Millenia X2 have an “I’m just here for a good time” vibe. We tested the Citrus Blast color—a shiny cotton candy pink frame with a mirrored rose-gold lens—but these glasses come in more subdued colors, too, like black or silver.

Multiple testers said these were the sunglasses they picked for springtime après ski on the deck at Palisades Tahoe, but they held up well in sporting mode, too. “I ran and cross-country skied in these shades and was shocked at how clear the optics were,” one said. “They are equal parts stylish and functional.”

The tint of the polarized lens we tested was dynamic, perfect for bright sunny days, but not so dark that you couldn’t wear them as the sun was setting. The frames fit testers with medium to large faces best, but they’re not so oversized that they look ridiculous on smaller faces.

Best Ventilation

Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep

Lens: Choose from 10 color options, including clear
Frame shape: Sporty shields
Fit: Small

Pros and Cons
⊕ Ultra light for endurance sports
⊕ No sweat-induced fogging
⊕ Massive rubber nose pads that stay put
⊗ Too sporty to wear casually
⊗ A little tight at the temples

For running, cycling, and other sweaty pursuits, the Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep was a true champ. “Great combo of ventilation and coverage for a hard training ride,” said tester Tristan Queen, who trained for the Leadville 100 in these shades. “Good airflow meant I wasn’t getting sweaty eye area syndrome.” (Yes, that’s a thing.)

In mixed lighting through forests or dimly lit roads, the lenses—which one tester called A+ quality—popped color and light without distortion. This is a slight, minimalist option for athletic types who’d rather not wear a massive shield but still want the wind and sun protection of a full-coverage shade.

Best Casual Shade

Kaenon Ojai

Lens: Three polarized color options
Frame shape: Rounded square
Fit: Medium

Pros and Cons
⊕ Unscratchable lenses
⊕ Featherweight frame
⊕ Snug fit with no bounce
⊗ So light they feel like they could break easily

Beachgoers and casual runners looking for a light, sporty shade they can wear throughout the day need search no more. The Ojai hits this magical sweet spot: At $125, they’re high-end enough to have a lavish feel but not so pricy you’ll panic when they go missing. They’re also perfectly unisex and flattering on a wide range of face shapes and sizes.

These were among the lightest frames in the test (at just 24 grams) and felt breezy and whimsical while bike commuting through town and paddleboarding on a high-alpine lake. Runners reported minimal slipping and appreciated the lightweight feel. “This one takes skinny and light to a whole new level,” one tester said.

The Ojai has a boho, casual vibe, like you’re going wine tasting at a hip vineyard, but is sporty enough to pull off scrambling up a big peak. A keyhole bridge over the nose and integrated rubber nose pads make for a comfortable fit.

Most Versatile

Smith XC Sunglasses

Lens: Polarized in three color options
Frame shape: Flip-up shield
Fit: Medium/large

Pros and Cons
⊕ Highly breathable
⊕ Versatile
⊗ The look isn’t for everyone

Smith went back to its 1983-84 collection to find inspiration for these one-piece flip-up sunglasses. Why, you ask, would anyone need this feature? Because sometimes you want your glasses securely on your face with the arms over your ears but you don’t want the lenses in front of your eyes.

Case in point: tester Jakob Schiller took these glasses for an early-morning run in Mexico City and was able to flip the lenses up until the sun peeked over the buildings and then flip them down to create needed sun protection after dawn. While the glasses sat far enough off the face to breathe well, testers said sometimes it was nice to flip the lenses up while exercising in order to get a full blast of fresh air.

Yes, the glasses look absolutely ridiculous with the lenses flipped up, but who cares. These days, we’re all out there wearing bright colors, form-fitting tights, and any number of funny-looking gear in order to have fun and feel good.

Best Under $25

Goodr OG

Lens: Polarized, in 13 color options
Frame shape: Sporty square
Fit: Narrow/medium

Pros and Cons
⊕ Comfortable
⊕ Complete protection that’s affordable
⊗ Lenses difficult to keep clean
⊗ Lenses easily damaged

The OG is Goodr’s best-selling style, and for good reason: Their frame is almost universally flattering, they come in 25-plus colorways, and ring up at a mere $25.

“I don’t usually race in sunglasses, but I wore these in the Berlin Marathon,” said tester Jacqueline de Berry. “I thought for sure I would get annoyed by them toward the end of the race and want to toss them away—and I wouldn’t even have minded due to how affordable they are. But they were so comfortable I wore them to the finish, and they helped me score a new PR [personal record].” Hunsucker, who has logged over 1,000 miles in the OGs, points out that they’re best when it’s super sunny. “They can affect your depth perception in the shade, so I only wear them on sunny, non-technical trails,” he says.

They may not be as high-tech as other lenses, but they’re lightweight, don’t budge, and offer plenty of eye protection for an attractive price. Any athlete with a penchant for losing or damaging sunglasses should consider having a pair or two of Goodrs on hand. —Ashley Mateo

How to Choose Sunglasses

Trying on sunglasses in person is helpful to make sure they fit and flatter your face shape and size. These days, a lot of sunglass brands also offer virtual try-on features online. Your face shape can determine what works best for you. Larger, rounder faces tend to work best with oversized or shield glasses; smaller faces might be more suited to round or wayfarer styles.

Consider what you need from your sunglasses before you buy. Are you wearing them for high-motion sports like cycling or running, or for water sports like fishing or paddling? Or do you need them for everyday use, like driving or walking? Some versatile shades can do all of those things, but others are more specialized. And if you plan to use your sunglasses in low-light conditions, consider a lens suited for that or an interchangeable lens that you can swap out based on the light.

In terms of lenses, you have a few options there as well. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter, more durable, and shatterproof, usually designed for high-output sports like running, biking, or ski touring. Glass lenses tend to have superior optic quality but are heavier and can be easier to break. If you plan to wear the glasses on water or snow, spring for a polarized lens, which is usually pricier but helps cut glare significantly better than non-polarized options. Some glasses come with options for lens tint, which is really up to personal preference and where you plan to use the glasses most of the time. Yellow or pink lenses will help boost color and can work well in low-light or on snow. Green and blue lenses cut glare. Gray lenses function well in both low-light and full-sun conditions, while brown lenses can improve contrast.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 11
• Number of products tested: 81 in total (51 in a previous test and 30 in this most recent test)
• Countries sunglasses were tested in: U.S., Canada, Mexico, Georgia, Turkey, Japan, Norway, Austria, Italy, Chile.
• Longest distance Nordic skied during the test: 32 miles
• Number of hut trips taken while testing: 4
• Number of sunglasses that fogged: 2
• Number of sunglasses we broke: 3

To determine our favorite all-around sunglasses of the year, a group of 11 Lake Tahoe, California-based testers were handed boxes of around five to six sunglasses from different brands and told to wear them during their normal routines outside. They exchanged them after a few weeks with another set—eventually rotating through as many as possible. Testing goes on year-round, to accommodate all the seasons, with new rounds of products tested several times each year.

Testers—with a wide range of backgrounds, ages, outdoor interests, and face shapes—put the shades through the ringer in both winter and summer conditions, from low-light blizzards to mid-day July sun and while doing everything from running ultramarathons to multi-day river trips. We wore these sunglasses while fishing in Mexico, backcountry skiing in the Caucasus Mountains, powder hunting in Japan and Utah, and daily runs, bike rides, and everyday outings around the Lake Tahoe area. Testers were chosen based on a diversity of recreational pursuits, but mostly because they’re opinionated about gear and they get outside regularly. Once they’d sufficiently wear-tested products, they filled out in-depth feedback forms where they reviewed characteristics like lens quality, fit, features, and durability. Testers ranked the sunglasses on a scale of one to five, and the ones chosen here represent the products that scored consistently the highest.

Meet Our Testers

All of our testers are outdoorsy, well-traveled, and opinionated folks who call the Lake Tahoe area home. Key testers quoted here include ski shop employee Kim Olenic, Arcade Belts cofounder Tristan Queen, Peak Design graphic designer Molly Street, and robotics engineer Goran Lynch, among others.

The post The 16 Best Sunglasses for Every Outdoor Activity appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

When I drive into the parking lot at Homewood Mountain Resort—a small, beloved ski area on the California side of Lake Tahoe—on a recent sunny morning, the place is deserted. There’s snow on the slopes, but no skiers in sight. The parking lot is empty, save for a few storage containers and idle construction vehicles. The Madden chair, a relic installed in 1966, five years after the ski area opened, is surrounded by orange ropes with signs that read: closed.

This past October, Homewood announced that the ski resort wouldn’t be opening for this winter, a blow that devastated local skiers who’ve come to call this place home. It’s not what anyone wanted. This winter’s closure is just the latest bad news in a series of bad years for Homewood’s public image. You see, a couple of years ago, word trickled out that Homewood was going to become a private resort for the rich. Think the Yellowstone Club, only with a grand view of Lake Tahoe.

“Had [Homewood’s owners] set in front of our community this member-only concept, there would have been lines out the door in protest,” local resident Renee Koijane wrote in a public comment soon after Homewood’s privatization plan leaked out. “This type of plan is the opposite of what any community should be planning for in the wake of climate change, wildfire, and affordable housing issues.”

The threat of Homewood going private came as other small resorts across the country either adopted the business model or entertained it as a way to compete with the ski industry’s move toward megapasses and consolidation.

In Utah, Powder Mountain has made sections of its terrain accessible only to members of its private ski community. In New York, Windham Mountain Club bills itself as a “public-private mountain community” with skiing for everyone and luxury amenities like access to a private lodge for dues-paying members (memberships start at $200,000). Discovery Land Company has submitted plans to turn a defunct ski area near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, into a private ski and golf resort.

These privatization plans have generated headlines and elicited grumbles in communities across the country. But at Homewood, the prospect prompted a loud and angry response. An outraged group of locals began to put up a fight. They formed a group called Keep Homewood Public and began hanging red signage all over town and holding community meetings to organize a resistance.

Their efforts worked—mostly. As of March 2025, the it will still welcome the general public when the resort reopens hopefully next winter. But there were consequences to all of the town meetings and angry signs: namely, the cancellation of the 2024-25 ski season. Losing a ski season dealt a financial blow to local businesses and was a loss for area skiers who love this place. The setback left even the most ardent activists wondering if the pushback was worth it.

But the ordeal at Homewood represents something much larger than a small ski area shutting down for one season. If feisty stalwarts can save skiing from becoming something only the rich and richer can participate in, then maybe we all still have a chance.

To understand why you should care about the closure of a small ski area that perhaps you’ve never heard of before, first you need to understand the backstory and know that what is happening here could happen anywhere.

The saga of Homewood is bogged down by bureaucracy, but beneath it all is a clear theme: The world of skiing is getting privatized and you’re either in the club, or you’re out of it.

Homewood used to be the kind of place where beginners skied in starter jackets, you could score a $60 lift ticket from the gas station down the road, and passholders were given free breakfast burritos and early lift access on appreciation days. But, apparently, none of that was contributing to the financial well-being of the resort, which has allegedly been in dire straits for years now.

The resort, which sits almost entirely on private land, was purchased in 2006 by a real estate investment firm called JMA Ventures. In 2022, Discovery Land Company, known for its private resorts like Wyoming’s Yellowstone Club and other ultra-luxe private ski, beach, and golf clubs around the world, partnered with JMA. The following year, Mohari Hospitality, an investment company based in Cyprus that funds luxury properties around the world, became the main equity investor in the Homewood development. Mohari is the one that pulled out their subsidy for this winter, forcing Homewood’s hand to close.

“The notion of subsidizing another winter loss without the certainty of the project moving forward caused a lot of ripples,” Andy Buckley, Homewood’s vice president of mountain experience, tells me when I pull into the parking lot. “The closure of the mountain this season is not what we wanted.”

In November 2022, JMA Ventures founder Art Chapman wrote a letter to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), the local regulatory agency, that indicated a “balance of public and private use” business model. According to JMA Ventures at that time, this exclusive model was needed for the resort to stay afloat.

The letter indicated that Homewood would open to the public several days each month (not on holidays or weekends) as well as on so-called community days, where residents could purchase tickets that would benefit local philanthropic causes. But on all other days, the resort would be exclusively open to property owners. “In doing so, Homewood would still be available to the local community, albeit on a more limited basis,” Chapman wrote at the time.

A former mountain manager at Homewood during that time told business owners in the area that things would soon be changing. “You’re going to start seeing fur coats,” the resort manager said. Locals were outraged at the thought of losing access to their cherished ski hill. So, in February 2023, that prompted the formation of Keep Homewood Public, which organized quickly and fiercely.

“Public access is our number one, number two, and number three issue,” says Candice Wilmuth, a spokesperson for Keep Homewood Public. “When I talk to Homewood employees and they call us the opposition, I say, we are not the opposition. You have the biggest lovers of Homewood in this group. We do not want to stop the development. We want the resort to be open and thriving. All of us want to go skiing there.”

Homewood’s location on the western shore of Lake Tahoe is both a blessing and a curse. When all the big, flashy ski resorts around Lake Tahoe shut due to wind and blizzards, little old Homewood would keep its eight meager lifts cranking. Some of the deepest powder turns of my life have been on storm days in the trees off Homewood’s painfully slow Ellis chair. Homewood is where old-school powder chasers, families seeking affordable adventure, and anyone who wanted a quiet, uncrowded place to ski escaped to.

But these days, unless you’re coming from the sleepy neighborhoods that dot Lake Tahoe’s west shore, on busy days, you’ll sit in traffic heading to other, bigger ski areas like Palisades Tahoe or Northstar in order to get to Homewood. In recent years, skiers and riders have not been choosing to do that. Even west-shore residents have bypassed Homewood for more amenity-rich mountains. Revenues at the resort have gone down since 2010, and the number of visitors to the ski area has dropped by 70 percent since then. The rising popularity of mega passes like the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass have further driven down profits at Homewood, which is not on a collective pass.

“We saw a lot of Keep Homewood Public stickers and banners, but not a lot of people buying passes or tickets,” one former Homewood employee, who asked not to be named, told me. On a deep powder day in March 2022, this employee said the total skier count at 11 a.m. was 38 people on the mountain. “We were getting face shots after lunch,” he said. “It was amazing. But you can’t run a business with that.”

And as other resorts have built new lodges and faster lifts, Homewood has made few upgrades over the past two decades. The South Lodge, at the base of the Quail chair, burned down in 2016 and in its place sits a row of dilapidated structures and storage sheds. The Ellis lift, a creaky triple chair that notoriously left skiers stranded for hours, got a mechanical update in 2020, but plans to replace Ellis with a detachable quad haven’t happened yet. West Shore Inn and Café, formerly a hotel and restaurant across the street from the ski area that JMA purchased in 2010, has been closed since 2023, allegedly for renovation, and will likely remain a private facility going forward.

Homewood used to offer some of the cheapest lift tickets in the Tahoe Basin, but in recent years, those ticket prices have spiked. In 2022, Homewood set the record for most expensive day lift ticket in the U.S.: $279 for a single-day ticket to a homestyle ski hill with antique chairlifts, a mid-mountain pit toilet, and on-hill dining that requires you to microwave the chili yourself. Some theorize that Homewood was trying to price out skiers ahead of time to show they needed to go private in order to stay afloat.

The resort ownership has lofty goals for a major redevelopment of the mountain and base area, but it’s taking forever for any of that to be implemented. Homewood’s original master plan, which was first passed by the TRPA in 2011, lays out plans for a much improved future Homewood. The master plan—which includes many community improvement benefits ranging from fire protection to workforce housing—has been nearly universally supported, including by those at Keep Homewood Public. (“We want the plan. Stick to the plan,” Wilmuth says.)

In late September, the TRPA regional planning committee met to discuss Homewood’s master plan, which had no real directive regarding public or private access. The KHP crew arrived at the meeting ready for a fight. Over 100 people gathered in the parking lot in red T-shirts with the words Keep Homewood Public emblazoned across their chests. The meeting room filled to capacity and public attendees were relegated to three overflow rooms to await the comment period.

After a lengthy committee discussion, the public comment period opened and one red shirt after another stood in front of the microphone to implore the committee to reject the developers’ application unless they add clear language about public access. Each had their own distinct point to make, but many included the same request: a hard reset on the master plan. “When the developers say anyone can ski at Homewood, what they really mean is anyone with a whole lot of money,” one speaker said. “This is not the general public.”

Toward the end of the public comment period, a speaker named Lynne Hurst got emotional, tearing up at the mic as she said, “I’ve skied at Homewood most of my life. I have Christmas pictures every year at the top of that hill that I treasure. It’s the most beautiful place in the world to ski … Come together with the developer, make it work for everyone … Don’t take it away to only let a few enjoy it.”

But just like that: The chances of anyone skiing at Homewood this winter disappeared. A few weeks after that September meeting, Homewood announced on October 11 via an email to staff and the resort’s mailing list that the ski area wouldn’t be opening at all for this winter. In a statement, the resort declared, “For many years, Homewood Mountain Resort has been subsidizing the community’s ski experience while operating at a deficit … Hypothetical fears and false rumors regarding public access to the mountain from Keep Homewood Public’s leadership have dramatically slowed the pace of the approval process … Without a clear path forward, our financial partner has withdrawn support for this ski season.” It was almost like the resort was saying, you want to put up a fight? Remember who has the upper hand here.

The news of the closure was a blow, but it wasn’t all that surprising. “The writing was on the wall,” one Homewood resident told me. Season passes typically go on sale in the spring for the following winter, but by September, Homewood still hadn’t opened up season pass sales. In a presentation to a Homewood homeowner’s association last fall, resort execs said that they reserved the right to not open for the season if the approval for the new gondola didn’t come through. And in September, Homewood canceled its J-1 visa contracts, the hiring of foreign workers that the resort has relied on in past winters to perform seasonal jobs.

Around 200 people work at Homewood, with roughly 40 of those employed year-round in managerial or administrative positions. The rest are seasonal employees—lift operators, ski instructors, food and beverage staff—who were laid off or not hired for this winter. The trickle-down impact of the closure on Tahoe’s west shore is already being felt.

“Our winter business relies heavily on Homewood being open and that day-to-day visitor, which has dwindled year after year due to their increasing rates,” says Trevor Larkins, owner of West Shore Sports, a ski shop located down the road from Homewood ski area. “It’s been a progression of price increases pushing their customers away.” Last year, profits at his shop were down 35 percent.

But still, after all of this, the questions remain: Who will be allowed to ski at Homewood in the near and distant future? Everyone? And for a reasonable price? Or just private members paying six-digit dues? Homewood’s execs have kept mostly mum on the subject of privatization, but that’s changing now, as they’ve switched gears with more open communication andĚý promises to remain committed to public access. “We recognize that it’s been a mistake to remain silent for so long,” Buckley tells me.

This winter, Homewood management unveiled a plan that represents a compromise. Under a part of its website titled Community Access, the vision lays out future day ticket and season pass offerings that ensure that anyone with a valid ski pass or ticket will be able to access the mountain during operating hours. It also lays out discounted passes for west-shore residents that will remain 35 percent below the cost of a pass or ticket to nearby Palisades Tahoe or Northstar. “People ask us to define public,” Buckley says. “Without being flippant, it’s everybody.”

He says public access has been there all along, it’s just changed in scope. “There was always going to be a component of private membership in the plan, but upon really reviewing the plan documents, it became absolutely clear that the mountain had to have public access,” Buckley tells me. “From that day forward, that is what the partners have been saying.”

Residential property owners will be able to access members’ lounges in the base area and at mid-mountain, but the lifts and ski runs will be open to everyone. “Yes, there’s going to be an HOA with member amenities like many places,” Buckley says. “But the public component of the whole business plan is critical.”

The promise to stay public is now on a banner hanging over the parking lot of the closed ski area that reads, “Smile! Homewood will always be public.” But getting that in legal writing has been a long time coming. “They closed the resort, then they started this PR campaign around public access. But it’s still not effectively written into their documents. Without that, we’re worried it’ll be public for a few years and then they’ll start restricting access or pricing everyone out,” Wilmuth, from KHP, says. “A lot of people are saying, ‘Oh, we won. This is good enough.’ Which means people are so desperate to have this ski resort open that they’re willing to believe the developers. But we don’t think that the job is done until it’s documented.”

Wilmuth says nothing was gained by having the mountain closed this winter. “We never wanted or expected that to happen. That was Homewood’s decision. There is still nothing stopping Homewood from operating right now and season passes have yet to go on sale for next year,” she says. “Our community had to get vocal to ensure what was always part of the plan—public access—was followed through on.”

In late January, the TRPA governing board finally voted to approve Homewood’s master plan amendments as long as the resort includes a clearly-defined community access plan. With that approval, the ski area and its new gondola could be up and running by next winter.

Dave Powell, who’s 86 and skis with just sunglasses, no hat, is holding out hope that his treasured ski area will reopen—for everyone—next year. For five decades, Powell has clicked into his skis on the deck of the cabin he built in 1974, nestled into a grove of pine trees near Homewood’s base area, and glided through the forest to the Madden lift. This mountain is deeply personal to him, just like it is to many people in Tahoe. He used to work on ski patrol with his late wife, and he taught his now-grown daughters to ski here. “I would not be surprised if there’s some kind of deal where those who buy into the new real estate get primo access to the mountain,” Powell says. “And that doesn’t bother me, as long as the rest of us can still enjoy the place.”

Megan Michelson lives in Tahoe City, California, five miles down the road from Homewood. She’s had some incredibly deep powder days at Homewood in the past.

The post Locals Unified to Fight Homewood Going Private. Will it Save the Resort? appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

No adventure compares to driving across the United States. I’ll never forget my first coast-to-coast drive. It was two friends and me, post college, in a beat-up Subaru loaded with everything I owned. We took the long way home, starting in the farmlands of Vermont and making out-of-the-way pitstops for hiking in the Great Smoky MountainsĚýof Tennessee, dining at legendary barbecue spots across Mississippi, and listening to live music in New Orleans. We drove west, climbed the highest peak in Texas, ate green chile in New Mexico, and stared into the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Most nights, we slept in a tent and dreamed of where the next day would take us. When we finally crossed the California state line toward our final destination, I remember feeling like I wanted to stay on the road forever.

The cross-country road trip is an American rite, a true pilgrimage where you can plan only so much; the rest will unfold wherever the road goes. These three epic journeys have starting and ending points, as well as some spots that may be worth pulling over for along the way, but what you make of the trip—and what you ultimately take away from it—is up to you.

We’ve picked three routes on major highways that cross the country (for a Southwest specific guide, explore our seven best road trips of that region), but along the way, we’ve provided suggestions for detours and byways that get you off the beaten path and out of your car to stretch your legs, experience local culture, and see the sights you’ll be talking about all the way to your next stop. You’ll pull over for things like meteor craters, giant art installations, and donuts. With visits to roadside national monuments, waterfalls, and hot springs—and with stays at unique hotels, campsites, and cabins along the way, these road trips aren’t just a long drive, they’re an incredible adventure waiting to happen.

The Music Lover’s Journey: Boston, Massachusetts, to Seattle, Washington

Route: Interstate 90

Distance: 3,051 miles

This northern route across the U.S. follows Interstate 90 from east to west, passing by major cities like Cleveland, Chicago, and Minneapolis. But you’ll also touch on some of the country’s coolest wild spaces, like the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park in Montana. Inspire your road trip playlist by checking out the outdoor music venues and festivals throughout this route.

Pitstop: The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Hop on Interstate 90 in Boston and point it west. Your first stop is the Berkshires, a mountainous region filled with charming small towns 120 miles west of Boston. Go for a hike in , then pick up a tangleberry pie or farm-fresh apples from market in Great Barrington. In Stockbridge, the is worth a stop to learn more about American painter Norman Rockwell, who lived in the area, or check the performance calendar at , home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, for major touring acts in this pastoral outdoor music venue. It’s worth the 30-mile detour off the highway to North Adams to post up for a night or two at (from $194), a revamped motor lodge that hosts guided hikes, live music, and pop-up dinners.

Must See: Niagara Falls, New York

Peel off the highway in Buffalo, New York, for a visit to , America’s oldest state park and home to its three namesake waterfalls. Grab a yellow poncho and a ticket ($14) to view the falls from below at the observation decks.

Pitstop: Saint Charles, Iowa

Take a detour to visit Saint Charles, Iowa, home to the four-day held each August on a 350-acre plot of grassland. This year’s headliners include Tyler, the Creator, Kacey Musgraves, and Lana Del Ray. You can camp on site during the festival and hop a free shuttle into nearby Des Moines. If you can’t make the show, Des Moines still delivers, with 800 miles of trails to explore on foot or bike, including the paved 25-mile , a converted rail-trail with an iconic bridge that’s lit up at night over the Des Moines River valley. rents bikes.

Pitstop: Black Hills, South Dakota

There’s tons to see in the Black Hills of South Dakota, including famous highlights like and , as well as lesser known gems like the third longest caves in the world at or the annual buffalo roundup each September in . Grab donuts for the road from , a famed roadside attraction. Stay in a canvas tent among ponderosa pines at (from $179), outside the town of Keystone.

Stretch Your Legs: Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

It’s not far off I-90 to reach , a geologic monolith with deep roots to indigenous cultures in the northern plains and the country’s first national monument. Parking and trails can be crowded here, so skip the main lot and hike the 1.5-mile instead—it’s less busy and still has good views of the tower.

Pitstop: Bozeman, Montana

Post up at the (from $189) in downtown Bozeman, which has on the property. Stroll Main Street, then take a walk up through Burke Park, a few blocks away, for a nice view of town. It’s about an hour and 20 minutes drive to reach the north entrance to , known for its geysers and 2.2 million acres of wilderness. If you’re on the road for music, the in nearby Big Sky takes place in early August.

Pitstop: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Home to Lake Coeur d’Alene as well as dozens of smaller lakes, you’ll want to stop in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for a swim or a paddle. rents kayaks and paddleboards. on the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille has cabins and campsites (from $48), a , and access to 45 miles of trails for biking and hiking.

Must See: The Gorge Amphitheater, WashingtonĚý

MusicĚýbreaks up the drive, and there’s no better place to see live music outdoors in this part of the country than the in Quincy, Washington. There’s on-site camping during shows and an upcoming lineup that includes Billy Strings and Tedeschi Trucks Band.

Stretch Your Legs: Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Hike to stunning alpine lakes on Snoqualmie Pass, just an hour outside of Seattle on I-90. You’ll need a $5 to access most of the hikes in this area. The 2-mile follows the Snoqualmie River to a 70-foot waterfall. For a more stout climb, the 8.5-mile roundtrip hike to in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a real gem.

Final Stop: Seattle, Washington

Celebrate the end of an epic journey by watching the sunset over the Olympic Mountains and dipping your toes into Puget Sound from Seattle’s . Stay in the heart of downtown at the (from $189) and you can browse fresh produce and maker’s stalls outside your door. The 10-mile paved sits right along the waterfront. Want more live music to cap off your trip? The is downtown Seattle’s coolest music venue.

The Best National Parks Road Trip: San Francisco, California, to Washington, D.C.

Route: Interstate 80 and Interstate 70

Distance: 2,915 miles

Travel across the heartland of the U.S. on this iconic route along I-80 and I-70, passing through stunning western mountain ranges like California’s Sierra Nevada, Nevada’s Ruby Mountains, Utah’s Wasatch, and Colorado’s Rockies. You’ll visit the great national parks across southern UtahĚýand hit cities like Denver, Colorado; Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, and Columbus, Ohio, before landing in the country’s capital.

Pitstop: Lake Tahoe, California

Depart San Francisco on Interstate 80 heading east, leaving the shores of the Pacific Ocean to begin a steady climb toward the mountains of the Sierra Nevada range.Ěý, in the roadside town of Auburn, has good burgers and homemade pies for the road. Lake Tahoe is your first stop, a short but worthy departure from the highway. Stay at the newĚý (from $138), which opens in March, and you’ll be steps from the lake. Rent bikes atĚý to pedal the world-class singletrack along theĚý or grab a paddleboard fromĚý. Don’t miss dinner at the newly opened, featuring eclectic dishes and locally-sourced ingredients.

Pitstop: Ruby Mountains, Nevada

ĚýThere’s not much on Interstate 80 as you cross Nevada between Reno and Salt Lake City—except for the Ruby Mountains, which spike straight up from the desert floor of the Great Basin. In the winter,Ěý offers heli-ski access to 200,000 acres of rugged terrain. In the summer, there’sĚý. Stay at Ruby Mountain Heli’sĚý or one of their two mountainside yurts (from $190).

Must See: Great Basin National Park, Nevada

For a national park detour, consider visitingĚý, which has one of the darkest skies in the world for stargazing. Near the entrance to the park, theĚý make for a great overnight stop and snack resupply station.

Pitstop: Moab, Utah

In Salt Lake City, you’ll say goodbye to Interstate 80 and head south to meet up with Interstate 70, but not before spending time to explore the Mighty Five national parks that made southern Utah famous: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. You could spend weeks here—or just a couple of days. Be sure to book a self-guided or ranger-led hike in the slot canyons of the in Arches National Park and get a permit to hike the exposed rocky cliffside of in Zion National Park. (from $129) makes for a great base camp, or there’s .

Stretch Your Legs: Glenwood Canyon, Colorado

Get back on I-70 and make your way into Colorado, where scenic Glenwood Canyon makes for a stunning drive along the Colorado River. The paved parallels the highway for over 16 miles, making for an easy biking or running destination. Afterward, stay for a soak in the . A new 16-suite boutique hotel called Hotel 1888 is opening near the hot springs this summer.

Pitstop: Breckenridge, Colorado

Spend the night at (from $320), which opened in early 2025 at the base of Peak 9 at, home to skiing and snowboarding in the winter and biking and hiking come summer. Stroll the charming Main Street of downtown Breck and don’t miss a visit to the , a 15-foot-tall wooden art installation now located on the town’s Trollstigen Trail.

Must See: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

It’s not exactly on the way, but this adventure clearly detours for national parks, so make the trek north to Rocky Mountain National Park, a quiet, snowy paradise in the winter and a fishing and backpacking mecca in the warmer months. The short hikes to and are popular among families. For experienced mountain travelers, Longs Peak is the park’s most famous 14er— leads guided treks to the peak. Stay overnight in Denver before you head into the plains: (from $189), the country’s first carbon positive hotel, opened in Denver’s Civic Center Park late last year.

Stretch Your Legs: Monument Rocks, Kansas

There’s a on an 80-foot easel—one of three in the world—visible from the highway in the town of Goodland, Kansas. Then, pull over for 50-foot-high fossil rock outcroppings and limestone spires on the Kansas prairie at , which is on private land that’s open to the public south of Oakley, Kansas, right off I-70. šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ of Topeka, you can visit the , a former school site that commemorates the historic end of racial segregation in public schools.

Pitstop: St. Louis, Missouri

Next stop on your national park tour? The of St. Louis. You can ride a tram 630 feet to the top of the arch, walk the palatial grounds beneath the architectural wonder, or admire the arch from a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. The (from $149) is housed in a historic shoe company building and has a rooftop pool and restaurant overlooking the city. is a public market with a food hall, retail shops, and live music, and don’t miss brunch amid a plant nursery at the city’s .

Pitstop: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OhioĚý

Ohio has but one national park and it’s worth the detour to visit: has paddling along the Cuyahoga River, 20 miles of multi-use pathways along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and 125 miles of hiking trails through woodlands and wetlands. There’s no camping within the national park but has tent camping (from $40) nearby or the (from $200) is within the park and on the National Register of Historic Homes.

Final Stop: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland

End your national parks tour of the U.S. with a visit to the . The C&O Canal follows the Potomac River for 184 miles from Cumberland, Maryland, to Washington, D.C. It makes for a great walk or bike ride. Pitch a tent at one of the free hiker or biker campsites or pull your car up to one of a handful of drive-in sites (from $10). Or you can stay in a (from $175) along the canal.

The History Buff’s Tour of the U.S.: Los Angeles, California, to Charlottesville, Virginia

Route: Interstate 40

Distance: 2,696 miles

This pilgrimage sticks to one highway only for most of the way: Interstate 40, which starts in the Mojave Desert of California and crosses the southern portion of the U.S., over the Rocky Mountains and through the Great Plains and the Appalachian Mountains. It traverses Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Much of the western route parallels the historic U.S. Route 66, so it feels like a throwback to another era, a perfect journey for those who love learning about our nation’s past.

Pitstop: Mojave National Preserve, California

ĚýYou can watch a drive-in movie, visit a ghost town, or hike through lava tubes in . You can’t miss a visit to , an hour away, for stellar stargazing, rock climbing, and 300 miles of hiking trails. Stay in an adobe bungalow at the centrally located (from $195), which has an on-site farm, restaurant, and picnic lunches to go.

Stretch Your Legs: Lake Havasu, Arizona

will deliver you a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waters of the , once a major tributary on the lower Colorado River and one of the last ecologically functioning river habitats in the southwest.

Pitstop: Flagstaff, Arizona

Post up at the (from $109) in Flagstaff, Arizona, and then go explore the sights around Flagstaff, including , an hour and a half north. The 3-mile , along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, makes for a mellow stroll. The on Route 66 in Flagstaff used to be a historic taxidermy shop and is now a popular bar for country music and line dancing.

Must See: Meteor Crater National Landmark

Yep, you’re pulling off the highway to see this: The most preserved meteorite impact site on earth is right off I-40 near Winslow, Arizona. For a $29 admission at the , you can sign up for a guided hike of the crater’s rim.

Stretch Your Legs: Continental Divide Trail; Grants, New Mexico

ĚýYou’re passing from one side of the Continental Divide to the other: Might as well get out of the car and go for a trail run or hike along the Continental Divide Trail, which crosses Interstate 40 near the town of Grants, New Mexico.

Pitstop: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Take a detour off I-40 in Albuquerque to spend a night or two in Santa Fe, the highest elevation capital city in the U.S., which sits at 7,000 feet in the high desert. Splurge on a night at (from $645), a full-service retreat in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos. For art and history buffs, the and the are well worth a visit.

Must See: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

You’ve already seen the actual Grand Canyon, so now it’s time to see the Grand Canyon of Texas, in , 25 miles outside of Amarillo. The park has camping and cabins, an 800-foot-deep canyon, mountain bike trails, and an outdoor stage where actors perform a Texas musical.

Pitstop: Hot Springs, Arkansas

You’ll come to Hot Springs for the historic bathhouses and modern-day spa resorts. At , you can soak in one of two original bathhouses. Want to learn about some of the country’s most infamous criminals? , in downtown Hot Springs, has exhibits on Al Capone and Owen Madden. The (from $169) is housed in a centrally located historic building. Don’t miss: is the only brewery in the world that uses thermal spring water for its beers.

Must See: Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas

If you’re into geologic history, add a visit to Arkansas’ , where you can dig for minerals and gems in a 37-acre field on an eroded volcanic crater. (And yes, notable diamonds have been discovered here.)

Pitstop: Nashville, Tennessee

From the music scene to the foodie paradise, you might never want to leave Nashville. Stay in one of eight suites in a 19th century mansion at (from $306), where wood-fired pizzas are served in the backyard. The currently has exhibits on Luke Combs and Rosanne Cash. Go for a walk or run in or take a guided bike tour of the city’s murals and street art with .

Pitstop: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, you can hike to waterfalls like Mouse Creek Falls or Mingo Falls, fish for brook trout, or bike the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, which is closed to cars on Wednesdays from May through September. The coolest place in the park to sleep? The (from $189), located atop Mount Le Conte and accessible only via foot. Open from March through November, the lodge requires at least a five-mile hike to reach. Bookings for this year are mostly snatched up already, but you can get on the waitlist or plan ahead for next year.

Final Stop: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

Your trip finale comes in the form of ditching Interstate 40 in exchange for a meandering drive along the , a 469-mile stretch through the Appalachian Mountains and one of the most scenic roadways in America. You’ll stop to see Whitewater Falls, the east coast’s tallest waterfall at 411 feet, and the rugged Linville Gorge Wilderness. Stay nearby at (from $175), which opened in the mountain town of Highlands in 2024 with a supper club and Nordic spa. They’ll also book you outdoor excursions, ranging from rock climbing to fly fishing.

Megan Michelson is an šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ contributing editor who loves long drives, even when her two children are whining in the backseat. She has recently written about Airbnb treehouses, the most beautiful long walks in the world, and the 10 vacations that will help you live longer.Ěý

The post Three Epic Cross-Country Road Trips to Start Planning Now appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

I always wanted a treehouse growing up. Who didn’t? There’s something magical about the idea of a tiny cabin, vaulted above the ground and surrounded by strong trees, where you could peek out the window and find yourself at eye level with birds and branches. I envisioned sleepovers in the backyard with friends and secret meetings where my siblings and I could look out over the neighborhood or watch squirrels scramble up close by.

While I never got that treehouse as a kid, I can rent one for the night now if I want. From a lookout tower with a wood-fired sauna in Idaho to a sleek cabin with volcano views in Washington to an architect-designed treehouse on a pond in New York, these nine grown-up-worthy treehouse vacation rentals—which are all built to avoid harming the woods around them—will help fulfill your wildest childhood dreams.

Score Views of Mount Adams From This Modern Treehouse in the Columbia River Gorge

Location: White Salmon, Washington

Price: From $280 per night

You’ll come for the view of 12,281-foot Mount Adams at sunset through the 18-foot-tall floor-to-ceiling windows in this modern, sleekly designed treehouse vacation rental, which sits in between three hearty Douglas firs near the town of White Salmon, Washington, across the Columbia River from Hood River, Oregon. This 500-square-foot pet-friendly cabin comes with minimalist Scandinavian furnishings and maximalist amenities, like an outdoor shower, on-the-ground fire pit, and coffee-making equipment of the highest Pacific Northwest-approved quality. Cell service and TVs don’t exist here. The place sleeps up to six in a private bedroom and an open sleeping loft equipped with two queen beds.

Don’t Miss: From here, you’re just 15 minutes from the in Hood River, a prime spot for mountain biking, and even closer to the windsurfing and kiteboarding that the Columbia River Gorge is famous for. Otherwise, hike to a waterfall like or and end the day with nachos and live music at , a local’s favorite pub in White Salmon.

Spare No Comforts in This Studio Treehouse in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Location: Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Price: From 379 per night

The small town of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, 25 minutes outside of Greenville, is as charming as it sounds. And this thoughtfully designed treehouse on a quiet 16-acre property in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the sweetest place to call home while you’re there. The studio-sized treehouse sleeps two in ultra-comfortable accommodations, complete with an outdoor shower on the back deck and yoga mats for morning stretching. At night, you’ll hear the resident owl, named Betty, hooting a welcome. This treehouse has a two-night minimum, is available for long-term stays, and intentionally doesn’t come with WiFi, though it does have cell service.

Don’t Miss: You’re just 10 minutes from downtown Travelers Rest, where you can ride bikes along the , a 28-mile multi-use pathway. The hiking trails in are 20 minutes away, and there’s wine tasting and an outdoor sculpture park at , five minutes down the road.

Sleep 40 Feet Off the Ground in a Far-Out Lookout Tower in the Forested Midwest

Location: Bradleyville, Missouri

Price: From $295 per night

You’ll drive two miles down a gravel road to reach this remote two-story lookout tower, which is located about 20 minutes outside the tiny outpost of Bradleyville, Missouri. (The nearest grocery store is 30 minutes away, so pack supplies.) This one-bedroom treehouse-style tower was built to resemble the historic fire lookout towers once used to spot fires in rural areas. Two such remaining towers still exist around the , 15 minutes away, which has 32 miles of hiking trails. This is the kind of Airbnb that comes with a welcome basket and a hand-written note from your hosts, making you feel right at home when you arrive. Put your belongings into a winch-operated luggage elevator while you climb the 40 stairs to the top level. Too windy? There’s a cellar storm shelter you can hide out in until the bad weather passes. Nice amenities include upgrades like plush bathrobes, a telescope for night stargazing, and a rock-lined hot tub. Plan to unplug: There’s no TV or WiFi.

Don’t Miss: About an hour from the tower, you can dine on farm-to-table ingredients or take a workshop on soap making or floral bouquets at in Ozark.

Take a Detour on Your Highway 1 Road Trip to Stay at This Magical Treehouse Along the Pacific Coast

Location: Watsonville, California

Price: From $696 per night

You’ll park your car and meander on foot down a wooded pathway before arriving at this picturesque one-bedroom treehouse vacation rental, suspended in a grove of redwoods outside the town of Watsonville, California, known for its plethora of artichoke farms. The bathhouse at this treehouse has its own separate building, accessible via vaulted plank from the main cabin. The house comes stocked with board games and has sliver views of the Pacific Ocean from the wraparound deck. The popular beaches of Santa Cruz and Monterey aren’t far, or stay close and take a stroll on the sand dunes at .

Don’t Miss: Farm stands are abundant in the area. Buy an olallieberry pie or pick your own apples or strawberries at or stop into the shop for fresh artichokes or artichoke dips and sauces, depending on the season. Hike the five miles of woodland trails or spot sea otters by kayak on the wetland waterways of the . rents kayaks and leads guided tours.

Explore Glacier National Park from this A-Frame Treehouse Nearby

Location: Columbia Falls, Montana

Price: From $341 per night

You might never want to leave the comfortable confines of this two-bedroom A-frame cabin that’s suspended in the trees 10 minutes outside Columbia Falls, Montana. That is, until you realize you’re just 30 minutes from the west entrance to Glacier National Park. This well-appointed treehouse is situated on a 5-acre forested property that’s also home to a second neighboring treehouse, but both are positioned to preserve a sense of privacy. In the winter, you’re just 15 minutes from skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort. In the summer, head to Whitefish Lake and the charming lakeside town of Whitefish or go for a scenic drive or hike in Glacier National Park.

Don’t Miss: During peak season from June through September, you’ll need a to drive Glacier National Park’s famous Going to the Sun Road, but it’s worth it for the views along this scenic mountain roadway. In the warmer months, park at the Logan Pass trailhead to hike a section of the 11-mile , which goes point to point along the Continental Divide past the , a historic, romantic backcountry lodge within the national park.

Disconnect at this Architect-Designed Treehouse in the Catskills

Location: Woodstock, New York

Price: From $500 per night

This 500-square-foot tiny house is situated on a private wooded property 15 minutes from the town of Woodstock, New York. Designed by architect Antony Gibbons as a whimsical family escape for these Airbnb hosts, this unique, stilted, stand-alone cabin has massive windows that look out into the Catskill Mountains and to the on-site pond. The quarters are quaint: A lofted, open-air bedroom sleeps two. Pick up bagels and coffee at the in Woodstock to have on hand. In the winter, there’s downhill skiing and an uphill policy at , a 30-minute drive away.

Don’t Miss: From spring to fall, tackle the 6-mile hike to the , which starts just up the road, or take the short but scenic walk to. There are plenty of lakes and swimming holes to jump into in the area, but why bother going anywhere else when you have a swimming pond in the backyard of your treehouse vacation rental? A wood-fired cedar hot tub awaits you on the edge of the pond. There’s no cell service or WiFi.

Enjoy a Wood-Fired Sauna at This Lookout Tower in Remote Backcountry

Location: Fernwood, Idaho

Price: From $271 per night

This structure wasn’t built to look like an old fire lookout tower—it actually is an old lookout tower. Originally built in 1959 atop a peak in eastern Washington, it was relocated to western Idaho in 1983 and completely remodeled as a year-round no-frills guest house in 2018. It’s surrounded by 13 acres of forest land on Crystal Peak outside the tiny hamlet of Fernwood, Idaho. In the summer, you can drive to within 50 feet of the lookout, but you’ll need an all-wheel-drive car (the road in is pretty rugged); in the winter, you’ll need to ski tour, snowmobile, or catch a lift from the caretaker’s off-road vehicle for an additional fee. There’s no bathroom in the lookout; you’ll need to climb down the ladder to the ground level to use the outhouse.

Don’t Miss: You’ll likely spend your days wandering around the hut—you can forage for huckleberries or morel mushrooms—then light up the wood-fired sauna, located on its own deck.

Bring Your Family to This Cozy Treehouse in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains

Location: Dahlonega, Georgia

Price: From $294 per night

You wouldn’t guess you’re just an hour north of Atlanta when you settle into this peaceful abode built around a massive oak tree. For families or groups, four people can sleep in bunks and a queen bed stacked in various nooks and this treehouse vacation rental comes with kids’ books and toys if you’re bringing little ones. There’s a short nature trail out the door. Three other vacation rental cabins sit on the same 7-acre property, but they’re well spaced apart from each other.

Don’t Miss: Downtown Dahlonega, a few minutes away, is listed on the National Historic Register as the site of one of America’s first gold rush towns. You can learn more about the area’s history at the Visit the 729-foot high waterfall in or hike the 8-mile that connects to the 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail near its southern terminus at Springer Mountain.

Ski Sunday River from This Chalet in the Trees

Location: Woodstock, Maine

Price: From $470 per night

You’ll sleep 20 feet off the ground in a 300-square-foot tiny house designed and built by The Treehouse Guys, made famous on a DIY Network show. This cabin, in Woodstock, which can sleep up to four in two small, lofted spaces, is surrounded by maple and hemlock trees and just 10 minutes from the town of Bethel, Maine. It comes stocked with a record player, a ukulele, and a hot tub. The hosts call this pad The Ski Haus for a reason: Skiing at is less than 15 minutes away and skiing and summertime lift-accessed mountain biking at is just five minutes away. Or don’t leave the grounds: You can reach seven miles of hiking and snowshoeing trails from this treehouse vacation rental within the surrounding 634-acre Bucks Ledge Community Forest.

Don’t Miss: There’s ice skating midwinter on North Pond, a short walk from the treehouse, or in the summer, the place comes with access to paddleboards and kayaks.

Megan Michelson is an award-winning journalist who covers travel and the outdoors for a wide range of publications, including šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ, from her home base in Tahoe City, California. She’s always dreamed of staying in a treehouse—even from childhood—and can’t wait to hit up these spots on her 2025 vacation list. She’s recently written about the coolest off-grid Airbnb in Colorado, how this woman pulled off buying a one Euro home in Italy, and these 10 vacations that might even help you live longer.Ěý

The post 9 Sublime Treehouses for Ridiculously Cool Vacation Stays appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

I’ve tackled sections of the Pacific Crest Trail—backpacking, day hiking, and trail running—but to think of taking months off to complete all 2,650 miles of this trail, which climbs mountain passes and traverses remote California, Oregon, and Washington, feels overwhelming. A long-distance walk, on the other hand, feels more manageable, like something any of us could pull off, given some time. They mostly involve days and weeks rather than many months, and are at more consistent elevations.

I’m not talking about a mountainous thru-hike where you plan out food caches and sleep on the ground. I’m talking about a meandering or purposeful walk that goes on for days, weeks, or maybe months. A big commitment, yes. A physical feat for sure. A mental and emotional pilgrimage of sorts. But not so strenuous that most people couldn’t do it, building up their mileage.

These long walks, on byways and moderate terrain, are more like scenic tours of spectacular landscapes, or adventurous journeys through cities and forests. They are not so much to be completed as experienced.

And I think they’re the most beautiful in the world.

1. Best Urban Trail

Empire State Trail, New York

It took four years to link up and complete the entire , one of the longest multi-sport pathways in the United States, officially finished in late 2020. The route runs 750 miles across the state of New York, from New York City north to the Canadian border and from Albany west to Buffalo. Three quarters of the trail is on off-road pathways. You can walk on converted rail trails through the Hudson River Valley, stroll beside the historic Erie Canal, or move through wetlands and fields along Adirondack Park and Lake Champlain. Eventually the trail will include a 200-mile greenway across Long Island; construction of the first 25 miles of that section begins this year.

Pick a section of this largely urban route, which is also popular with bicyclists, and walk it one direction, then hop on a train back to where you started—Amtrak stations are located in 20 towns and cities along the way. Find community with others traveling the trail or seek tips on good trailside lodging or camping from .

Don’t Miss:Ěý ĚýMore than 200 craft breweries dot the Empire State Trail, in an aggregate known as the . Get a brewery passport and pick up stamps at the places along the way to earn rewards like a T-shirt or cooler bag. In the Hudson Valley, spend a night at (from $195), which has cabins, canvas tents, and a cedar sauna just a short walk from the trail.

ĚýĚý

2. Best Pilgrimage

El Camino de Santiago, Spain

Each year, over 300,000 people embark upon sections of this legendary pilgrimage, on a network of trails dating back to pre-medieval times and roadways that vary from cobbled to paved. The most popular route is the Camino Frances, a 500-mile pathway that starts in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and takes travelers about four to five weeks to walk, passing through the Pyrenees mountains and La Rioja wine region, La Meseta arid range, and through eucalyptus forests into Galicia and Santiago itself. The Camino Portugues, heading up the northern coast of Portugal is another top choice, stretching between 140 and 380 miles depending on your starting point, and crossing through fishing villages such as the UNESCO Heritage Listed cities of Lisbon and Porto. No matter which route you choose, all roadsĚýon the Camino lead to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, where the remains of the Apostle Saint James the Great are allegedly buried.

You can walk the Camino year-round—the most popular season is mid-summer—but aim for spring or fall for mild temperatures and fewer crowds, and be aware that many lodges and albergues close in winter ). offers guided walks on the Camino through Portugal and Spain lasting from a week up to 22 days (from $1,436), or, if you’d rather go on your own, has self-guided options (from $718).

Don’t Miss: Once you reach Santiago de Compostela, head to the Pilgrim’s Office for your official stamp of completion, having received a pilgrim’s passport from your entry point to be stamped along the way. Bagpipes will be playing nearby as you enter the gates of the holy Santiago de Compostela.ĚýThe cathedral has a Pilgrim’s Mass at noon and 7:30 p.m. daily; go early if you want a seat. On , await the ancient ritual of the swinging brass Botafumeiro, or cauldron, which is filled with incense and coal and so heavy eight men are required to move it.

3. Best Waterfront Route

Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Sweden

Opening in October 2023, the 167-mile connects new and existing pathways across 20 islands in the Stockholm Archipelago, the largest archipelago in Sweden and home to over 30,000 islands. To walk the whole thing, you’ll need to use a series of public ferries and private boat taxis. You can also pick a section and just walk a few islands at a time; each has an average of about nine miles of trails. You’ll travel along gravel roads, forest paths, and beaches, and through remote fishing and farming communities.

Along the way, camp or stay in hotels or B&Bs. offers a seven-day, self-guided journey on the trail (from $1,095) in spring, summer, or fall that includes lodging in locally owned hotels, luggage transfer, and daily routes that max out at about nine miles.

Don’t Miss: On the island of Tranholmen, a celebrated chef named David Enmark opens up his home to diners every Friday night—. Or visit the island of Furusund, which contains about five miles of trail and is site of a famed 19^th-century summer resort, now a 16-room boutique hotel: the (rooms from $121), which welcomes guests who arrive by boat or on foot.

4. Best for History Buffs

Lycian Way, Turkey

Traversing the rocky Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey, the 472-mile Lycian Way winds through the ancient maritime republic known as Lycia. Mountains rise from the turquoise sea as the route follows old roads, footpaths, and mule trails through long-gone civilizations. You’ll pass by lighthouses, beaches, historic sites like Roman amphitheaters and rock tombs, and lagoons over underwater ruins of sunken cities that can be toured by boat.

Most people take on just a section of the Lycian Way. has five- to 14-day guided tours (from $1,187) that include lodging and luggage transfer, or leads seven-day treks (from $995) with an English-speaking guide. Best to do this historical walk in spring or fall, from February to May or from September to November to avoid the high heat of summer.

Don’t Miss: °ŐłÜ°ů°ěąđ˛â’s illuminates Lycia’s ancient capital city of Patara after dusk, making it a magical place to explore by night. Best lodging on the trail: the (from $240), built in 2005 on a hillside, has glass windows, viewing hammocks, and saunas overlooking the Aegean Sea.

5. Best for Conservationists

John Muir Way, Scotland

Not to be confused with California’s more demanding John Muir Trail, the is a relatively new route (established around 10 years ago) that stretches coast to coast across Muir’s home country of Scotland. This 134-mile walk begins in the western waterfront town of Helensburgh, where quotes from the famed Scottish-American environmentalist mark a commemorative stone bench. The trek ends around 10 days later in the eastern seaside town of Dunbar, where Muir was born in 1838.

On the way, you’ll walk through the cobbled streets of the capital city of Edinburgh, along the shores of , and by the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift in central Scotland. has self-guided itineraries (from $1,827) for the entire route, including accommodations.

Don’t Miss: Stay in (from $417), a restored 16th-century castleĚýjust off the trail 20 miles east of Edinburgh. The trail’s eastern terminus is at Muir’s birthplace, a humble three-story home in Dunbar that’s now a historic and free to visit.

6. Best for Self-Reflection

Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan

This circular walk across the Japanese island of Shikoku visits 88 temples and sacred sites where the Buddhist saint known as Kūkai is thought to have trained in the 9^th century. The entire route is about 745 miles—mostly using roads, but also on select mountain trails—and takes around six weeks to walk. Or you can choose just a section.

The traditional approach starts at the first temple, Ryōzenji, in Tokushima prefecture and proceeds clockwise until you reach the last temple, Ōkuboji, in Kagawa prefecture. Many pilgrims dress in traditional attire, including a white cotton robe, scarf, and straw hat, and carrying a walking stick; they also carry pilgrims’ books, to be stamped after worshipping at each temple. leads an eight-day tour of the pilgrimage (from $2,303), where you’ll walk up to eight miles daily with an English-speaking guide, staying at guesthouses and temple lodging.

Don’t Miss: One of the hardest temples to reach is number 21, Tairyuji, or Temple of the Great Dragon. You can ride the tram to reach this mountaintop temple or hike to the site on a steep three-mile trail through limestone rocks and an ancient cedar forest. There you’ll climb a marble staircase leading into the temple gates and visit a bronze statue of Kūkai meditating.

7. Best for Wildlife Spotting

Yuraygir Coastal Walk, Australia

The 42-mile point-to-point leads through the beaches and bluffs of Yuraygir National Park in New South Wales. You’ll start in the village of Angourie and follow the sign-posted track, as trails are called in Australia and New Zealand, south to the red-tinted cliffs of Red Rock. Most people take four to five days to do the whole route. Along the way, you’ll spot turtles and whales, swim in the Pacific Ocean, and walk through coastal headlands and the biodiverse Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Spend your first night on the trail camping at the , which is only accessible on foot. Or if you’d prefer sleeping in a bed, book a guided walk that includes shuttles to trailside properties like (from $234) or (from $125). leads a guided five-day walk of the trail (prices vary according to group size and season) for private groups from November to April that includes luggage delivery, boat and bus transfers, national-park fees, and accommodations. If you’d rather go it on your own, you can base out of the family-owned in Wooli, and the owners will arrange for lifts to the trail each day (from $499, including lodging and hiker shuttles).

Don’t Miss: Stop into the beachfront , about halfway through your route, for a sausage roll or pizza. Spend some time at the and estuary, a breeding site for endangered shorebirds including the pied oystercatcher and beach stone-curlew. The trail along the Station Creek estuary is lined with scribbly gum and corkwood trees, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot an Australian crane or coastal emu.

8. Most Adventurous

Te Araroa, New Zealand

New Zealand is known for its stellar tracks, and , also called the Long Pathway, is the country’s most ambitious trail project yet. It’s a 1,900-mile journey crossing the length of New Zealand’s North and South Islands, from Cape Reinga at the north end to Bluff at the southern tip. The trail itself climbs mountain passes, crosses verdant plains, and travels through small cities and remote villages. Roughly 2,000 people walk the whole trail each year, taking between three and six months. Most hikers go north to south, starting around October, which is springtime in New Zealand. If you don’t have that kind of time, pick a section or a single island; the South Island is considered the more challenging of the two due to its more mountainous terrain.

While this video shows a Te Araroa thru-hike, some choose a section or decide to hike either the North Island or South Island. The South Island is more remote and considered more difficult, the North Island route longer but with more road walking. (Video: šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ TV) Ěý

Before you go, ($34) to receive the latest maps and a Te Araroa walker-information packet. Buy a (from $110) for access to over 70 Department of Conservation-managed backcountry huts and campsites along Te Araroa. The trail also has Ěýto help you plan and navigate, and the trail notes for each section give details on the route and where to stay and resupply. Or you can book a guided 12-day trip with (from $8,595) and let the outfit take care of the logistics, including hotel bookings.

Don’t Miss: On the North Island, you’ll climb the extinct volcano of Mount Pirongia and descend to the valley below, where you’ll walk by the glowworm-studded , which are worth a stop; you can see the illuminating glowworms in their grottos by boat. On the South Island, spend a night at the 12-bunk, first-come, first-served near Wanaka, which has stunning views from the porch overlooking the Motatapu Valley and a nice swimming hole in the adjacent creek.

9. Best Way to Explore Indigenous Cultures

Vancouver Island Trail, Canada

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is a rugged and densely forested place, and the 500-mile is among the most challenging routes on this list. The trail goes from the capital city of Victoria on the southern end of the island to Cape Scott on the northern tip, crossing rocky beaches and through lush rainforests and territories sacred to First Nations tribes, including the Songhees in the south and the Tlatlasikwala to the north. The trail is broken up into seven distinct sections, from paved pathways through urban areas to logging roads, hiking trails, and rail trails. Each section takes around five to 10 days to walk—or you can spend two months doing a complete thru-hike. Some sections of the trail are still being completed and not well marked, so plan on some skilled route finding or that’s better delineated. If you’re walking the trail northbound, you’ll end in , where the Cape Scott Lighthouse has been shining light for mariners since 1960.ĚýĚý

Don’t Miss: Book a cabin or pitch a tent at the First Nations-owned , between the northern towns of Port McNeill and Port Hardy. At the center of Vancouver Island, you’ll walk through Strathcona Provincial Park, British Columbia’s oldest park, dotted with high-alpine lakes and jagged snow-capped peaks. The , on the outskirts of the park, has eight seasonal campsites and a sauna.

10. Best New Trail

Camino de Costa Rica, Costa Rica

You’ll walk from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the beaches of the Pacific Ocean on the 174-mile-long , or the Costa Rican Way, which was inspired by Spain’s El Camino de Santiago. This relatively new trail—established in 2018 by the nonprofit Asociación Mar a Mar—travels through coffee plantations and rainforests, over the Continental Divide, and among tiny villages that rarely see tourists. Plan on around 16 days to hike the whole thing.

The trip starts on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, in the town of Barra de Parismina, at the base of Tortuguero National Park, known as a nesting ground for leatherback turtles. It ends in Quepos near Manuel Antonio National Park, filled with coral reefs and white-sand beaches. Stay in guesthouses, campsites, and hotels along the way. You will want to hire a guide, as much of the trail is sparsely marked. leads guided hikes ranging from eight to 16 days (from $1,675) that include meals and stays at local homes and guesthouses.

Don’t Miss: In the Orosi Valley, stay at the (from $59), which has private casitas and rooms close to the trail. In the town of Orosi, you can visit Iglesia de San José Orosi, the oldest church in Costa Rica, dating back to 1743, and its Religious Art Museum, and the .

11. Best Paved Trail

Paul Bunyan State Trail, Minnesota

Most popular with cyclists, the Paul Bunyan State Trail is still a great long walk for those who want a paved, accessible pathway. The route begins at in Brainerd and ends 115 miles later at in Bemidji, home to a famous giant statue of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox, Babe. This is the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the country, moderate in grade throughout as it follows the former Burlington Northern Railroad, abandoned in 1983. You can camp at and Lake , or stay in hotels in the various trail towns along the way.

Don’t Miss: You’ll walk through the town of Hackensack, where every September chainsaw carvers turn hunks of wood into art in the annual Chainsaw Event. The (from $89) in the town of Nisswa has rooms and lakefront cottages steps from the trail on Lower Cullen Lake. In Pequot Lakes, stop into the trailside for a scoop of ice cream.

12. Best for Foodies

Cinque Terra, Italy

Cinque Terre or “Five Lands” refers to five coastal towns—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—over the the Ligurian Sea, all linked by about 75 miles of hiking trails. The most popular route is the Sentiero Azzurro, known as the Blue Trail, which is less than 10 miles and can be done in a day. You can start in Monterosso or Riomaggiore and work your way in either direction, passing through lemon groves and walking staircases directly down to the sea.

For a more expanded tour, consider five- or eight-day self-guided hiking trips in Cinque Terre, where you’ll stay in curated hotels, dine on pizza and gelato from locals’ favorite spots, and ride trains to reach new trails each day. If you’re hiking on your own, be sure to check the for updates on closures (landslides have closed sections of the trail), and grab a (from $7 a day) for access to the two paid hiking trails—from Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Corniglia—and for use of the bus lines within Cinque Terre National Park.

Don’t Miss: Climb the stairs to Doria Castle, a medieval fortress near the village of Vernazza, to see the remains of one of the oldest surviving towers on the Liguria coast. The five-room guesthouse (from $208) in the Unesco World Heritage Site of Vernazza makes for a good midway stop on your hike.

13. Most Accessible

Cotswold Way, England

The is a quintessentially English experience, where you’ll walk from the historic market town of Chipping Campden, once a busy center for traders, to the steps of the Late Medieval church of Bath Abbey, crossing through farmlands, country parks, and beech woodlands. Stop and admire fields full of sculptures or study English Civil War sites. This well-marked 102-mile trail can be traveled in either direction, taking between seven and 10 days. has both guided and self-guided walks (from $1,154) ranging from between seven and 12 nights, where you’ll sleep in limestone cottages and guesthouses.

Don’t Miss: Climb the hill to the Broadway Tower, an 18th century tower within a 200-acre estate of parkland offering expansive views across the valley; enjoy afternoon tea at the Tower Barn Café afterward. The trail also passes by , home to some 30 species of endangered butterflies, and , a historic garden filled with seasonal flowers and a lavish mix of Classical, Gothic, and other architecture.

Megan Michelson is an šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ contributing editor and avid traveler who once lived in England for a year and went on a lot of long rambles through the countryside. She recently wrote about trips that may help you live longer and her favorite new backcountry hut in Colorado.

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Traveling itself is believed to help boost longevity, but what if your next getaway had even more long-term benefits?

Picture a reboot that’s good for you. We’re not talking about rigid health camps—we all deserve to enjoy our hard-earned vacations, after all—but rather, trips to beautiful places where mindfulness, wellness, community, and longevity are top priorities.

Wellness travel is booming. Between 2020 and 2022, wellness trips grew by 30 percent annually, according to research by the Global Wellness Institute, which also reported that in 2022, 819.4 billion wellness trips were taken in the U.S. and internationally, making up about 7.8 percent of all tourism.

Clearly, these types of vacations are resonating, with good reason. These are my 10 favorite wellness trips in North America.

1. Soak in Natural Hot Springs

Ojo Caliente in New Mexico

Soaking in natural hot springs makes for easy relaxation and rejuvenation. Mineral baths have been shown to reduce stress, lessen joint pain, improve circulation, and naturally detoxify. At , a spa resort in northern New Mexico, you can soak in any of nine communal pools (with minerals like lithia and iron), which include a mud bath and a silent pool, or book a private tub. Access to the steam room and sauna come with your stay, and you can add on yoga classes or spa treatments like sound healing or anti-inflammatory massage.

Dating back to 1868 and located amid desert cliffs near the banks of the cottonwood-lined Rio Ojo Caliente, the place is one of the country’s oldest health resorts, and open for both overnight and day use. Lodging options include adobe suites with hammocks on the patios or restored vintage trailers. (Day passes for the pools start at $45; rooms from $239 a night.)

Ěý2. Check Into a Wellness Resort

YO1 in Monticello, New York

You’ll get personalized treatments and a custom therapeutic plan when you book at , an Ayurvedic longevity resort that opened in the Catskills in 2018 with a focus on Eastern medicine and holistic therapies. This place is for dedicated self-care travelers looking for a total reboot, a concentrated wellness plan, or programs designed to treat specific issues like stress, depression, diabetes, infertility, or insomnia. Visit for the day or stay for a week.

Not sure where to start? Try the three-night wellness program, which includes individual consultations, mud baths, and acupuncture. You’ll stay at a 131-room lodge overlooking Baileys Lake on a 1,300-acre property in pine forests and surrounded by hiking and biking trails—all just two hours from New York City. Access to an infrared sauna, hot tub, group meditation, a reflexology walkway, fitness room, and Olympic-sized swimming pool are included. (Day pass, which includes meals and all-day programming, for $500; overnight accommodations start at $185.)

3. Stay In a Communal šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lodge

Campfire Ranch Little Sugar in Bella Vista, Arkansas

If community is what you’re after, consider , a new adventure lodge opening in or around May 2025 with out-the-door access to 40 miles of world-class mountain-bike trails surrounding Bentonville, Arkansas, with singletrack loops over rolling hills and through stands of redbud, dogwood, and mulberry trees. The eight-room lodge comes with access to a communal fire pit, outdoor cooking space, gear storage, bike-wash stations, and breakfast service. Campfire Ranch’s adventure concierge can help plan your outings and connect you with local bike rentals and guides. Rent a single room or, if you’re with a group, book out the whole place. (Rates from $250.)

4. Run In Another Country

Aire Libre in Mexico City

, cofounded by Mauricio Díaz, a world-class ultrarunner from Mexico, specializes in transformational running and hiking retreats all over the world, from Costa Rica to Japan. These retreats focus on the intersection of movement, mindfulness, culture, and sustainability, enabling participants to connect with themselves and the landscapes and cultures they’re exploring.

The company’s ($1,800, including meals, lodging, and guiding) is a four-day running adventure where you’ll jog through Mexico City along the gravel trails of Viveros de Coyoacán park and the plazas of the National Autonomous University of Mexico campus. You’ll also leave the city to run trails across the volcanic landscape of the Continental Divide, then experience a guided indigenous temazcal ceremony in a sweat lodge. By night, enjoy communal meals and lodging in boutique hotels.

Ěý5. Spend Four Days Doing Yoga

Esalen in Big Sur, California

Even if you’re not a dedicated yogi or a holistic-retreat kind of person, you’ll love being on the jagged cliffs of Big Sur at , a nonprofit retreat center and educational institute with a heavy yoga focus. You can do a self-guided exploration (read: stay on your own with limited formal instruction) or sign up for the center’s two- or four-night workshops on topics like hypnotherapy, storytelling, or astrology. This is the kind of place where your cell phone doesn’t work, so you might as well stash it away and focus on movement, nature, and real-life connection.

When you’re not learning about your conscious intentions, you can hike the trails within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park amid 300-foot redwood trees, oak, and chaparral, and see an 80-foot waterfall plummet into the sea. You can also wander the beaches of Big Sur, or bathe in Esalen’s famously clothing-optional hot springs above the roiling Pacific Ocean. Accommodations range from bunks in communal rooms to private yurts overlooking the Pacific. (Rates from around $950 for multi-day workshops, including lodging, meals, and programming. Scholarships available.)

6. Sit in a Sweat Lodge Under a Full Moon

The Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina

You could come to the to stay in a well-appointed cottage and eat farm-to-table meals with ingredients sourced on site. Or you could make a trip here into a more broad-based wellness excursion. Just under 40 minutes from Asheville and situated between the verdant Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains with a view of Mount Pisgah, this health sanctuary has five energy vortexes (places believed to be centers of energy currents with spiritual effects), holistic spa treatments, an outdoor labyrinth for walking meditation, and a meditation tower.

The resort recently partnered with, a Cherokee wisdom keeper and ceremonialist from the Qualla Indian Boundary in the Great Smoky Mountains, to build a sweat lodge on the 85-acre property, where he hosts ceremonies on each full and new moon. Overnight accommodations include one-room lofts or three-bedroom homes, depending on your group size. (Rates from $399.)

Ěý7. Go Forest Bathing

Southall Farm and Inn in Franklin, Tennessee

Not all spas are created equal. ’s spa goes above and beyond, incorporating botanical ingredients and mindfulness in sessions like energy healing and detoxifying treatments to develop a deeper connection to self and nature. This working farm on a 425-acre plot in Tennessee has a 62-room lodge plus 16 private cottages that opened for guests in 2022. You can add treatments like sound-bath meditation, forest bathing, or a wellness consultation, depending on what you’re looking for. More than seven miles of hiking and biking trails surround the farm, and there’s canoeing and fishing on the private Lake at Southall. Or take guided tours of the orchard and apiaries that are home to some 8 million bees. (Rates from $695.)

8. Build Something With Your Hands

Yestermorrow in Waitsfield, Vermont

This place isn’t a spa resort in the standard sense, but for people who find learning new skills and using their hands to build things are perfect ways to unlock a deep sense of fulfillment. is a green design-and-build school in Vermont’s Mad River Valley, with a small campus offering day classes and overnight lodging in the Green Mountain National Forest with its lakes and mountain hikes. You can take courses on building a coffee table, sustainable treehouse design, harvesting your own lumber, or basic carpentry. Classes last from two days to two weeks (with certification programs that go longer). Healthy-meal plans plus lodging—dorms, cabins, or camping—can be added to your tuition. (Lodging from $10 to $55 a night; courses from $260, scholarships and sliding-scale tuition available.)

9. Surround Yourself with the Ocean

Pebble Cove Farm in Orcas Island, Washington

Getting to is the first step: You’ll need to take a ferry to reach Orcas Island, part of the dreamy San Juan Islands in upper Puget Sound, 100 miles north of Seattle. Once you’re here, you’ll settle into a cozy cottage overlooking a quiet bay at this farm and animal sanctuary that hosts guests and offers wellness retreats. The inn rents out kayaks and paddleboards and has a garden and apple orchard you’re welcome to wander through. Rescued farm animals like horses, chickens, pigs, and goats, adopted from elsewhere, reside here. The garden and farm animals are closed off from November through April, but the cottages are open year-round. (Rates from $300.)

10. Ski With New Friends

The Ski Retreat in Palisades Tahoe, California; Sun Valley, Idaho; Breckenridge, Colorado

You want to spend a weekend playing outside in snow-covered mountains, but not to deal with figuring out logistics or finding a group of friends to go with. We get that. Enter , a women’s getaway in places like Lake Tahoe, Sun Valley, or Breckenridge for groups of six to 12. These trips, numbering five this winter, are about connection, friendship, relaxation, and play—without having to plan a thing. Your three-night retreat includes lodging at a slopeside cabin, morning yoga, gear demos, chef-prepared group dinners, fireside chats, art classes, and ski and snowboard adventures for a wide range of abilities. (Rates from $550 for local residents not including lodging; from $1,190, including lodging.)

Megan Michelson, an šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ contributing editor, lives in northern California. She’s hoping her occasional habits of drinking tea, practicing yoga, and sleeping 10 hours a night will lead to a long and healthy life. She recently wrote for us about buying a 1 Euro (yes, as in one dollar) home in Italy; how to travel to ski, hike, and bike in Jackson, Wyoming, on the cheap (hard to believe, but she knows of great deals); and why she and her family traded traditional Thanksgiving options for Campsgiving. Her list of great outdoor festivals extends into May 2025.

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UPDATE: Late on January 7, Park City Mountain Resort and the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association announced that they reached a tentative agreement for a contract that will extend through April 2027. “The tentative agreement addresses both parties’ interests and will end the current strike,” reads a joint statement from both parties. “Everyone looks forward to restoring normal resort operations and moving forward together as one team.” šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ will continue to provide ongoing coverage of this story.

Labor negotiations continued on Tuesday between Vail Resorts and the union representing ski patrollers at Utah’s Park City Mountain Resort, owned by Vail Resorts. This is the second day of negotiations this week amid an . Around 200 Park City ski patrollers walked out of their locker room on December 27, during the resort’s peak holiday season, to form a picket line in their fight for higher wages and better working conditions.

“Negotiations have been dynamic and fluid, with things changing rapidly,” says Teddy Zerivitz, who’s on the executive board for Park City Mountain Resort’s ski patrol union. “We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to reach an agreement as soon as possible. We love our jobs, and we want to be back out there. Once we have a fair contract, our skis are in our cars and we’re ready to get back to work.”

Since last April, the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association, the labor organization representing ski patrollers at Park City Mountain Resort, has been asking the ski area’s parent company, Vail Resorts, for an increase from $21 to $23 an hour for new patrollers and higher compensation for more experienced patrollers, as well as enhanced benefits and educational opportunities. (Veteran patrollers currently earn 35 percent more than entry-level patrol, according to Vail Resorts.)

Vail Resorts agreed to 24 of the 27 contract items the union requested, but negotiations stalled. The patrol union filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board, citing that Vail Resorts refused to bargain and engaged in coercive behavior. During the strike, the patrol union has urged locals and visitors not to spend money at Vail-owned properties. As of last week, shares of Vail Resorts, Inc. fell by 6 percent. A has raised over $260,000 to support the ski patrollers.

In a written on January 6 by Park City Mountain Resort Chief Operating Officer Deirdra Walsh, she wrote, “First, please know; we care deeply about the work of our ski patrol; we have invested a lot in them and will continue to. Second, they are asking for much more than $2/hour [more]. In fact, on the day they went on strike, their demands equaled $7/hour more. Finally, you should know that we have come to the table with compelling offers.”

Over the holidays, the strike significantly impacted operations during one of Park City’s busiest weeks of the year. Typically, Park City Mountain Resort operates with around 100 ski patrollers working on any given day; currently, they’re managing with what one patroller estimated to be around 30 or 35 patrollers. Guests waited in long lift lines and skied crowded runs due to limited terrain.

“Park City or Vail Corporation didn’t notify any of us or any customers who had reservations that they were in negotiations,” says John Fuqua, a Park City local who recently moved with his family from Jackson Hole and works at a local hotel restaurant. “People spend tens of thousands of dollars to come here, and it ruined a lot of vacations.Ěý The lifts didn’t open until 10 or 11, and we sat in line for hours. This year has been different from past years and we’ll probably ski elsewhere next year.”

Currently, 26 of the resort’s 41 lifts are operating, and about a third of the mountain’s 350 trails are open. that the reduced terrain was due to lower-than-average snowfall and the patrol strike. This week, the mountain opened an additional 51 trails.

“I know the experience at the mountain over the peak holiday period was frustrating for our skiers and riders,” Walsh wrote. “This was not the holiday skiing and riding experience anyone wanted, and we know that. But what we are doing is opening the terrain we can safely open with the people we have each day during the strike.”

Throughout the strike, Vail Resorts has recruited ski patrollers from other Vail Resorts properties to replace the workers on strike. A ski patroller from another Vail-owned mountain told SKI that that has impacted patrol dynamics at their mountain: “We’re still opening all the terrain we can and operating with a full staff, but some of our supervisors have been called away to help at another mountain, which adds work for the rest of the team,” said the patroller, who asked not to be named.

Vail Resorts says that operations haven’t been impacted elsewhere. “We haven’t had any operational impacts at our other resorts related to the Patrol Support Team,” Sara Huey, a spokesperson for Vail Resorts, told SKI. “It’s been business as usual, and our other resorts have had great holiday seasons.”

On December 31, four ski patrol unions from Vail Resorts properties—including Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Keystone, and Park City— addressed to Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch that cited: “Through the company’s tactics of pressuring coercing, and intimidating skilled patrol leaders to travel to Park City to join the ‘Patrol Support Team,’ you caused irreparable harm to both your patrol labor force and patrol management across all affected resorts. By removing local leadership from their resorts without notice, you failed to provide these patrols proper leadership at the height of the busiest time of the year.”

The letter added that a lack of local leadership has a “huge negative effect on morale, how our teams effectively manage risk for ourselves in the field, and keep a safe experience for the guests that visit our resorts.”

Though more ski patrols have unionized in recent years, no ski resort has seen a strike like this in decades. The United Mountain Workers, a union that first organized in 2003, now represents some 1,100 ski and bike patrollers, lift mechanics, and other resort staff from ski areas, including Park City, Big Sky, Loveland, Stevens Pass, and Steamboat. The union has more than doubled in size over the last six years. This week, Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin ski patrol will vote to decide on becoming part of the union.

As negotiations continue, the outcome of the Park City ski patrol strike could have ripple effects across the ski industry, influencing labor relations at resorts nationwide. For now, with busy holiday weekends like Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the horizon, Park City skiers must navigate reduced terrain and longer lines while the patrollers remain steadfast in their fight.

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What if we told you you could buy a home in a quaint Italian village for less than the price of a cappuccino? The fine print, of course, is that the house you’ll get will essentially be a collapsed set of walls. It will need major construction to be livable, and it’ll take much longer than you’d expect (read: years, not months) to get that remodeling done.

Municipalities across Italy have been joining the so-called 1 euro ($1.05 in U.S. dollars) house program for years now. It all started back in 2008 when art critic and TV personality Vittorio Sgarbi, then the mayor of Salemi in southern Sicily, got the idea from a friend to offer Salemi’s most rundown, abandoned properties in its city center for 1 euro in an effort to revitalize the town, which had been hit by an earthquake decades earlier and left in shambles.ĚýĚý

Since then, the concept has taken off in over 30 municipalities across northern and southern Italy, including the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, as a way to entice buyers to restore dilapidated structures. There’s no all-encompassing website for the program and information about these houses is hard to come by—each municipality has its own listings and local realtors are the best way to track those down.

This has a map of where some of these discounted houses can be found, there’s aĚý for those who’ve bought homes or are thinking about it, and the town of Mussomeli in Sicily, a hotbed of the 1 euro house program, has aĚý.

But we wanted to know, what is it actually like to buy one of these homes? So, we called up Rubia Daniels, a 50-year-old Brazilian who has spent the last 30 years living in Berkeley, California, where she works in renewable energy. In December 2018, Daniels heard about the 1 euro homes in Italy—a country where she has ancestors and always dreamed of living—and promptly got on a flight to Palermo, Sicily. She bought three properties for 1 euro each in Mussomeli in 2019. That was just the beginning of her saga. These are her words.ĚýĚý

After I heard about the 1 euro homes in Italy, I started researching different towns. I reached out to a realtor, and they replied immediately. Three days later, I booked a plane ticket and a rental car, and I was on my way. When I got to Mussomeli, a place I had never been before, it felt like I was coming home. I come from a small town in Brazil, where people are kind and everyone tries to help each other out. Mussomeli felt the same way. When people ask ‘How are you doing?’ they really mean it.

One of the reasons I picked Mussomeli over other towns is because you don’t have to leave to get what you need. Everything is there: furniture makers, ceramic suppliers, window stores. When I was researching areas, I would see that some towns didn’t have a bank, or a pharmacy, or a hospital. I know some people who bought houses in very isolated areas, where you have to drive a long way to get supplies.

The realtor I called only spoke Italian, but I understood enough of the language to get by. My realtor was with me the whole time, showed me around, and was very welcoming. That was 2018 so things are different now. Many realtors speak English, or you can request one who works with English speakers. When I did my first tour of 1 euro houses, it was just me and a bunch of houses to see. But as time progressed, people from all over the world started going there looking for these homes. Now it is a very international community. I know Koreans, Russians, Americans, and Argentinians who all bought a home in Mussomeli.

I was looking for high ceilings and a bigger home. Some houses were in better condition, but they were too small. Some were fully collapsed. You’re basically getting the house for free, so you take what you can get. The cost? It was actually 1 euro. But of course there were other fees. I had to pay the realtor fee, which was 500 euros back then and more now. I had to pay for the deed, which was 3,500 euros. Total, I spent 4,000 euros to get the keys. I bought three houses and closed on them by June 2019, six months after I had first visited. I returned to Italy with five suitcases full of tools, a generator, and my husband and brother-in-law from Brazil, who were ready to start working on the first house.

The roof on the house had fully collapsed. It was three floors, about 1,800 square feet, and from the bottom floor, you could see the sun coming through the roof. We had to do everything from scratch. The new roof went in first. We had to demolish everything and clean it up—that alone took a long time—before we could start remodeling. I worked for a full month rebuilding walls and the roof. Then COVID hit Italy and for two years, we couldn’t return. Construction stopped. The house just sat there.

In 2023, we returned to Italy and began work again. We redid the bathrooms and the kitchen, put in all new tiles and floors. My home will soon be finished, six years after I purchased it. Once we are done with the first home, we will start on the other two. My sons will manage those projects. One may become a restaurant with a house on top, and the other might be a wellness center to give back to the community.

The contractors there are so booked, you have to wait your turn. You have to remember there are 300 houses in a small town all being repaired—many of those are also 1 euro homes—and there aren’t enough workers to get it all done. I manage the contractors from overseas with help from translators and FaceTime. You can arrange everything over the phone, from furniture delivery to painting to curtain installation.

You must understand that Sicily is an island and people operate on ‘island time’. The work is going to get done, but Italians don’t live to work. Everything takes longer. They say they’re coming today to do the job, but that doesn’t mean they’re really coming today. They will come at some point. Sometimes, you have a new contractor who comes in and says, ‘The other guy did everything wrong. You have to demolish this and start from scratch.’ It costs more, but that happens everywhere.

So far, I have spent 38,000 euros in repairs and remodeling. I’m expecting to spend another 12,000 euros to finish. So, it’ll be about 50,000 euros total. But everything in the house is new. I have new plumbing and electrical. For that amount of money in the U.S., you can buy a car. It got me what is now a brand new house in Italy. I go to Italy three times a year to see how much progress has been made.

I’m going to retire there, that’s my goal. That will be my home base. From there, it’s a quick flight to London, Paris, or Istanbul. The air is clean. I can drink the water. The food is produced locally. It’s a much nicer quality of living and a much lower price than where I currently live. My goal is to retire there in the next 15 years.

Many of these houses became abandoned during World War II, and the towns are trying to revitalize them. It’s a way of bringing the town back to life. It’s working. It’s vibrant now. There are more young families, businesses are booming. The people are welcoming and happy. If you’re not from Italy, then you need what’s called a codice fiscal, a tax identification number for foreign citizens in order to purchase a house. It’s an easy process. You go in person and fill out a form to say which house you are buying. You’ll use that number to open a bank account or pay people. If I decide to stay in Italy for an extended time, I am going to apply for my Italian citizenship.

There are still 1 euro houses for sale in Mussomeli. It’s not as big an inventory as when I was first looking, but you can still buy a house for 1 euro. Don’t think everything will be free. Know that the houses may be fully collapsed. Walk around the town, interact with the neighbors. That should help you make your decision. If you’re someone like me who gets excited about a project, then this is for you.

Megan Michelson is an šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ contributing editor who recently took a trip to Italy, where she kept looking over her shoulder for homes for sale for 1 euro. She’s also recently written about how to visit Jackson Hole on the cheap, reviewed the coolest Airbnb in Colorado, and how to find incredible ski lift ticket deals.Ěý

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Ski trips shouldn’t be relegated to the rich and even richer. We all deserve to go powder chasing midwinter without dissolving our bank accounts. But these days, finding a budget way to ski requires serious homework. You can always venture away from the headliner areas to smaller, less crowded local ski hills that want to entice visitors through budget deals, but you may have to sacrifice quality of terrain and convenient lodging. Or you could go early or late season, but that means gambling on snow conditions.

So, what if you want to go big—like, say, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in mid-winter—but not spend big? It’s tricky but not impossible. Here’s how to visit a popular, world-class destination like Jackson Hole on a ski-bum’s budget. It’s also a great destination year-round, for hiking, biking, climbing, boating, fly fishing, and camping.

Getting to Jackson Hole, Wyoming

To reach Jackson, Wyoming, located at the base of the Teton Range, you can drive, fly, or take a bus. If you’re coming by car, it’s four and a half hours from Salt Lake City, Utah, or eight hours from Denver, pending road and weather conditions. offers bus routes into Jackson from Salt Lake City, Boise, or Las Vegas starting at $75. The Jackson Hole Airport has nonstop direct flights from 12 major U.S. cities, including Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, and Newark, but flights aren’t exactly cheap. United Airlines does offer an and $400 flight savings if you bundle lodging and airfare (deadline is by November 30, so save the idea for another year).

From the airport, hop a public bus or taxi into town. Don’t bother renting a car. Parking at the ski resort starts at $18 a day, so your best bet is to take the local ($3) from town or the Village Road Transit Center, and you’ll be dropped at the base of in Teton Village.

Lift-Ticket Deals in Jackson

If you can make it here early season, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has a weekendĚýfrom December 6-8: show up wearing denim, and you can ski Saturday for $25 or get a three-day lift ticket for $199, plus half-priced gear rentals at and . Another great deal is that early or late season (November 29 through December 19 or March 17 through April 13), season passholders from any other ski area in the world can receive a 50-percent-off at Jackson Hole. Have an ? You can come midwinter and have up to seven days with the full Ikon Pass; five days with the Base Pass Plus (which has select blackout dates), . Otherwise your best option is to buy tickets online well in advance for the lowest rate (they start at $218 a day).

The best deal for skiing here isn’t at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort; it’s at , the town ski hill, which has big steeps and steep discounts. This is a much smaller ski area—500 acres compared to Jackson’s 2,500 inbounds acres—but its convenient location in town and minimal crowds make it a worthy destination, especially on a powder day. Single-day lift tickets start at $95, or with a $30 uphill ticket you can skin up under your own power and ski back down. The other hidden gem? , a 2,602-acre powder mecca just over Teton Pass, 45 miles or about an hour and 10 minutes from Jackson, where you can score a half-day ticket for $132. run from Jackson to Targhee and start at $199, which includes your lift ticket.

Hire a Backcountry Guide or Take a Lesson: Info But Sorry, No Discounts

There’s no discount way to book a ski lesson or hire a backcountry guide. You’ll pay a premium for these services. At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, full day for experienced skiers start at around $379 (excluding lift ticket) per person. Resort for those just getting started skiing or wanting to progress to the next level start at $250 a day. If you’d rather not originate at the ski area, you can hire an AMGA-certified guide from for a tour of the terrain off Teton Pass or in Grand Teton National Park starting at $265 a person.

Find Cheap Lodging in Jackson

If you want to stay at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for the closest access to the lifts, your best budget option is (from $49), located right in Teton Village, which has both shared bunks and private rooms, plus a ski-tuning space, game room, and basic kitchen supplies.

Otherwise, stay in town—12 miles away—and you’ll have your choice of a few wallet-friendly accommodations. has newly renovated rooms starting from around $177, and . The (from $55) has pod-style bunks, free coffee, and storage lockers for stashing your gear. And the recently redone (from $160) has hot tubs and firepits, an on-site burger joint, and a walk-through or drive-through liquor store that also sells breakfast burritos in the morning.

Affordable Food and Drink Here

If you’re on the mountain or staying in Teton Village, prices for food and drink aren’t cheap, so you’ll want to know where to look, and you can always pack a PBJ in your pocket. Start with a cup of high-quality espresso from the take-out window at , next to the Mango Moose. The , at the gas station across the parking lot from the team in Teton Village, has a food truck out front and grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Mid-day or after skiing, hit up inside the Snake River Lodge for a $9 hot dog or tacos, or the , one of the most classic après ski bars ever, which has $6 pizza by the slice. For fuel on the mountain, ride the tram to the top of Rendezvous Peak, take in the view of the Tetons from the observation deck, then pop into for an $8.25 house-made waffle with brown-sugar butter or Nutella. (Trust us, it’s worth every penny.)

In town there are lots of options for dining out, but many of them are pricy. Buying groceries at Albertson’s will save you. For other options, has tasty burritos from $11 or $6 tacos. Up a flight of stairs from Town Square, you’ll find , which slings thin-crust large pies starting at around $17, or pick up a $5 slice from .

With locations in downtown Jackson and, seven miles away, the town of Wilson, is a locals’ favorite for no-fuss coffee and bagel sandwiches (a naked bagel costs $1.50). And the best breakfast burrito in town is served until 2 p.m. out of a take-out window on Glenwood Street called , where for $12 you can get a massive burrito that’ll feed you for two meals.

Other Cool Outdoor šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎs Here

It’s $5 to skate in the or on the (through the famous elk-antler arches) if you have your own skates (or $18, including the entry fee, to rent skates).

You’ll need to cross-country ski, snowmobile, or dog sled to reach , located south of town on Granite Creek Road, which is closed in the winter. It’s a 19-mile round trip ski to get there, but that’s the least expensive option ( rents Nordic skis from $40 a day; entry into the hot springs is $12) for this memorable day. Otherwise, you’ll need to throw down for a guided snowmobile trip ( leads them starting at $231) or a dogsled outing ( has full-day trips to the hot springs from $460).

It costs nothing to cross-country ski or fat bike along , a locals’ favorite trail that’s groomed in the winter and is a great biking and hiking trailhead in the summertime.

Another excellent year-round option is the short multi-use in the nearby town of Wilson.

Pro Tip

Here’s a fun way to be a conscientious visitor to the area, while scoring a discount: Support Jackson Hole’s community radio station, KHOL 89.1, with a of $60 or more, and you’ll get a member-benefit card for discounts to heaps of local businesses, including $2 off a burrito, 10 percent off Philly cheesesteaks at , 15 percent off at , 10 percent off at classes at , and free cross-country ski rental for two people at (that alone is worth $80).

Megan Michelson is an šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ contributing editor who loves skiing but not how expensive it is. She prefers the strawberry waffle from Corbet’s Cabin, and her favorite line at Jackson Hole is the very steep and very fun Tower Three Chute off Thunder Chair. Other recent articles by Michelson include “Why My Family Replaced Thanksgiving with Campsgiving,” about a great decision; a description of a tiny, remote backcountry hut, “This Is Hands-Down the Coolest Airbnb in Colorado”; and, more help with costs, “Shred This Colorado Mountain for $11 a Day—Plus Other Incredible Ski-Resort Deals.”

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A couple years ago, my husband, Dan, and I were trying to figure out what to do for Thanksgiving. Go to my mom’s house, an hour away, for dinner? Fly back east to visit his family for a few days? Invite friends over for a Friendsgiving feast? Every option sounded stressful. “What if we just ditched all that and went camping somewhere warm instead?” I offered.

The idea of enjoying the holiday outside, instead of spending it indoors cooking and making small talk with distant relatives, sounded appealing. So that’s exactly what we did.

It’s not that I hate turkey and mashed potatoes. Or that I don’t like my extended family. But camping with my kids is the best quality family time we have. And, as we quickly learned, the long Thanksgiving weekend is an ideal time to enjoy incredible U.S. campgrounds without throngs of people. That’s why we’ve given up the notion of a traditional Thanksgiving—and all the emotional and literal baggage that goes along with it—and spend the holiday camping instead.

That first year, we drove our camper van from our home in Tahoe City, California, down to the sleepy central coast and , 15 miles west of San Luis Obispo. At 8,000 acres, Montaña de Oro is one of California’s largest state parks, with over and mountain biking as well as a picturesque beach that’s walking distance from the campground and seven miles of shoreline. In the summer months, the park’s 47 campsites book up quickly, but in November, it’s relatively easy to score a site.

On Thanksgiving day, we spent the morning surfing mellow waves at Cayucos Beach and the afternoon hiking the four-mile Bluff Trail, accessed right from our campsite. We bought crab cakes from a local fish shop and green beans and squash from a roadside farm stand, so dinner was easy and delicious. I made a caramel-banana pie (from a recipe I tore out of šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ magazine) in a cast-iron pan over the fire. That evening, we FaceTimed our families from the picnic table, and they were thrilled to see us having a good time. Nobody’s feelings were hurt that we weren’t there.

Later that night, some kids at the site next to ours started kicking the soccer ball around and invited our two to join. Suddenly, we had friendly neighbors. They were the Petersens from a town not far away, and they go camping every Thanksgiving. They’d roasted a turkey all day in their Dutch oven over the campfire, while a second cast-iron pot was filled with potatoes and stuffing. (I took notes for my next Thanksgiving camp menu.) They welcomed us over for dessert, so we brought our pie and sat around the fire chatting amiably.

Our first Campsgiving was a success.

Last year we decided to camp with friends in Moab, Utah, over the holiday weekend. Arches National Park was surprisingly quiet—trails were empty once you got away from the parking lot—and we had the slot canyons of the all to ourselves. (I reserved self-guided tickets for the Fiery Furnace for the four of us one week in advance.)

Finding an empty first-come, first-served campsite in , nine miles south of the park’s visitor center and close to the town of Moab, was easy. We just drove around until we spotted one we liked that was empty. Temperatures got down into the thirties at night, but it was nothing that s’mores around the campfire, a down jacket, and a flask of whiskey couldn’t fix.

This Thanksgiving, we’re again camping on California’s central coast, and guess who we’re camping next to? Yep, our new friends, the Petersens. They’re bringing the Dutch oven and the soccer ball; we’re bringing the pie. It’s going to be great.

Tips to Having an Equally Wonderful Campsgiving

Thanksgiving shouldn’t be something you dread. In a , 85 percent of those surveyed said they’ve lied or come up with an excuse to get out of attending a family holiday. And in 2023, the American Psychological Association that 38 percent of people are more stressed during the holidays (only 8 percent of respondents said they felt happier). Why are we doing this to ourselves? My advice is to go pitch a tent in nature somewhere instead.

Here are a few things I’ve contemplated when planning our family’s annual late-November camping trip.

Consider the Weather

Camping this time of year can mean you’re in for cold temperatures and variable weather, depending where you’re headed. If this doesn’t sound appealing, head south to warmer climes or rent a camper van or an RV so you have an indoor option if a storm rolls in.

is a great place to start for peer-to-peer camper-van or RV rentals, or check out for high-end Sprinter vans, with pick-up locations across the country. Usually, you can get better rates on these rentals during the colder seasons, too.

Book a Campsite in Advance

Campsite availability in late November is pretty wide-open—it’s much easier to book a popular site now than during the summer. That said, it’s still wise to make a reservation ahead of time if you’re headed to an in-demand spot.

Also keep in mind that many campgrounds close for the winter, so be sure to check that your campsite of choice is open before you get on the road. is the booking site for national park campgrounds, while sites like , , and are good resources for finding public and private campgrounds. I like for occasions when we’re looking for dispersed campsites on public lands.

Set the Scene

You can make a campsite festive with a few thoughtful additions. A tablecloth and picnic blankets draped over the benches can be a nice touch. Your holiday centerpiece can be pine cones or driftwood collected from around camp.

Remember that it gets dark early in November, so pack headlamps, solar-powered string lights, or LED lanterns to brighten up your campsite. I like these to hang from tree to tree and this rechargeable to set on the table.

Cook a Memorable Campfire Feast

There are no rules about what to whip up over your Thanksgiving camp stove. Anything goes. But you might keep it simple to maximize your day outdoors exploring.

I like to prep meals at home before we leave. These turkey meatballs are easy to make both at camp or ahead of time, and here’s a one-pot stuffing bowl that’s a cinch to put together. You could cook soup or chili at home and reheat it over the fire or stove. Or a box of pasta or mac and cheese and some tinned fish will get the job done, too.

Dessert can be marshmallows on a stick, or if you want to get fancy, check out these camp-friendly recipes for sweet potato pieĚýand apple crisp.

Finally, for a festive fall cocktail, I like this cranberry spritz (make the cranberry simple syrup in the recipe at home in advance).

Megan Michelson is an šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ contributing editor. S’mores are one of her favorite foods.Ěý

The post I’ll Pass on Thanksgiving. Give Me a Camping Trip Instead. appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.