Profound silence on the tundra in sub-Arctic Canada, the gunshot of a calving glacier heard from a tent in Greenland’s backcountry, the reflection of snow-crowned peaks in a mirrored lagoon in the high plateau of Bolivia. Some of my most awe-inspiring travel experiences have been in the vast wilderness, where I felt humbled by the scale of time and space while simultaneously more connected to the natural world.

I鈥檝e rounded up ultra-remote places to stay around the world where you can feel the same pull of the wild. Whether these adventures inspire introspection or not, their wow factor is undeniable, from a five-room lodge in the middle of a glacier, to a mountain biking mecca on the rim of 鈥淎frica鈥檚 Grand Canyon.鈥� And while these lodges might not be the most accessible due to the effort they require to get there鈥攏ot to mention the sometimes steep cost鈥攖he sublime solitude alone makes these once-in-a-lifetime journeys worth it.

Dreaming of an adventure in some of the planet鈥檚 most remote stretches? These are nine of the wildest lodges and camps in the world where you can truly get off the grid.

Sheldon Chalet, Alaska

It鈥檚 just you and miles of snow, ice, and starry skies at , an intimate, fly-in lodge perched on a razor-sharp ridge in the middle of Ruth Glacier in Denali National Park.听 The nearest town is 50 miles away, and there鈥檚 no cell service, WiFi, or TV, only limitless views of snow-encrusted Denali and the white expanse of the glacier outside your window. With only five bedrooms in the chalet, you鈥檒l feel like you have this pristine wilderness to yourself.

The spirit of adventure has been part of the lodge since its early days (read our review of Sheldon Chalet here). After helping to map much of the Alaska Range, aviator and explorer Don Sheldon and his wife, Roberta, built the 鈥淢ountain House鈥� on the lodge鈥檚 current site in 1966 as a refuge for alpinists, skiers, and intrepid travelers who wanted to experience the majesty of Denali. The couple鈥檚 children ushered in a new era for this remote escape when they opened the luxury Sheldon Chalet in 2018. While the helicopter arrivals christened with champagne and oysters are a far cry from the chalet鈥檚 humble mountain hut beginnings, the legacy of rugged adventure remains.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: A stay here is all about ski-touring and snowshoeing across the Ruth Glacier in the shadow of mythic Denali or repelling into its luminous blue crevasses. From fall through spring, head out on a or witness rippling electric green and pink northern lights, then warm up around a bonfire or in the sauna. In the , turquoise pools bloom on the glacier鈥檚 surface and the boom of far-off avalanches thunders across the white wilderness.

How to get there: Reach the town of Talkeetna via a two-hour drive from Anchorage and then board a helicopter for the 30-minute flight to the chalet. You can also opt for a 1.5-hour airplane flight from Anchorage. Both options are included in your stay, along with all meals and experiences. From $4,250 per person, per night for an all-inclusive trip with transportation from Talkeetna or Anchorage.

Ungava Polar Eco-Tours Camp, Canada

Even in some of the quietest natural havens in the world, there鈥檚 the hum of insects, water caressing a shoreline, or the unfortunate buzz of a rogue drone. But as I laid on my back gazing up at the cloudless blue sky during a fat-biking break in Nunavik鈥攖he northernmost part of Quebec just below the Arctic Circle鈥擨 couldn鈥檛 even hear a whisper of wind. This rare, precious silence was part of what drew Jonathan Grenier and James May, the founders of , to set up the company鈥檚 outdoor adventure base camp here.

The ecotourism company is the first 100 percent Inuit owned and operated business of its kind in Nunavik, and brings travelers to the uninhabited Gyrfalcon Islands. Set on the shores of Ungava Bay on听 postage-stamp Tiercel Island, the camp is marked by five cozy heated domes that echo traditional igloos and can withstand the island鈥檚 tempests and as well as any curious polar bears. When I visited during their inaugural season in 2024, the first autumn chill had turned the sub-Arctic tundra into a fiery patchwork of orange and umber. We explored and motored around by boat, with the waterways entirely to ourselves, learning about Inuit culture and tradition along the way.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Days here are spent wildlife viewing while exploring the land on a fat bike or on foot on guided interpretive hikes. If you visit in late summer or early fall, the tundra turns into an all-you-can-eat berry buffet, where tart, juicy crowberries and cloudberries provide the perfect mid-hike snack. Head out onto the water to sail around the archipelago, keeping your eyes peeled for breaching minke whales and bearded seals, as well as shaggy muskoxen鈥攐ne of the few megafauna to survive the Ice Age鈥攁nd Arctic wolves patrolling the shoreline.

How to get there: A week-long stay includes all flights, including from Montreal north to Kuujjuaq, the largest town in Nunavik. From there you鈥檒l catch an Air Inuit charter flight to Tiercel Island where you鈥檒l land on the tundra runway, but not before getting a fantastic bird鈥檚-eye-view of camp from the bush plane. From $10,500 per person for an all-inclusive, seven-night trip with flights from Montreal.

Ramaditas Mountain Lodge, Bolivia

鈥淵ou travel from Mars, to Earth, to the moon on this trip,鈥� said my guide Aida Belen, referring to Explora鈥檚 week-long , an adventure-packed, private overland journey. The trip traces a route from the Martian Atacama Desert to Bolivia鈥檚 lunar Uyuni Salt Flat following the Qhapaq 脩an, a network of ancient Incan roads that spans six countries and nearly 19,000 miles. But as our jeep rumbled down a steep dirt road, obscuring a herd of vicuna in a veil of dust, Bolivia鈥檚 Ramaditas Lagoon below looked as otherworldly as the two iconic destinations that bookend the journey.

Ramaditas sits on the edge of the mirrored lagoon at over 13,000 feet, and is one of two mountain lodges set in remote locales along the 罢谤补惫别蝉铆补鈥檚 Altiplano section. Designed by Max N煤帽ez, the minimalist, stilted lodge has just four rooms that overlook the lagoon, and in the distance, snow-capped mountains and Bolivia鈥檚 dramatic, barren plateau. 国产吃瓜黑料s abound in the region, and at night, a rainfall shower, glass of smoky carm茅n猫re, and a modern room clad in warm mani wood with a picture window await.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Hiking and mountain biking across the windswept plateau are the main draw in the region and a five-mile trek in Pastos Grandes is a highlight (which feels a lot longer at 16,000 feet). Weave through boulders and around desert plants to reach ancient pictographs emblazoned on the walls of skyscraper-high yardangs (tall rock formations sculpted by the wind), before catching your breath during a picnic lunch.

How to get there: The guided overland journey begins in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, a two-hour flight from Santiago. The Jirira Lodge, which overlooks the and marks the end of the 罢谤补惫别蝉铆补 can also now be booked independent of the overland trip. Joya Andina in Uyuni is the closest airport to Jirira Lodge and is a 1.5-hour drive across the salt flat during the dry season, from April to November, or a five-hour drive around it during the wet season, from December to March. From $8,500 per person for an all-inclusive, seven night trip excluding flights.

Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia

Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated countries on Earth, and in the heart of the Gobi Desert, a vast 500,000-square-mile expanse of wilderness, sits Three Camel Lodge. Nestled at the foot of Bulagtai Mountain, each cozy, wood stove-warmed traditional ger (a Mongolian yurt-like dwelling) opens out onto the endless steppe, where wind whispers through sunbaked grasses. Hidden in this ancient landscape are Bronze Age petroglyphs and a geological and paleontological history even older.

Part of the collection, the property was founded on a vision of preserving the land, wildlife, and nomadic culture and traditions of Mongolia鈥檚 people. So, while this is likely one of the most remote locales on Earth for a lodge, every guest is immersed in local culture, food, and storytelling through visits with nomadic families鈥攚ith wild desert adventures on your doorstep.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Head out on a hike through the cinnamon-hued Flaming Cliffs, an iconic site in the Gobi Desert and one of the world鈥檚 most important paleontological sites (dinosaur eggs were first discovered here in 1923), or embark on a trek through the green Yol Valley National Park, a tapestry of sparkling streams and wildflowers. Horses are an important part of Mongolian culture throughout history and into the present. Saddle up to visit a nomadic family and get a look at their culinary and artisan traditions inside their home or try your hand at Mongolian archery.

How to get there: Travelers can reach via a 1.5-hour flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad, located on the edge of the Gobi Desert. There, a 4脳4 vehicle awaits to ferry guests along a scenic one-hour drive to reach the lodge. 听From $4,915 per person for two nights.

Kongde Lodge, Nepal

The trek to Everest Base Camp, a place steeped in the spirit of mountaineering expeditions both infamous and celebrated, is still one of the world鈥檚 most celebrated adventures. While making the journey to camp at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier has drawn criticism in recent decades for being overcrowded and unsustainable on multiple fronts, Mountain Lodges of Nepal offers a way to traverse this storied landscape in a way that鈥檚 gentler on the environment and local communities.

Their 12-day trip begins at 9,300 feet in Lukla and ends with a helicopter ride into camp surrounded by the staggering beauty and scale of the nearly mythical, snow-shrouded mountains. Along the route, trekkers engage with local culture and stay at the mountain lodges that dot the trail, including . Sitting at nearly 14,000 feet, this is the highest-altitude lodge on the trip and the most remote, hours away from the usual tourist circuit. Cradled by mountains with sweeping views of the Khumbu Valley and Mount Everest in the distance, the scenery and solitude here is unrivaled in the region.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: The week-long journey on foot through the high Himalayas to reach Kongde Lodge will take you through small Sherpa villages and over high suspension bridges. You鈥檒l wind through fragrant fir and rhododendron forests and visit the world鈥檚 most remote monastery. Central to the trek is connecting with the region鈥檚 Sherpa people, and learning about their culture through song, dance, and food. After two nights at the lodge, a short but cinematic helicopter flight marks the last leg to base camp.

How to get there: A helicopter flight from Deboche Lodge, which is reached on day six, whisks you up to Kongde Lodge, where, far away from the 鈥淓verest Highway,鈥� you鈥檒l refuel with champagne breakfast in the clouds on arrival. From $9,800 per person.

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Australia is home to some of the most far-flung, primordial swaths of wilderness in the world, and on the coastline of Western Australia, almost 800 miles north of Perth, sits Sal Salis. The secluded safari-style camp rests in bone-white dunes that hem the brilliant turquoise lagoons of Ningaloo Reef, a . Wake up to birdsong and drift off to the ocean waves in a breezy tent鈥攐ne of only 16 and the only property around for miles, meaning you鈥檒l have beach stargazing almost to yourself.

The waters here are home to spectacular marine wildlife, including humpback whales, manta rays, sea turtles, and one of the largest aggregations of whale sharks in the world, making this spot a Shangri-La for ocean lovers. Each year between March and August and October, whale sharks migrate past Ningaloo Reef, congregating in great numbers, and a stay here offers the rare opportunity to responsibly swim alongside the majestic giants. From July to August, you can also swim with humpback whales as they make their way back down to the Antarctic.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Swimming alongside whale sharks and humpback whales is one of the most moving wildlife experiences Australia offers, but snorkeling, , kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding are also on the menu. If you want to keep your feet on terra firma for a day, hike through Mandu Mandu Gorge, part of Cape Range National Park just two kilometres behind the camp. Tread through a landscape of craggy limestone and acacia trees steeped in ancient geological history and Aboriginal mythology, with the bright blue ocean in the distance.

How to get there: is an hour drive south from Exmouth in Cape Range National Park. Daily flights run from Perth to Exmouth鈥檚 Learmonth Airport. Tents from $650 per night.

Fish River Lodge, Namibia

Truly rugged, active adventures are few and far between in Africa, but Namibia offers remote slivers of desert for visitors who want to see a less-traveled鈥攁nd sweatier鈥攕ide of the continent. Among these pockets is Fish River Canyon in the south of the country, Africa鈥檚 answer to the Grand Canyon. 鈥淣amibia’s relatively low wildlife density and expansive terrain encourages outdoor adventures that go beyond game drives,鈥� says Jeff Stivers, co-founder of Outlier Journeys, a U.S.-based travel company that organizes trips to the region. 鈥淣ot many people even know about how massive Fish River Canyon is and it鈥檚 perfect for people looking to connect with nature in an immersive way.鈥�

The rift stretches for 100 miles and is 1,800 feet at its deepest, and right on the edge is Fish River Lodge, a haven for outdoor adventure. You can take in the view of the chasm from the rim pool with Fish River tumbling along far below and ochre mesas stacked endlessly toward the horizon.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Set out on around the rim right from the lodge. As sunrise paints the rocks crimson only the call of baboons echoing between rocky escarpments punctuates the silence. Multi-day biking and hiking adventures are on the table here, too. You can pedal or walk your way to two smaller camps, , out in the far reaches of the canyon on two-to-three-day backcountry adventures. The lodge is already one of the most remote in Africa, but you鈥檙e nearly guaranteed to be the only one around for miles at these two camps.

How to get there: From the capital city of Windhoek, is a full day鈥檚 drive south. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended if you鈥檙e driving yourself. From $190 per person, per night exclusive of activities. Two- and three-night hiking and cycling packages are also available.

White Desert, Antarctica

While prone to seasickness, I somehow managed to muster the courage to cross the Drake Passage on an expedition cruise to Antarctica. But if I were to do it again, I鈥檇 be inclined to travel with White Desert. Not only do you skip the journey across some of the roughest seas on the planet by arriving on a charter flight from South Africa, but you gain access to the interior of the world鈥檚 most remote continent, a part of Antarctica that few see. While icebergs and rocky shorelines dominate the Antarctic coastline that cruise ships navigate, the heart of the continent is another world, one of shimmering blue ice tunnels and crevasses, jagged mountain peaks, and vast moonscapes.

On an east to west traverse of Antarctica in 2005, co-founder Patrick Woodhead was so captivated by the rugged beauty of the interior that he and his wife, Robyn, were inspired to give other intrepid adventurers the chance to experience it. If the landscape doesn鈥檛 feel extraplanetary enough, the two domed camps, Whichaway and Echo, give a nod to the early days of space exploration with a striking futuristic aesthetic and elegant amenities. And while White Desert is a singular luxury experience鈥攔ates start at $49,500 per person for a six-day trip鈥攕ustainability is at the core of the carbon-neutral company鈥檚 ethos. The camps鈥� design has a light footprint, the company utilizes sustainable aviation fuel, and they鈥檙e committed to combating climate change through their conservation arm, White Desert Foundation. The foundation supports Blue Carbon initiatives and climate researchers on the ground in Antarctica.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Trek through labyrinthine ice tunnels, strap on crampons, and use an ice pick to climb a sheer cliff face, or abseil down a 100-meter cliff surrounded by an incandescent blue amphitheater of ice. Fat biking, skiing, and mountaineering expeditions that traverse remote mountain ranges are also part of the outdoor adventure roster.

How to get there: Aboard a five-hour charter flight, travelers fly from Cape Town into the Antarctic Circle and land on Wolf鈥檚 Fang Runway, an ice-hardened private runway. From $49,500 per person for an all-inclusive, seven-day trip with return flights from Cape Town. A one-day trip from Cape Town to Antarctica and back is also available for $15,950 per person.

Nanoq Lodge, East Greenland

Much like Antarctica, eschewing the cruise ship and opting to get out into the backcountry in Greenland is exhilarating. Certain slivers still feel like some of the last untouched places on Earth. On a week-long, land-based with Hinoki Travels in East Greenland, I trekked across tundra carved with the vestiges of Thule history (the ancient ancestors of the Inuit), and camped on the edge of cobalt fjords with views of glaciers and jagged mountain peaks cloaked in snow. In glacier-carved valleys, the wind carried the smell of ice and taste of the sea, and our small group of seven didn鈥檛 come across another soul.

The journey began in Kulusuk, a small Inuit village on an island of the same name just below the Arctic Circle, at . The small, hand-built wooden lodge serves as a home base for intrepid travelers heading out into the wilds of East Greenland with Pirhuk, the ski touring and mountaineering experts that Hinoki partners with to lead trips. While staying here before heading out on our trek, I woke to sled dogs howling into the lonely dawn and a flotilla of icebergs gliding by on the bay. I helped catch Arctic char and forage for sorrel under a bright blue sky, which we enjoyed for dinner after hiking to the island鈥檚 hilltop to watch the crayon-box houses aglow at sunset.

国产吃瓜黑料 intel: To reach the first campsite on Hinoki Travels鈥� seven-day trip, I kayaked across Tunu Sound toward Apusiaajik Glacier, escorted by breaching humpback whales. The journey鈥檚 two remote campsites are reached by traversing spectacular terrain on foot across glaciers, up icy slopes, and through glittering blue ice caves. In addition to Hinoki Travels鈥� unique expedition, which weaves local life and culture into the adventure, Pirhuk offers expedition ski touring, trekking, climbing, and kayaking along hundreds of miles of isolated coastline.

How to get there: The island of Kulusuk is reached by a direct flight from Keflavik, Iceland, that鈥檚 just under two hours. A 30-minute hike or ski from the small airport brings you down to the lodge on the water鈥檚 edge. From $6,750 per person for Hinoki Travels鈥� seven-night Interdependence: East Greenland trip, excluding flights from Reykjavik.听

Chloe Berge is a travel journalist drawn to adventures in the world鈥檚 rugged, remote corners, preferably exploring them on foot. Recent stories have brought her into the backcountry of Greenland, across Bolivia鈥檚 high plateau, and to Arctic Canada, and she has her sights set on the Himalayas next. She writes for publications including National Geographic, The Globe and Mail, AFAR, Travel + Leisure, and Sierra.

The post The Most Remote Places to Stay on Earth That Are Worth the Trek appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The twang of a recurve bow听echoes from the television speakers, and on screen, a man wearing camouflage ducks behind a clump of fir trees.

“Holy cow, I nailed it,” a voice whispers. “My heart is pumping so fast right now.”

The scene marks the turning point of season 6 of the survival reality show Alone, and first aired on June 21, 2019 on the History Channel.听 It captures the moment when Jordan Jonas, a 35-year-old hunting guide from Idaho, shot and killed a bull moose鈥攐ne he’d spent several weeks stalking across the tundra in northern Canada. Securing 500 pounds of moose meat represented a massive advantage in Alone’s survivalist competition. Every season, the show sends ten survivalists to live in the woods for as long as they can, subsisting off of whatever food they can forage or kill. The final contestant to tap out takes home a $500,000 prize.

As the rest of the season unfolded after Jonas’s monumental kill, the bounty allowed him to thrive amid the frozen arctic. He eventually lasted 77 days and won the grand prize.

“When I finally got the moose, it was pure joy,” Jonas recently told 国产吃瓜黑料. “I couldn’t buy a Lamborghini and be that happy.”

Jonas wasn’t the only person to celebrate鈥擜濒辞苍别’蝉 producers and staff recognized the moose kill as a major milestone in the show’s history. For five seasons, Alone survivalists had tried, but failed, to kill a big game animal like a deer or moose.

Six years after Jonas’ hunt aired on television, the moment has come to represent a turning point for the series. Alone’s sixth season brought millions of new viewers to the show during the depths of the pandemic. In subsequent seasons, tens of thousands of would-be survivalists applied to participate. The show听even spun off satellite survival series like Alone: Australia, Alone: Frozen,听补苍诲听Alone: The Beast.听

“That moment totally changed what we were seeing with the show,” says Quinn Fegan, Alone‘s longtime casting director. “So much more story was created by taking down a big game animal. The show gained credibility with the hunting community, and afterward we were able to access people with truly impressive big game skills.”

A Pandemic Darling

础濒辞苍别听returns for its 12th season on Thursday, June 12, and this year producers will send contestants to South Africa’s Karoo desert 国产吃瓜黑料 will publish episode recaps throughout the season. Over the last decade, the show has become one of the most successful survival reality series in history. New York Magazine,听its ninth season attracted 20 million viewers.

It’s hard to remember that when听Alone debuted in August, 2015, it was just the latest in a series of similar shows to hit the airwaves, like Naked and Afraid,听Life Below Zero,听补苍诲听Bear Grylls: Survive.听

What separated Alone from its peers was a confluence of timing and serendipity. During the early months of the COVID pandemic, the show’s sixth season was picked up by streaming giant Netflix.听As millions of Americans experienced the boredom and loneliness caused by social distancing rules, they recognized relatable themes in the show.

Over the course of a few months, Alone became media darling, garnering coverage in and , well as public endorsements from celebrities.

“All of a sudden Tom Hanks is talking about us in interviews,” Ryan Pender, the show’s executive producer, told 国产吃瓜黑料 in 2022. “Up until that point we were that show that flew under the radar.”

It didn’t hurt that season 6 was far more dramatic and exciting than past editions. Survivalists caught massive fish out of Canada’s Great Slave Lake. They weathered sub-zero temperatures and freezing听wind. And Jonas’ thrilling moose hunt provided a heart-pounding crescendo.

Alone’s rules and format鈥攖en survivalists each choose ten survival tools and then film themselves living in a solitary state in the woods鈥攁lso set it apart from its peers. So did the unmistakable moments of cin茅ma v茅rit茅 that seemed to happen with regularity.

Cameras captured participants breaking down, sharing moments of intense reflection, and revealing secrets about themselves.

“You have a tremendous amount of time to think鈥攂eing out there lets you look at your own life, one step removed,” says Clay Hayes, the winner of Season 11. “You think about what type of person you are, what type of relationships you have. You get to examine these things like nobody gets to do in modern life.”

No Big Game After Five Seasons

Alone’s 2015 debut was somewhat rocky. Producers dropped the ten survivalists in a deserted stretch of Vancouver Island, dense with woods and mired in rain. Two dropped out within the first 24 hours. By the end of the first week, just four participants remained.

“We were concerned,” Pender said. “A lot of money was spent on this, and the idea was not yet proven. It’s not that the concept wasn’t solid, it’s just that not all of the participants knew what they were walking into.”

During the early seasons, participants caught fish, trapped rabbits and mice, and harvested mushrooms and other edible plants. Some chose a bow and arrow as one of their ten survival tools, and others boldly proclaimed their intentions to hunt deer, bear, or other large creatures.

But nobody ever did. And at some point, every season turned into a battle of starvation. Even the champions predominantly lived hand-to-mouth.

Season 1 champion Alan Kay ate small shellfish called limpets. Brothers Jim and Ted Baird won the fourth season鈥攖hat year participants competed in teams of two鈥攂y squishing tiny rock fish. The next season, winner Sam Larson claimed the crown simply by resting and burning body fat.

These strategies, while successful, didn’t always make for dynamic television.

“It just seemed like they weren’t the greatest at finding people who could really survive out there,” Jonas says. “You never got the sense that anyone was able to be truly sustainable.”

Jonas told听翱耻迟蝉颈诲别听that he had mixed feelings about Alone when a friend showed him seasons one and two back in 2016.

“Watching the guys freak out about bears was the reason I applied to do the show,” Jonas said.

How Jordan Jonas Bagged a Moose

A professional hunting wilderness guide, Jonas applied for听Alone after returning from a ten-year span in Siberia. He had lived alongside a native nomadic tribe, the Evenki, and learned their ancestral skills for living in the subarctic.

Jonas was too late to participate in Alone’s season 3, and then seasons 4 and 5 went by without any response from the casting department. Then, almost three years after he applied, Jonas received a call from producers asking if he’d be interested in season 6 “I was like ‘I can’t say no, the doors are opening up,'” he said.

At a pre-show boot camp for would-be participants, Jonas said he was surprised to see few people with big-game hunting experience. Jonas said the other participants were far better than him at other wilderness skills, like constructing animal traps. But he wondered if those skills would keep him alive.

“I was struck that people hadn’t really done a lot of fishing and hunting, at least as much as I would have expected,” Jonas said. “Living with the Evenki, you see what skills you really need for living in the woods.”

The most important element, in Jonas’ mind, was killing a large animal that could keep him fed for weeks or months.

That was his strategy from the moment he was selected. Given Jonas’ wiry, thin frame, he assumed he’d be unable to gain enough fat to out-starve the others.

“My plan was to catch a bunch of fish, make a big stinky fish pile in the woods, and then hunt a bear that showed up to eat the fish,” Jonas said. “But right away I saw signs of moose in my area.”

Elements of Jonas’ moose hunt, which spanned 20 days, are sprinkled throughout the season’s opening five episodes. He spotted moose tracks and then located the trail the animal’s game trail. He strung up a trip wire made from tin cans to alert him when the moose was in the area, and even built a series of corridors with downed trees to steer the moose toward a clearing suitable for the kill. The entire process was new for the show.

“I wasn’t comparing myself to what people had done on prior seasons,” Jonas said. “I was comparing myself to what was possible given my own personal experiences. Had I ever been on a hunt for two months and never even had an encounter with an animal? No.”

But Jonas’ struggle didn’t end once the moose was dead. He had to butcher the animal, smoke the meat, and then store it somewhere away from predators. A wolverine found the butchered meat and stole some of it鈥擩onas had to kill the animal with a hatchet.

The entire ordeal added elements of drama that previous seasons lacked. Even as Jonas and the season’s runner up, Woniya Thibeault, kept fighting听through the barren winter, the storyline kept viewers engaged.

“Jordan taking down the moose and watching his interaction with the wolverine was mind-blowing,” Pender said. “Watching him do things that people had never seen on Alone was absolutely wild.”

Reaching a New Community

Leftfield Entertainment, the production company behind听Alone,听has a website where fans can apply to be on the show. In the early seasons, the website regularly accepted 10,000 or so applications each year. By 2007, that had swelled to 25,000 annually.

Fegan, who has been with听Alone since season four, told听国产吃瓜黑料 that 70,000 people applied for season 12. Thanks to听the increase in applications,听Alone‘s casting department has a deeper field of seasoned survivalists to choose from compared to years ago. The deeper field has made the show a better watch.

“Back in season 4, even听if you were using a bow for the first time you might still make it on the show,”听Fegan said. “That’s not the case anymore.”

Ever since Jonas’ takedown, hunting big game has become a huge priority among applicants. Since season 6, even survivalists without a hardcore hunting background made sure to become skilled at bowhunting before shipping out. Jessie Krebs, a participant on season 8, said she went to an archery gym for several weeks before departing for the show.

“There was only so much I could do in a few months, but my right arm got to be pretty buff,” Krebs told听国产吃瓜黑料.听

In some regard, Jonas’ successful moose hunt was akin to breaking an imaginary barrier, like the four-minute mile: once that threshold was broken, it opened the door for others to repeat the feat.听In subsequent seasons, additional participants brought down big game animals. Roland Welker, the winner of season 7, killed a musk ox and lived for several months off of the meat. During season 8, Clay Hayes, a professional bowhunter, shot a deer. Hayes also won.

Still, stalking a deer or musk ox represents a massive gamble. Time spent traversing the land in search of animals takes a survivalist’s attention away from fishing or foraging. It requires massive amounts of energy. When Hayes finally brought down the deer, he hadn’t eaten fish in ten days and was beginning to experience symptoms of starvation.

“You have this deadline looming over your head caused by food,” Hayes said. “You can see yourself getting skinny, and you know your time is coming to an end. It’s really stressful. When I walked up on the deer laying in the grass, the weight of the world just evaporated.”

And killing an animal no longer guarantees victory, either. Timber Cleghorn, a 35-year-old survivalist from Indiana, stalked and killed a moose during season 11. After killing the animal, Cleghorn spent more than a week smoking and preserving the meat, and the effort nearly drove him to exhaustion.

“It was an unspeakable amount of work,” Cleghorn said. “It would have been a breeze if the weather was chilly and the meat would have stayed good. Smoking the whole thing just about killed me.”

The effort drained Cleghorn, but he did live off of the moose meant for weeks. He said the moose kill increased a different element of the challenge of听Alone: anxiety.

“Having the moose put a ton of pressure on me, because in my mind it meant I had to stay and win,” Cleghorn told 国产吃瓜黑料.听“If I don’t win and I have this moose meat, it will look terrible. I didn’t like that the choice was taken away from me, and I struggled with that late into the show.”

Cleghorn eventually tapped out after 83 days. Only a handful of contestants in听Alone history have lasted longer in the wild.

But enough would-be听Alone contestants were inspired by Jonas’ successful hunt that many still regard him as a role model. In the years after his success, Jonas said prospective Alone participants reached out to him to ask advice on how to win.

“Sure, the show can be hacked by getting chubby and hanging out in your shelter,” Jonas said. “But if you’re actually trying to live in the woods, I tell people to be active, go hunt, and be the master of your own destiny.”

Articles editor Frederick Dreier will be covering season 12 of听Alone with weekly recaps. In 2022 he wrote about the show’s ninth season, which was held in Labrador, Canada.听

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Winter in Toronto has a way of stripping the excitement out of life. The days are short, the conditions are frigid, and oftentimes I lack motivation to step outside to go shopping, let alone go for a jog.

But, when I heard that the e running event was headed to Toronto this past January, my motivation to get outdoors spiked. I got my running shoes out. I was prepared to suffer.

For anyone unfamiliar with the Chipotle City Challenge, it’s a somewhat ridiculous but tempting ordeal for runners. The Mexican eatery gifts the runner who records the most laps around a specific Chipotle restaurant in a months time free burritos for a year.

You read that right. Free food for a year. For any runner, this is like having an unlimited supply of gels at mile 20 of a marathon鈥揺xcept dressed in foil with extra guac.

Chipotle Helped me Kickstart my Spring Marathon Training

I couldn鈥檛 resist the prospect of free food. It seemed like the perfect antidote to winter blues鈥攁nd, of course, a fun way to kickstart my spring marathon training.

At first, I approached the challenge with casual intention. I participated in Chipotle’s kickoff event on January 2 where I ran a few laps around the location at the heart of the challenge, asking other runners how many laps they thought they could run during the month. During the first few days, I ran between six to ten laps a day to keep things chill, and scout out the segment and my competition.

It was sometime around Day 5 of the challenge that my burrito campaign really kicked into overdrive. Running around听Chipotle was no longer a joke. I mentally decided to absolutely shred the challenge into beef barbacoa.

A Legend is Born (So I Thought)

I quickly claimed the title of “Local Legend” on Strava鈥攁 designation given to the man or woman who completes the most recorded workouts on a stretch of road or trail. By mid-January, I was averaging 40-50 miles each week around the restaurant.

Let me tell you, this was not an easy athletic feat. The Chipotle in question is located in the heart of Toronto, near the city’s main train station. The sidewalks are slammed with pedestrian traffic at all hours of the day. The lap itself is a tight 1,000-foot city block. Every lap felt like a mind-numbing carousel ride through car exhaust and past bewildered pedestrians, while inhaling burrito-scented air. I started my day with听a morning run between 7 and 8 a.m. I’d return each evening to complete more laps between 5-7 p.m.

By the final week of January I had logged around 400 laps around Chipotle, which equated to 150 miles. According to the data on Strava, I was comfortably in first place. In fact, I had a 150-lap lead on the second-place runner heading into Jan. 31. Victory seemed inevitable at this point. My girlfriend and I went to the Chipotle on the final day to snap some celebratory photos. I even made a homemade crown.

An Undercover Victory

But then, as the final hours ticked off, my victory fell apart. As it turns out, I was undone by cunning Strava trickery. Another runner, who I will title Mr. Tricky Tactics, outwitted me.

Back on Jan. 21, this runner wrote on his Strava account that he was withdrawing from the Chipotle x Strava challenge due to a hip injury. He posted the news alongside a photo of him receiving acupuncture on his hip. At that point there were four serious contenders鈥攎yself included鈥攚ho were vying for the title. We all thought the guy was done for. But he wasn’t.

In the final days of the challenge, he returned to the Chiptole and ran hundreds of laps, undercover. He waited to upload the data from those runs to Strava. So, those of us who were following the leaderboard didn’t know he was secretly amassing amazing mileage. He ran 110 miles in the final ten days, even sprinting a personal best 15-kilometer split just a few hours after he announced his injury.

We all learned about his impressive running feats when he uploaded his mileage from those ten days to Strava in the final hours before the deadline. I was blindsided! I wondered how the heck he’d run so far.

Considering I spent the last three days of the challenge running around that Chipotle, I couldn鈥檛 fathom how I’d been outsmarted. During those last ten days, I ran between 8-10 miles each day. I was out there at dawn running through snow and ice. I never saw the guy.

The Hard Lesson I Learned

I protested the result to Chipotle. Their response was diplomatic but logical: 鈥淗e employed unique tactics.鈥� Technically legal? Sure. Morally sound? Up for debate. But their decision was final. My foe had 鈥渆mployed unique tactics鈥� and, of course, ran more laps than I had. The free burritos weren’t mine鈥攖hey belonged to him.

The hardest part was that I was so confident in my strategy: rack up a huge lead early in the month and do anything to defend it. If I鈥檇 known my nemesis was still running, I believe I could have run big miles on the final few day to win. I would have gladly endured 24 hours of running if it meant scoring free burritos for a year.

But hindsight is 20/20. Instead of earning a year鈥檚 worth of guac, I instead learned a lesson in听trust. Don’t trust everything you read online, and always be prepared for soul-crushing tactics when you’re chasing a Strava challenge.

Marley Dickinson has been a staff writer for for five years. He has covered events ranging from Jamaica’s Reggae Marathon to the Paris Olympic Games. Beyond running, Marley is a diehard Toronto Blue Jays fan and shares his love for baseball on his website .

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It鈥檚 day five of our seven-day stay at Icefall Lodge, and Larry Dolecki, the lodge鈥檚 owner and lead guide, requests our attention as we鈥檙e finishing breakfast. He鈥檚 in his late 50s, married with three kids, yet still has a mischievous smile, the physique of a linebacker, and a smart-ass answer for all of our very important logistical questions.

Watch: Ski Touring From B.C.鈥檚 Icefall Lodge

鈥淭he good news is, it鈥檚 1 degree warmer today,鈥� he says. 鈥淪o, it鈥檚 -14C.鈥�

We laugh nervously. This is the balmiest day we鈥檝e had so far; the coldest: -26C.听 I don鈥檛 know what that number means regarding temperature, as I gave up converting Celsius to Fahrenheit days ago. But I do know it means to layer up and keep track of my feet and hands. Once in the sun, it鈥檒l feel a lot warmer. Metrics and time don鈥檛 matter here. What matters is that we鈥檒l be out all day, skinning from the lodge鈥檚 front door to the untouched bowls and mountain saddles above.

This is Icefall, a heli-accessed backcountry lodge outside of Donald, British Columbia. Its appeal is its affordability and simplicity. The lodge is basic and isolated, heated by a lone woodstove and without indoor plumbing, cell service, or internet. There are indoor 鈥減ee toilets,鈥� but the rest happens in one of two wooden outhouses. All ski access is by skinning. The chopper delivers guests on a Saturday with the promise of a pick-up seven days later, weather permitting.

What Icefall lacks in bells and whistles, it more than makes up for in soul, camaraderie, and the ability to get up close and personal with the wildness and beauty of a B.C. winter.

This is my second trip to a heli-accessed backcountry lodge. I booked a week at Icefall鈥檚 sister lodge, Snowfall Lodge, in the nearby Selkirk range, two years ago with eight ladies from my Telluride ski squad to celebrate some 50th birthdays. The lodge鈥檚 capacity was 20. Ten women from Vancouver and a French couple from Los Angeles booked the other 12 spots. Of the 20, there was one dude.

At first, we were all cordial, but we sat at different tables for dinner. However, we bonded by mid-week, and by the end of the week, we鈥檇 become friends. So when the Canadian women booked Icefall for 2025 and asked if we wanted to join, it seemed a foregone conclusion. And that鈥檚 how we ended up with the same core group, plus a few new members on each team. And still only one dude.

The Icefall Lodge Experience

As we reunite at Icefall, there is no awkward cordiality; we greet each other with hugs and quick life updates. Each morning, we stretch on yoga mats, trade blister management strategies, and confirm the needed layers as Larry announces the day鈥檚 plan. It becomes our refrain.

鈥淭oday, you have two choices,鈥� he announces. 鈥淥ne group will ski above the hut to the right, and the other group will ski above the hut to the left.鈥�

Our tours are conservative the first few days. We gain a bench in the sun and ski laps in a specific area. We stay within a reasonable distance of the hut if someone needs to get down due to the temperatures.

On these days, there are more transitions鈥攖he ultimate exercise in self-care and being present. At the top of a pitch, we methodically go through each step of putting layers on for the descent, taking off skins, transitioning boots and skis to downhill mode, and drinking water and eating.

Then, we enjoy the bliss of skiing. The day before we arrived, the area received a foot of snow. It fell wet, but the week鈥檚 cold, dry temps have sucked the moisture out of it, providing us with lighter, deep, powder. We ski each pitch one at a time, no lifts or crowds, surrounded by sharp peaks and the textured lines of glacial cracks and shadows.

At the bottom, we do the reverse for the ascent, shedding layers and moving slowly; sweating while skinning is a cardinal sin. Sweat will freeze, destroying efforts to keep the core warm.

Forging a Deeper Connection

Toward the end of the third day, we ski our last pitch and transition in the shade, putting on our skins to gain elevation for the final ski back to Icefall. With no sun lingering, we feel the cold.

鈥淲henever I think things are hard in the mountains, I think of Hil,鈥� I say to Annie, one of my Telluride friends I鈥檝e been skinning behind.

On the skin track, conversations commonly freely flow from silence to stream-of-consciousness, intimate, and logistical.

鈥淚 know,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his is nothing.鈥�

We fall quiet, both thinking of Hilaree Nelson, one of the most accomplished ski mountaineers of her time. She is famous for becoming the first woman to summit Everest and Lhotse in 24 hours and for ski descents off Lhotse and Denali. But her accomplishments span pages.

To us, she was a friend and fellow Telluride mom who agonized over the same parenting and relationship issues we do. She told us of the behind-the-scenes, unpublished incidents on her epic trips. We skied, mountain biked, camped, and stood on the sidelines watching high school sports with her.

On September 26, 2022, Hilaree summited Manaslu, an 8,163-meter peak in Nepal. At the beginning of her ski descent, she was swept off the peak by an avalanche and died.

As we skin, Annie and I trade images of Hilaree鈥檚 escapades in the mountains. In less than an hour, we will be welcomed with hot soup and a beer in a warm lodge, while she would have been heading into a tent at 4,000 meters or higher. We do not compare ourselves to her, as what we鈥檙e doing isn鈥檛 comparable, but the tangential trickle effect of her existence subconsciously infiltrates us on trips like this.

The Power of Female Bonding

On the fifth day, Larry announces the good news. The temperatures are as high as -14C, and the forecast calls for sun. Today鈥檚 plan is a bit more complex.

The group going above the hut to the right will gain a high ridge and continue up the adjacent alpine valley to ski Groove Tube, a beautiful couloir with a wide apron below a prominent peak called La Clytte.

The group going above the hut to the left will ascend higher to a saddle below Mount Kemmel and ski a wide, pristine pitch called Springboard.

We laugh. La Clytte is pronounced like the female body part. We question if the male guides really know where La Clytte is, and well, you get the idea. It鈥檚 all par for the course on a (mostly) girls鈥� trip.

I fall in behind Clara, one of the Canadians, on the route to La Clytte. She is originally from Colombia and speaks English with the rhythmic intonation of a native Spanish speaker.

Our patchwork, skin-track conversation ensues. I learn that she started skiing at age 29, when she moved to Vancouver to earn her graduate degree in engineering. She followed some of her classmates to the mountains, joking that it was mostly about partying.

Her story makes the ascent go by faster and the hard work feel lighter. She turns on a switchback and recounts the nascent days dating her husband. He grew up in a ski racing family and was working toward his guide certification.

鈥淚 went backcountry skiing with him early on,鈥� she says. 鈥淗e watched me ski and said, 鈥榊ou need help.鈥� I realized I had to do something about this.鈥�

She put herself in lessons whenever she could and kept working to improve.

My respect builds as I compare her ski journey to mine and reflect on her competence. I was put on skis as soon as I could walk, raced at one of the best ski academies in the nation, and competed for a top NCAA school. I see clearly that out here, your ski r茅sum茅 doesn鈥檛 matter;听 it鈥檚 about who you are and how you show up every day.

Later, she鈥檇 tell me, 鈥淣ow I鈥檓 a part of a group of people who are good skiers, and I feel like I fit in.鈥� I couldn鈥檛 agree more.

It Takes a Village

We transition to ski mode at the saddle of La Clytte and make our way through Groove Tube鈥檚 variable snow to its apron鈥攁 long, 1000-foot vertical pitch of pristine powder. We鈥檙e in the sun, we鈥檙e warm, and we鈥檙e done with most of the day鈥檚 climbing. We have two more playful pitches into a shaded ravine before heading into the woods back to the hut.

On the last pitch, the snow becomes thicker, and one of the French women, Emilie, falls backward. Nobo, our tail guide, radios that she has hurt her knee. Gauthier, the lead guide, and most of the group are already in the shade below.

We are abruptly reminded how quickly a situation can turn in the mountains. The most significant danger is the dropping temperature. Those waiting in the shade climb a small ridge to get in the sun. A few of us skin up to Emilie and Nobo with Gauthier. We don鈥檛 have immediate access to a heli or snowcat. There is a sled the guides can bring up from the hut, but they want to avoid using it because it鈥檚 a cold ride during normal temps and even more challenging during this especially cold snap.

Emilie is able to traverse partway down on one leg, then, Gauthier puts her on his back and skis her the rest of the way as we all follow.

The Healing Properties of Outdoor 国产吃瓜黑料

On our final ski day, I join the group heading to Springboard in the shadow of 10,207-foot Mount Kemmel.

I fall in behind Caroline, the only snowboarder on the trip. She learned to board as a child in the mountains of France and competed in the early days of snowboarding before qualifying for World Cup events. Even as a group of skiers, we can recognize her grace and comfort on the board. She plays with the terrain on her descents like a surfer riding a wave.

Caroline seemed a bit quieter and introverted than I remember. She lost her dad just three weeks earlier. Processing the grief has been compounded by a knee injury that has prevented her from getting out in the mountains. She鈥檇 been focusing on strengthening her knee for this trip.

Later, she鈥檇 tell us, 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 find one moment that brought me relief and happiness until we did that first climb and took that first run. Instantly, I felt alive again.鈥�

We skin to an ice cave and explore it before advancing further through glacial terrain and snow-covered crevasses. Gauthier instructs us to put on our harnesses. If one of us falls into a crevasse, the guide will fish us out with a rope.

We approach the top of Springboard, and Gauthier gives us an option to skin an additional short pitch to the saddle to see the view. Corie, from the Telluride group and one of strongest skiers,听 is uncomfortable with exposure. She eyes the shadows and contours of the snow, indicating crevasses, and decides to stay where she is.听 Sarah, a Canadian, joins her. They鈥檙e in the sun and will take advantage of the extra time to transition to downhill mode, drink water, and eat.

Throughout the trip, it has become clear that, in general, women are not greedy skiers or mindless adventurers. There is a balance between each person wanting to push herself; no one wants to be responsible for holding others back or lessening the experience. However, each has her boundary and limit. Time at Icefall is just as much about pushing those boundaries as it is about accepting them.

The rest of us, summit and navigate back down. Then, we open up our turns down Springboard. It鈥檚 our last high alpine run. We have a few more pitches and short skins before approaching Homerun, a perfect,听 consistent pitch down the bowl above the lodge. Corie and I rename it 鈥淲alk Off,鈥� referring to a game-winning home run at the bottom of the final inning, after which the team walks off the field.

We approach the lodge elated and relieved. There is a collective exhale and an anticipation that the lodge hang鈥攁rguably the heart of the trip鈥攚ill start earlier and last longer tonight. We鈥檒l have a sauna, drink beer, tell stories, and play games like the previous nights, but there will be no anxiety, preparations, or doubts. Tonight is about letting go.

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Behold! Classic trips have been reconsidered鈥攜ou鈥檝e gawked at the Grand Canyon, but have you run it from rim to rim?鈥攚hile new destinations have caught our eye. This year we鈥檙e joining the revelers at Colorado鈥檚 Red Rocks Amphitheater, trekking up Mexico鈥檚 tallest volcano, paddling through the world鈥檚 brightest bioluminescence off Puerto Rico, hiking Canada鈥檚 wildest coastal way, and much more. What do these trips have in common? They鈥檙e incredible experiences, all.

1. Hut-Hop in New Hampshire

The best way to experience the White Mountains鈥� Presidential Range is hiking between the Appalachian Mountain Club鈥檚 eight historic high-mountain huts. Connecting distances aren鈥檛 ridiculous鈥攖he shortest leg is 4.5 miles, the longest 13.4. From late spring to early fall, on-site staff make guests hot breakfasts and dinners, but I prefer to visit during shoulder season, when rates are cheaper and I can cook my own meals. My favorite hut is Zealand, because the wood-burning stove keeps the bunks toasty on chilly nights. Intent on a summer stay? Book on the AMC site three months in advance. From $74 鈥�Mardi Fuller

2. See a California Superbloom

As I cruised through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park one April afternoon, the road curved to reveal a seemingly infinite carpet of purple and yellow. Caught unawares, I felt like I鈥檇 entered Oz. A superbloom! The rare phenomenon occurs when consistent above-average rainfall follows a drought, nurturing a floral explosion so vast and vibrant that it鈥檚 visible from space. I鈥檝e since seen superblooms in Death Valley National Park and Mojave National Preserve. They鈥檙e not limited to Southern California, though; for more info on possible places these awesome, ephemeral displays might appear in 2025, check out the nonprofit Theodore Payne Foundation. 鈥擲hawnt茅 Salabert

3. Backpack the West Coast Trail in British Columbia

A six-day trek along this 47-mile Vancouver Island trail exceeded my wildest expectations. The route ambles between mossy rainforest and sandy stretches, where black bears forage and orcas and gray whales breach offshore. Wooden ladders and boardwalks keep the hike engaging, and a dozen established campgrounds mean tent sites are plentiful (but also popular鈥� prepare to get cozy with your neighbors at Tsusiat Falls especially). I found solitude at Cullite Cove and Carmanah Creek. Download the West Coast Trail app to stay abreast of camping options, conditions, and tide info. And pack motion-sickness meds for the bumpy shuttle back from the far trailhead. Permits and mandatory ferry reservations, which do not include Pacific Rim National Park Reserve entry, go on sale each January and sell out within hours (from $154). 鈥擹oe Gates

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4. Ride Horseback in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona

One May day, saddled atop two small horses perfect for our short frames, my teenage daughter and I followed a Din茅 woman and her preteen son up the low, brown waters of Chinle Creek and into the deep ochre Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de-shay). Indigenous people have lived here for 5,000 years, and the only way to explore the canyon today is with a Native guide. As ours narrated her tribe鈥檚 history, she pointed out petroglyphs鈥攐f hunters, snakes, the god Kokopelli鈥攐n the sheer thousandfoot-high walls and fielded queries about modern life in the Navajo Nation. On the return, the boy spotted a herd of wild horses and broke away from our equine train, chasing them through an open field surrounded by cottonwoods. The whole outing felt timeless. Justin’s Horse Rental is the canyon鈥檚 only authorized horseback outfitter. From $30 鈥擳asha Zemke

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The sun was setting over the South Face of 12,972-foot Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, when Canadian professional ski mountaineer Christina 鈥淟usti鈥� Lustenberger and IFMGA guide Guillaume 鈥淕ee鈥� Pierrel decided to bail on their climb.

The two were attempting a first descent of the peak’s Great Couloir on February 13, and were just 650 feet shy of the summit when they decided to turn around.

“At that point we thought ‘Oh my God, future me would wanna go back, but I need a break from this.'” Lustenberger told听国产吃瓜黑料.

Lustenberger and Pierrel, hot on the heels of their astounding听set of first descents on New Zealand鈥檚 12,218-foot Mount Cook, were attempting to put their stamp on a face that has tested mountaineering greats for generations. Famed Canadian alpinist Barry Blanchard established a route called “Infinite Patience” on the mountain鈥檚 Emperor Face 2002, and in 2016, the late Marc-Andr茅 Leclerc climbed that route solo.

Canadians Ptor Spricenieks and Troy Jungen skied the first descent of the peak in 1995, a line that would later enter the book . Their line, the North Face, has only been skied once since, by .

鈥淩obson holds the names of so many legends of skiing and climbing,鈥� Lustenberger said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 iconic in so many ways and for Gee and I to put our names up there with those greats is incredibly meaningful.鈥�

Lustenberger and Pierrel鈥檚 descent on that first attempt would prove to be much more difficult than the climb. The skiers had to reverse several pitches of mixed rock and ice climbing, ski some of the worst snow they鈥檇 ever encountered, and rig seven rappels through sections of decaying sedimentary rock and vertical ice鈥攁ll in the dark.

The pair began their first attempt on February 13, and had attempted to climb the south face over two days, setting up camp halfway up the mountain while temperatures dropped below minus-13 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the way down, they packed up their camp and descended carefully. The Great Couloir is shaped like a giant funnel, and the further Lustenberger and Pierrel descended, the greater the risk that falling rock and ice could injure or kill them. The two ski mountaineers exited the lower gully through a section of trees so tight they had to remove their skis. They finally returned to their motor home at 10 P.M.

“On that first attempt, the snow was so bad,” Pierrel told听国产吃瓜黑料. “Hard, icy, all the stuff fell down the chute that day made little bumps and waves. The skiing was terrible.”

After regrouping in the nearby town of Valemount for a few days, Lustenberger and Pierrel returned to Mount Robson with a film crew. The team flew to the east side of the mountain and began climbing the Kain Route, a world-famous alpine climb, on February 15.

It had snowed during their break in Valemount, and conditions were much better for skiing when they returned. 鈥淢t. Robson creates its own weather system,鈥� Lustenberger said.

The skiers set out in sub-zero temperatures鈥攊deal for keeping the rock and snow glued into place. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I invited Gee to come in February,鈥� she said. 鈥淩obson has such a big South Face that we wanted to limit solar radiation. The sun is so intense in March that it would shed. Earlier than February, the days are too short.鈥�

Luckily, the snow didn鈥檛 hide the rappel anchors the duo had placed on their first attempt a few days prior, which sped up their descent from the summit. This proved to be key for their safety in The Great Colouir.

鈥淚t鈥檚 like playing Russian Roulette, a game of chance,鈥� said Pierrel. 鈥淲e called the lower part of the descent the Cascade. You鈥檙e funneled through these little gullies. We can control how fast we move through those gullies but not what comes down on our heads.鈥�

In recent years, Lustenberger has skied lines that have previous ski mountaineers haven’t even considered鈥擱obson, Cook, the Great Trango Tower. These ski lines are essentially ice climbing routes that Lustenberger has descended on skis.

国产吃瓜黑料 asked her and Pierrel how they approach these routes, given the increasing danger around each objective.

鈥淲hen you step into that line you鈥檙e accepting a huge amount of consequences that you can鈥檛 control,鈥� said Lustenberger. 鈥淚 think that鈥檚 part of being in the mountains. But I felt like Mount Robson was an important part of my vision and journey. It was something I felt viscerally compelled to do.”

Lustenberger said she’s assessed the south face of Mount Robson for a decade. “I decided to go this season because my requirements lined up. After skiing with Gee in New Zealand, I knew I had a partner that I trust completely and move really well with in the mountains,鈥� Lustenberger said.

Pierrel is a guide, and he is accustomed to operating with much wider margins of safety. 鈥淭his was so far from the style of risk management I often use in the mountains as a guide,鈥� he said. 鈥淎t one point I said 鈥業鈥檓 too old for this shit, I鈥檓 not made of iron like you Lusti.鈥欌��

Pierrel said that by the end of the descent he was physically and mentally exhausted from the stress of being exposed to falling rock and ice. 鈥淧ersonally, I pushed pretty close to the maximum,” he added.

On February 16, after their painfully close attempt three days prior, the two ski mountaineers reached the summit and then carved their signatures down the South Face of the Rockies鈥� most formidable peak.

“Robson is the King of the Rockies,” Lustenberger said. “It’s elevation relief and scope is real, Himalayan-style terrain sitting in the Canadian Rockies. I am so relieved to be on the other side of this project. It鈥檚 been a dream in the making, one I had thought about for years. My ski partner Gee was a force and we worked hard as a team. Constantly pushing ourselves and each other to another level.”

Their film about the expedition, produced by production company Sherpas Cinemas, will come out in late 2025. As for what鈥檚 next? Pierrel hinted his interest in attempting to ski Mount Everest鈥檚 Hornbein Couloir, a line he describes as extremely similar to Robson鈥檚 Great Couloir鈥攊f it sat on the Roof of the World.

But first, both skiers told 国产吃瓜黑料 they needed a relaxing trip to the sauna.

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Canada鈥檚 border authority expanded on its decision to bar Pacific Crest Trail hikers from crossing into the country earlier this week, noting that its new policy mirrors the United States鈥� refusal to permit southbound hikers to begin their hikes by crossing the border into American territory.

In , the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) confirmed it would no longer issue permits for PCT hikers to cross into E.C. Manning Provincial Park at the trail鈥檚 northern terminus, and said that the change would 鈥渇acilitate monitoring of compliance of trail users鈥� as well as increase security at the border. In addition, the agency noted that the move 鈥渁ligns with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) who does not allow travellers to enter the U.S. from Canada on the trail.鈥�

Northbound thru-hikers will now need to end their trips by backtracking to the nearest road crossing at Harts Pass, roughly 30 miles away; those who still wish to hike the extension of the trail into Canada will then need to travel to the nearest border crossings at Osoyoos or Abbotsford, both of which are roughly 60 straight-line miles from the trail.

In a blog post, the called the announcement 鈥渄isappointing,鈥� but acknowledged the CBSA鈥檚 points, including that the new policy mirrors one that the U.S. has long held.

鈥淗ikers and equestrians should turn around after reaching the Northern Terminus,鈥� the group wrote. 鈥淲e ask that everyone travels with the utmost respect for nature by practicing gold standard Leave No Trace practices. This area will experience increased use now that more people are traveling this section of the PCT twice.鈥�

The change comes at a tense time for U.S.-Canada relations, as on imports from it and Mexico on February 1 if the two countries don鈥檛 take steps to deter unauthorized crossings. This week, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police unveiled a new fleet of leased Black Hawk helicopters that it is using to step up enforcement along the border.

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I鈥檝e tackled sections of the Pacific Crest Trail鈥攂ackpacking, day hiking, and trail running鈥攂ut 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鈥檓 not talking about a mountainous thru-hike where you plan out food caches and sleep on the ground. I鈥檓 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鈥檛 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鈥擜mtrak 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鈥檛 Miss:听 听More 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.

听听

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 roads听on 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鈥攖he most popular season is mid-summer鈥攂ut 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鈥檇 rather go on your own, has self-guided options (from $718).

Don鈥檛 Miss: Once you reach Santiago de Compostela, head to the Pilgrim鈥檚 Office for your official stamp of completion, having received a pilgrim鈥檚 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.听The cathedral has a Pilgrim鈥檚 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鈥檒l 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鈥檒l 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鈥檛 Miss: On the island of Tranholmen, a celebrated chef named David Enmark opens up his home to diners every Friday night鈥�. 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鈥檒l 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鈥檛 Miss: 罢耻谤办别测鈥檚 illuminates Lycia鈥檚 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鈥檚 more demanding John Muir Trail, the is a relatively new route (established around 10 years ago) that stretches coast to coast across Muir鈥檚 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鈥檒l 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鈥檛 Miss: Stay in (from $417), a restored 16th-century castle听just off the trail 20 miles east of Edinburgh. The trail鈥檚 eastern terminus is at Muir鈥檚 birthplace, a humble three-story home in Dunbar that鈥檚 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 K奴kai is thought to have trained in the 9^th century. The entire route is about 745 miles鈥攎ostly using roads, but also on select mountain trails鈥攁nd takes around six weeks to walk. Or you can choose just a section.

The traditional approach starts at the first temple, Ry艒zenji, in Tokushima prefecture and proceeds clockwise until you reach the last temple, 艑kuboji, 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鈥� books, to be stamped after worshipping at each temple. leads an eight-day tour of the pilgrimage (from $2,303), where you鈥檒l walk up to eight miles daily with an English-speaking guide, staying at guesthouses and temple lodging.

Don鈥檛 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鈥檒l climb a marble staircase leading into the temple gates and visit a bronze statue of K奴kai 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鈥檒l 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鈥檒l 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鈥檇 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鈥檇 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鈥檛 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鈥檙e lucky, you鈥檒l 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鈥檚 most ambitious trail project yet. It鈥檚 a 1,900-mile journey crossing the length of New Zealand鈥檚 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鈥檛 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: 国产吃瓜黑料 TV) 听

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 听to 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鈥檛 Miss: On the North Island, you鈥檒l climb the extinct volcano of Mount Pirongia and descend to the valley below, where you鈥檒l 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鈥攐r 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鈥檚 better delineated. If you鈥檙e walking the trail northbound, you鈥檒l end in , where the Cape Scott Lighthouse has been shining light for mariners since 1960.听听

Don鈥檛 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鈥檒l walk through Strathcona Provincial Park, British Columbia鈥檚 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鈥檒l 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鈥檚 El Camino de Santiago. This relatively new trail鈥攅stablished in 2018 by the nonprofit Asociaci贸n Mar a Mar鈥攖ravels 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鈥檛 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 Jos茅 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鈥檛 Miss: You鈥檒l 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 鈥淔ive Lands鈥� refers to five coastal towns鈥擬onterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore鈥攐ver 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鈥檒l stay in curated hotels, dine on pizza and gelato from locals鈥� favorite spots, and ride trains to reach new trails each day. If you鈥檙e 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鈥攆rom Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Corniglia鈥攁nd for use of the bus lines within Cinque Terre National Park.

Don鈥檛 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鈥檒l 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鈥檒l sleep in limestone cottages and guesthouses.

Don鈥檛 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 Caf茅 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 国产吃瓜黑料 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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Nothing ruins a ski vacation faster than no snow, and scoring a powder day can feel like winning the lottery in these climate-challenged times. While the global forecaster AccuWeather makes projections up to 90 days out, specific, precise daily reports cannot be made more than ten days in advance, according to a published in the听Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences. Given the chaotic nature of the atmosphere, two weeks out is probably the farthest accurate estimate we can hope for in the future.

So where does that leave travelers who want to plan ahead? Is there more we can do than just book a ski vacation to a popular winter destination听and hope for the best? Yes! Diehard skiers and snowboarders and skiers鈥攁nd I count myself in that group鈥攈ave discovered some tricks to line up trips with epic conditions.

The Surprising Accuracy of The Powder Buoy

In the early aughts, Mike Ruzek, a financial planner and avid skier based in Park City, Utah, had a client clue him in to thousands of miles west in the Pacific Ocean that surfers听were using as an alternative to wave-forecast sites like , to estimate how big听swell would get by the time it hit the Hawaiian Islands. The client, who split his time between Maui and Park City, believed the buoy鈥檚 movements correlated to storm cycles in Utah鈥檚 Wasatch Range.

Curious, Ruzek did some research and discovered that when the buoy went from floating on swells of around 5 to 15 feet鈥攖he point which followers described it as 鈥減opping鈥濃�攁 storm would usually hit the Wasatch 12 to 14 days later.

Ruzek doesn鈥檛 have a background in meteorology, but he did know that low-pressure systems tend to produce the most snow in winter. 鈥淲hen a low-pressure system rolls in [across the Pacific], it forces the water upward, making the buoy pop,鈥� he posited. 鈥淎bout two weeks after a spike in the buoy鈥檚 wave height, Utah gets a dump of snow.鈥�

Initially, Ruzek started testing the buoy to schedule 鈥渟ick鈥� ski days from work, and he found it was surprisingly accurate. In 2013, he set up a Facebook page called 听to share the forecasts, and an followed that now boasts 45,000-plus followers.

A NOAA spokesperson said the organization is unaware of a specific buoy measurement correlating with this weather phenomenon so far from the buoy鈥檚 location. But Ruzek is not wrong. I spoke with Steven Businger, a University of Hawaii professor of meteorology, who confirmed that the slow motion of huge planetary waves in the jet stream often results in fairly long, persistent weather patterns that can effectively be determined for a location over ten days or more.

Last year the buoy was 80 percent spot-on when it came to pow predictions in Utah, said听Ruzek, and he鈥檚 heard from skiers who use its reports to predict snow 12 to 14 days out in Colorado and Wyoming. 鈥淥ne mountain town in Colorado听has a coffee shop that writes our reports on a chalkboard,鈥� he said proudly. Though he could charge for the readings, Ruzek loves the authenticity of keeping it free. 鈥淭here鈥檚 enough monetization in the ski world,鈥� he said.

Trusted Intel from Powderchasers

Steve Conney also shares free winter-weather intel听as a side hustle called . The New York native started forecasting snowfall at U.S. ski resorts听for a small email list of friends more than two decades ago, when there was no internet offering such a service. 鈥淚 had phone numbers for the snowplow drivers and the people who worked at Eisenhower Tunnel in Colorado,鈥� he told听me. 鈥淚鈥檇 call the employees at Baked in Telluride, because I knew they were up at 5 A.M. and could report on the snow.鈥�

Today听Powderchasers has over 107,000 followers on Instagram, and its detailed forecasts are still free, thanks to sponsors like Ikon Pass. The posts are fun and full of stoke: 鈥淓PIC ALERT: Snow Returns for South America. 3+ Feet Predicted鈥� read the August 2 headline. 鈥淔inal parade of moisture is overspreading the west. The firehouse is wide open over Oregon and moves east into Idaho and northern Wyoming where it is snowing,鈥� read a December 16 post, while its听recently offered intel on projected conditions through the end of the month, suggestions on where to head based on its forecasts, feedback from Powderchasers staff about places they were already skiing, and estimated snow accumulation for various regions of the U.S. and Canada.

Conney now has a small weather-obsessed team to help him. 鈥淲e read the same models as everyone else, but we understand what skiers and snowboarders want,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he deepest snow is not always your best chase. We look at winds, potential closures, snow density, and other factors.鈥�

If you鈥檇 prefer more in-depth, personalized forecasts and custom trip planning, the company has what are called concierge packages that range from $149 for one trip to $699 for forecasts for eight trips. 鈥淭his is for the fanatics who can only get out on the slopes once or twice a year for that big ski trip,鈥� he said.

Jen Murphy splits her time between Colorado and Maui and now relies on The Powder Buoy to track swell and snow. She听recently wrote about her love of solo travel, and about how compression socks are the one piece of clothing travelers need for a long flight.听

The post How to Plan Your 鈥淪ick鈥� Powder Days Two Weeks in Advance appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

In traveling, I鈥檝e always chosen to go it alone rather than not go at all. Over the years, friends have called me fearless. Don鈥檛 you get scared? they ask. Very rarely. Lonely? Honestly, never, even before the days of social media. And isn鈥檛 it more expensive to travel by yourself than with others? Traditionally, yes. Solo travelers often got slapped with single-supplement, or premium, hotel and tour fees, but since the pandemic, companies have started courting solo travelers. Priceline even held its first-ever .

, safety, loneliness, and expense are the three biggest reasons people hate to travel solo. But I鈥檝e been adventuring on my own for more than two decades, and I find it freeing. I can travel at my own pace and on my own budget. I can easily score a table for one鈥攅ven at top restaurants that often require bookings weeks in advance. And I connect more with locals.

More people are catching on to the appeal of solo travel, however, especially Gen Zers and Millennials. Google searches for solo travel have increased 223 percent over the past decade, and according to a , 50 percent of Americans planned to travel alone in 2024. And while women have led the indie trip trend in recent years, men are joining the ranks. A from the travel booking site Omio found that 30 percent of men, compared to 23 percent of women, have solo journeys planned for 2025.

If you鈥檝e hesitated to give solo travel a go, let me alleviate your concerns and suggest some of my favorite places for awesome adventuring on your own.

Always Consider Safety First

Certain destinations lend themselves to solo travel more than others. Certainly, safety is top of mind.

I scan the U.S. State Department鈥檚 and avoid countries of conflict. I also browse the (GPI), an annual ranking of nations based on factors like the absence of violence or fear of violence, a nation鈥檚 level of harmony or discord, and its degree of militarization. Coming into 2025, Iceland, Ireland, and Austria are the safest three countries in the world, according to the overall GPI score.

, which also researches and ranks the safest places to visit each year, is another great resource. Rankings are based on an average of 鈥渁ll measures from [BHTP鈥檚] State of Travel Insurance research,鈥� and factor in other indices including the Global Peace Index and information from sources like , a destination database that scores living conditions. Berkshire Hathaway puts Iceland, Australia, and Canada as top three for safety, with Ireland close behind.

In addition to its list, Berkshire Hathaway provides write-ups that touch on smart considerations to take into account in each of the high-ranking nations, from dangerous wildlife like box jellyfish in Australia to driving on the left-hand side of the road in Ireland to expensive emergency-evacuation costs in remote destinations of northern Norway.

My 6 Favorite Solo-Travel Destinations

Some of my picks are at the top of the Berkshire Hathaway and Global Peace Index lists, but I cast a wider lens to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. In particular, such places have satisfied my craving for big doses of nature and adventure.

Portugal

The GPI ranked Portugal the seventh-safest country in the world in 2024. It鈥檚 also a bargain compared to most Western European countries (a draft of craft beer cost me $3 in Lisbon compared to $8 in Paris), and the effortlessly connects the northern and southern regions.

I鈥檝e visited this country solo four times and have always found the locals extremely hospitable. On my first trip, I checked out the beach town of Sagres in the southern region of Algarve and met two couples from Lisbon who offered to drive me back to the city. One of the women took off work the next day to be my tour guide, and that evening she and her husband threw a dinner party for me at their home.

I love making solo surf trips up and down Portugal鈥檚 coast. Hotels like (from $200) in Santa Cruz and (from $73), just north in the town of Peniche, have a clubhouse vibe and offer activities and events鈥攍ike rooftop music sessions鈥攖hat make it easy to meet new friends. Both places can arrange board rentals, lessons, and English-speaking guides.

If you, too, fall hard for the country, Portugal鈥檚 recently introduced makes it easy to pursue residency while working remotely.

Costa Rica

Pura vida vibes have always made me feel welcome in Costa Rica. The State Department鈥檚 Level 2 advisory recommends that trip-goers use increased caution here, due to petty crime risks and natural hazards like earthquakes (which are common-ish here, with events of magnitude 7 about every decade). For 2025, Berkshire Hathaway Costa Rica the sixth-safest place in the world for female, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ travelers.

Surf towns such as Nosara and Santa Teresa along the Pacific Coast attract a lot of Americans and have small expat communities. , a hotel brand catering to digital nomads with coworking spaces as well as rooms, has eight outposts in Costa Rica, including in Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Monteverde (shared dorms from $24). These properties host music events and arrange local experiences for guests.

On the Caribbean Coast, I鈥檓 a big fan of the boutique hotel (from $365), which is part of the sustainability-focused Cayuga Collection. The hotel works with local guides and outfitters to arrange snorkeling excursions and hiking day trips in Cahuita National Park, including for solo guests. The place also offers free bike use, which I love for exploring the nearby town on my own.

Canada听

Canadians have a reputation for being incredibly friendly, and that as well as proximity to the U.S. and our shared language are bonuses. highlighted the country鈥檚 low crime rate and noted that wildlife like bears and moose posed some of the biggest dangers to visitors.

Vancouver and Montreal, great jumping-off points for the wilderness, ranked two and three, respectively, on a that see the most solo-travel searches on the travel site Kayak and the most solo-dining reservations on OpenTable.

Canada has 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, as well as two beautiful coasts. I鈥檝e made friends while soaking in the swimming-pool-sized hot tub at (from $250) in Alberta鈥檚 Banff National Park. I鈥檝e also plotted solo snowboard trips to , British Columbia, to coincide with the Natural Selection Tour freestyle competition, knowing I鈥檇 meet like-minded travelers.

If you鈥檙e wary of wandering the wilderness alone, sign up for a guided trek with a local outfitter. I like the .

Another low-stress option is crisscrossing the country via rail. The Rocky Mountaineer鈥檚 from Vancouver to Banff takes just two days and is staffed with storytellers who can shed light on indigenous sites and wildlife. It offers single-berth accommodations from $1,752.

Australia

Australia has long been a magnet for backpackers. I spent nearly a year in my twenties backpacking mostly solo around the country鈥檚 east coast, and the biggest dangers were crocodiles, snakes, and jellyfish. Despite its resident poisonous critters, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection scored Australia听 the second-safest place in the world to travel for 2025.

Affordable and clean hostels, like (from $140) in Queensland鈥檚 Daintree Rainforest, abound and are filled with other solo travelers. is a beach-club-vibe hostel brand with Queensland locations in Noosa, Cairns, and Airlie Beach (from $32 for a spot in a mixed dorm).

Australia is a fantastic destination for hiking. is a collection of 13 treks that you can do yourself or with a guide. I spent four days traversing the wildlife-filled in Tasmania, opting for a guide via the local outfitter the because I wanted to learn more about the flora, fauna, and culture on the island (from $1,900, all-inclusive). The first two nights we stayed in secluded, simple bush camps near the beach ($7), and the final night we were pampered in the recently renovated historic-home-turned-hotel, Bernacchi House.

If you鈥檙e sticking to the mainland, the in the state of Victoria is a very doable 27 miles over four days along the Great Ocean Road, with campsites en route. The walk is suitable for hikers of any experience and takes in the shipwreck-dotted coastline, wild beaches, and Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks.

Austria

Austria is a fantastic option for solo alpine adventures. The country is ranked third on the Global Peace Index and fifth worldwide in terms of safety by the . Most locals speak English, and a great public transportation network makes it easy to travel car-free. If you鈥檙e deciding between alpine destinations, consider that the cost of living in Switzerland is higher than in Austria, and that affects tourism; in general, expect lodging and meals in Austria to cost half of what you鈥檇 pay in Switzerland.

The runs a network of more than 170 huts, where it鈥檚 easy to engage with other hikers. Most mountain resorts, such as or or have guided hiking, biking, and paddling tours that allow you to mingle with others. And many villages offer special . I met some friends on a solo trip to the , held each September.

Bhutan

Solo travel, for me, has been the perfect way to do some soul searching when I鈥檓 making big decisions or going through a transition. And one of the most soulful places I鈥檝e ever visited is the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is a place of beauty and spirituality, and travelers here are required to have a guide, which is an exceptional way to become familiar with the culture.

Six years ago, I went on assignment on a solo ten-day guided trip of this Southeast Asia nation and learned so much, including the proper way to throw a dart (this is a traditional sport in Bhutan) and about dating habits here (yes, there鈥檚 Tinder in Bhutan). I still keep in touch with my guide, who was a woman, on WhatsApp.

Bhutan is ranked 21 on the Global Peace Index, and it鈥檚 a mecca for hiking and mountain biking鈥攖he king is an avid mountain biker, and my guide and I spotted him one day on the trail. While getting there from the U.S. isn鈥檛 cheap, nor are costs within the country, visits are slightly more affordable since the kingdom halved its daily tourist fee from $200 to $100 last year.

Phil Bowen of should be your go-to logistician to find a guide, driver, and accommodations, which can range from homestays to splurge-worthy hotels. (from $550, half-board, meaning room, breakfast, and one other meal) is one of the most memorable places I鈥檝e stayed in throughout my global travels.

5 Tips for Solo Travelers, From a Pro

Here are some tips and tricks for making the most of a solo trip.听

Share Your Plans

I always email my mom my rough itinerary. It includes the contact information for any hotels I鈥檝e already booked or the names of campsites where I plan to stay. I also regularly check in with her or a good friend via What鈥檚 App or email to let them know I鈥檝e reached a destination safely and when I鈥檓 moving on to my next stop.

Eat at the Restaurant’s Bar

I absolutely love dining alone at the bar. It鈥檚 usually easy to score a single seat, and before long I鈥檓 chatting with some fascinating local characters. Bartenders are often fantastic sources of local intel and can direct you to good restaurants and the best hiking and mountain-biking trails. Finally, happy-hour specials are a great way to save a few bucks.

Watch and Post on Message Boards

If you鈥檙e craving companionship, you might post on social-media channels like Facebook and Instagram鈥攜ou never know who in your circles, or your friends鈥� circles, is headed to the same place as you鈥攐r use the Friends setting on apps like Bumble. Many hotels and hostels, and often the local grocery store, still have bulletin boards with postings for local activities, like free yoga sessions or group hikes.

Pack Meds

Being alone isn鈥檛 so great when you fall ill in a far-flung place. In many countries it鈥檚 manageable: you can walk into a pharmacy, explain your symptoms, and get what you need. But I recently suffered through a debilitating urinary-tract infection in Morocco, and now I never travel without the broad-spectrum antibiotic I needed. I convinced my doctor to prescribe one in case I get that sick on the road again.

Don鈥檛 Second-Guess Yourself

Trust your gut. If something feels unsafe, it probably is. The very few times I鈥檝e gotten food poisoning have been when actions went against my instinct. Don鈥檛 be afraid to be impolite. Once, in Varanasi, India, an elderly woman offered me a glass of sketchy looking lassi. I felt rude saying no, and all it took was one sip to give me Delhi Belly. I knew better.

You should also follow your intuition. When I meet strangers and feel genuine good vibes, I will accept an invitation to share a ride or join for a meal in someone鈥檚 home. These chance encounters have rewarded me with some wonderful friends and experiences over the years.

Jen Murphy is 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 online travel-advice columnist. She has had some of her most memorable adventures while traveling solo, from dancing with a local tribe in the Omo Valley of Ethiopia to joining members of the Indian army on a run in Delhi. Her journal and a good book have always served as great companions. She has also recently written an ultimate guide to winter fun in a choice selection of mountain towns in Colorado, a guide for anyone new to adventure travel in Costa Rica, and the funniest things travelers ask their adventure guides. There are doozies.

The post I鈥檝e Been Traveling Solo for Decades. Here Are My Pro Tips and Favorite Countries to Visit. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.