It’s National Park Week in the U.S. of A. and, to celebrate, we’ve gathered a list of winter-wonderland national treasures you’d be wise to check out. Some, such as Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park and Wyoming’s Grant Teton National Park, allow backcountry skiing. Others aren’t so lenient towards two-plankers, so do your research and be smart.
“The National Park Service (NPS), as a whole, tries to find a balance,” says NPS’ Chief of Public Affairs, Tom Crosson. “We understand people want to go do things on these lands and recreate, so there are opportunities in some parks, but not all due to a wide variety of reasons, mainly environmental.”
So, make sure to plan accordingly and legally if you choose to embark on a ski mission. But don’t let the restrictions get you down. There’s plenty to do in these parks other than skiing, without a doubt.
“You can’t just drop your skis at the top of any given park, but they all have their own individual list of allowed activities that are easy to look into,” says Crosson.
Below, browse through a list of awe-inspiring American destinations, and start planning your next trip before the urge fades away.
