For those who’d rather spend their holiday earning the view than lounging beside the pool, these mountainous destinations offer the ultimate outdoor playground. Think alpine yoga, downhill mountain biking, trail running, via ferratas (a protected mountain climbing route) and iconic hikes, all set against some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Align your chakras atop Aspen Mountain, Aspen, Colorado
Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit at 11,000+ ft with mountaintop yoga on Aspen Mountain. Held Monday to Friday throughout the summer, these uplifting morning sessions are led by the experienced local instructors of Aspen Shakti, offering a unique opportunity to start the day surrounded by sweeping alpine vistas with shimmering aspen groves seemingly stretching out towards the horizon. Reach the summit via the scenic Silver Queen Gondola or, for a more adventurous start to the day, hike to the top free of charge, with yoga mats and blocks all provided.
Trail run into the sunset in Méribel, France
For travellers whose idea of holiday hell is sitting on a sun lounger, Méribel is fast becoming a go-to for summer trail running in the Alps. The Méribel Trail (taking place from 7–9 August 2026) brings together runners for a high-altitude challenge, with distances from 10 to 50km across technical terrain, steep climbs and sweeping ridgelines. New for 2026, La Nocturne des Crêtes adds a semi-nocturnal 22km race with 1,100m of elevation gain, where participants set off at dusk, offering a more atmospheric, endurance-led twist to the weekend.
Experience the thrill of downhilling at the Snowmass Bike Park, Snowmass, Colorado
Colorado’s only Gold-Level Bike Park, the Snowmass Bike Park boasts 25 miles of lift-accessed technical and freeride trails ranging from green to double black.. Open from mid June to early September, the park transforms the winter ski runs on Snowmass Mountain into an adrenaline junkies dream, with epic trails weaving through dancing aspen groves and winding down the mountain. Beginners can build confidence with bike clinics and camps, while more experienced riders can hone their skills through private lessons and trail academies, available throughout the summer.
Ride the first tribally owned coaster in the US, Sunrise Park Resort, Arizona
Take summer adventures to new heights on the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster at Sunrise Park Resort, set amid the forested peaks of eastern Arizona’s White Mountains. Spanning 3,287 ft , the track twists and turns through the mountain landscape, with riders able to control their own speed as they descend. Opened in 2024, The first tribally owned and operated coaster in the US since 2024, the alpine coaster is managed by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, which also owns Sunrise Park Resort. Known for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, the resort transforms into an outdoor paradise in the summer offering a cool escape from Arizona’s heat. Travellers can enjoy downhill mountain biking, scenic lift rides, ziplining, tubing and hiking complementing the coaster experience.
Climb North America’s highest mountain via ferrata at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
For a Rocky Mountain adventure with a serious edge, take on the Telluride Via Ferrata, a spectacular route traversing the sheer cliffs above the town’s dramatic box canyon. Guided by experienced professionals, you’ll navigate narrow ledges, fixed cables and iron rungs while suspended hundreds of feet above the valley floor. The route’s famously exposed “Main Event” will test your nerve, but the reward is unforgettable views across Telluride, Bridal Veil Falls and the rugged peaks of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Combining technical climbing with an exhilarating high-altitude journey, this is one of the region’s most memorable mountain experiences.
Scale world-famous rocks in Yosemite Mariposa County, California
Yosemite National Park is the ultimate climbing destination, where record-breakers like Alex Honnold hone their skills. Whilst climbing the face of the world’s most famous
Hike to the USA’s first sunrise – Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Maine
Pack layers and a headtorch to hike your way to the USA’s first sunrise. Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park delivers epic views around the clock, but the most rewarding is the 2 hour dawn hike along the North Ridge Trail to meet the sun on the highest peak in the U.S. Eastern Seaboard at 1,530 ft. Stay a while to soak in the 360-degree panoramic views of Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor, and surrounding islands, before descending via one of the four main trails from the summit with varying lengths and difficulty.
