Preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics? What higher approach to get into the spirit than by making an attempt out your individual hand (or foot!) at winter olympic sports activities nationwide parks? The easiest way to go to these nationwide parks within the winter? An RV rental after all! After a protracted day within the chilly, return to your cozy camper for some well-deserved R&R. Professional tip: An RV additionally makes it quite a bit simpler to hold any gear you should get into the sport.
Prepare Like an Olympian With out Leaving the U.S.
Whereas few will probably be fortunate sufficient to view the Olympians up shut and private in Milan this February (and fewer nonetheless will probably be fortunate and robust sufficient to rely themselves amongst them), you completely can prepare like an Olympian this winter, all with out leaving the U.S. A lot of our nation’s nationwide parks provide the right practising grounds for these enthusiastic about winter Olympic sports activities, together with:
- Cross-country snowboarding
- Ice skating (supplied ponds and lakes freeze laborious sufficient)
- Ski mountaineering (Aka Skimo, a brand new Olympic sport debuting this yr)
- Snowshoeing (which is represented within the Particular Olympics)
That’s alongside different enjoyable and difficult winter sports activities like mountain climbing, winter mountaineering, winter wildlife monitoring, winter backcountry tenting, cold-weather panorama pictures, astrophotography and extra.
Nationwide Parks The place You Can Strive Winter Olympic Sports activities
With out additional ado, let’s get into it! Listed here are our high six parks for coaching like a real-deal Olympian this winter.
Yosemite Nationwide Park (California)
One of the crucial common nationwide parks within the nation for superb motive, Yosemite Nationwide Park has a protracted and storied historical past of sport — together with, after all, the well-known first free solo (ropeless ascent) of El Capitan by climber Alex Honnold. Winter guests will probably be welcomed with fewer crowds, in addition to the chance to attempt loads of Olympic-style winter sports activities (and different winter leisure actions). Simply ensure that you’re conscious of security precautions and have correct gear and coaching, particularly for riskier ventures like mountain climbing.
Olympic-Type Winter Sports activities:
- Cross-country snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Mountain climbing
Greatest Months to Go to:
- December by March, particularly for sports activities like mountain climbing which require a tough freeze
Why It Stands Out:
- Intensive groomed ski trails in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows are open within the winter
- Iconic granite partitions are recurrently used for world-class mountain climbing
- Ranger-led snowshoe walks can be found in winter
RV Tenting Choices:
Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park (Colorado)
John Denver sang concerning the “Colorado Rocky Mountain excessive,” and whenever you attain these altitudes, you’ll perceive what he was speaking about. Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park affords a few of the most intense alpine terrain wherever within the decrease 48, with over 60 peaks topping 12,000 toes, dozens over 13,000 toes, and Longs Peak, one in all Colorado’s 48 so-called 14ers (mountains over 14,000 toes tall).
Visiting in winter means you’ll get to discover that huge above-treeline terrain in relative peace and solitude, granted you will have the abilities to take action safely. Remember the fact that excessive altitudes imply extraordinarily fast climate shifts are doable, so at all times have your wits, in addition to additional layers, water, and meals, about you.
Olympic-Type Winter Sports activities:
- Cross-country snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
Greatest Months to Go to:
Why It Stands Out:
- Huge quantities of high-altitude terrain are perfect for endurance coaching
- Loads of backcountry-style snowboarding routes and extensive open snowfields
RV Tenting Choices:
Grand Teton Nationwide Park (Wyoming)
Whereas neighboring Yellowstone, simply north of Grand Teton, was the primary designated nationwide park in our roster, this Wyoming park is one thing of a hidden gem — and an awesome alternative for these seeking to follow Olympic-style (and different) winter sports activities. (And don’t fear, we’re going to return again to Yellowstone in only a second!)
Together with having fun with a quieter scene than you would possibly in its northward neighbor, Grand Teton Nationwide Park bears the excellence of providing probably the most dramatic mountain rise in North America: its namesake mountains crest immediately up out of the valley ground, rising virtually 7,000 toes above it. This isn’t a spot with comfortable foothills and mild onramps. It’s a one-of-a-kind land of extremes.
Olympic-Type Winter Sports activities:
- Cross-country snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
Greatest Months to Go to:
Why It Stands Out:
- Cross-country for miles on long-distance ski trails with dramatic alpine surroundings
- The terrain right here is similar to Nordic Olympic coaching programs
RV Tenting Choices:
- Winter RV tenting choices close to Jackson, together with close by nationwide forest campgrounds with seasonal entry
Yellowstone Nationwide Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
As promised, again to Yellowstone we go! No winter sports activities fan’s journey can be full with no go to to this really one-of-a-kind panorama. The planet’s largest intact temperate volcanic system is a dynamic and always shifting place to discover any time of yr, however within the winter, the juxtaposition between snow and heated thermal swimming pools makes it extra intriguing than ever. (And, after all, much less crowded.) With the chance to view wildlife it’s laborious to search out elsewhere within the decrease 48, together with wolves, bison, bears, elk, lengthy days on snowshoes or cross-country skis are apt to sound much more interesting.
Olympic-Type Winter Sports activities:
- Cross-country snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
Greatest Months to Go to:
- December by February
Why It Stands Out:
- Snow-covered geyser basins and wildlife viewing make longer days snowboarding or snowshoeing nicely value it
- The park boasts probably the most distinctive winter coaching environments within the nation
RV Tenting Choices:
Acadia Nationwide Park (Maine)
Up to now, we’ve been centered on the American west — and it’s true that almost all of our nationwide parks are clustered there. However the east coast has some formidable landscapes of its personal to discover, and Acadia Nationwide Park is likely one of the most breathtaking. Image pink granite ridges proper up towards a rambunctious Atlantic Ocean, to not point out the excellence of seeing one of many very first sunrises that hits the U.S. every day. (And, after all, world-class alternatives for Olympic-style winter sports activities coaching.)
Olympic-Type Winter Sports activities:
- Cross-country snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
Greatest Months to Go to:
Why It Stands Out:
- The park’s community of historic carriage roads are perfect for Nordic snowboarding
- You’ll take pleasure in coastal winter surroundings not often present in different nationwide parks
RV Tenting Choices:
Mount Rainier Nationwide Park (Washington)
Again on the opposite facet of the nation (in actual fact, virtually a direct line east from Acadia), Mount Rainier is one in all Washington’s most neglected nationwide parks, which implies it’s an unbelievable alternative for you. Though it’s laborious to compete with parks like Olympic and North Cascades, Mount Rainier is likely one of the solely preserved landscapes that permits you to totally expertise a single, dominant glaciated volcano — probably the most closely glaciated peak in your complete contiguous United States, in actual fact. That additionally makes it one of many best possible locations to follow (and positively observe) avalanche security: yearly, there will be a whole bunch of avalanches, so at all times observe each day avalanche hazard forecasts.
Olympic-Type Winter Sports activities:
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country snowboarding
Greatest Months to Go to:
Why It Stands Out:
- Deep snowfall make for one-of-a-kind cross-country snowboarding alternatives and unbelievable glacier views
- This can be a common winter coaching floor for endurance athletes, so that you’ll be sweating it out alongside precise professionals
RV Tenting Choices:
Why Nationwide Parks Are Ultimate for Olympic-Type Winter Coaching
Okay, so why nationwide parks? Glad you requested. Our nation’s roster of preserved landscapes embrace various terrain that make a number of out of doors sports activities doable, equivalent to:
- Snowy mountains
- Frozen lakes
- Forested trailways
- Alpine valleys
Most of the parks, and particularly those we’ve talked about above, provide well-maintained winter trails and recreation infrastructure. And meaning there are many alternatives for newbies and superior athletes alike, in addition to choices to mix critical coaching with sightseeing and extra leisurely out of doors adventures.
Planning an RV Journey for Winter Sports activities Coaching
Now that you simply’ve received some locations in thoughts, listed below are some ideas for planning the RV journey a part of the journey.
- Select the precise RV for winter circumstances. For those who’re touring to a spot with tight turnarounds and slender roads, smaller rigs will most likely work higher than massive fifth wheels and Class As — and it doesn’t matter what rig you lease, be certain it’s winterized.
- Deliver cold-weather gear. It might sound apparent, however for those who present up with out heat layers or tire chains, you’re going to be upset with your self!
- Double-check the roads. Mountain passes and different areas that may be impacted by winter climate can endure seasonal closures. Many nationwide parks publish this data on their web sites, however you may also depend on third-party platforms like Oregon’s TripCheck or Washington’s real-time journey knowledge.
- Time your go to correctly. For those who’re hoping to do snow sports activities, meaning ready till the snow circumstances are optimum and powdery. For those who come too early or too late within the season, your likelihood is dicier!
Why Renting an RV from RVshare Is the Greatest Approach to Prepare Like an Olympian
While you lease an RV on RVshare, you’ll have entry to winter-ready RVs close to most main nationwide parks. (We’ve additionally not too long ago launched one-way RV leases that may make it simpler to plan your journey for those who’re flying into or out of sure hub cities.) You’ll have the power to remain near trailheads and ski areas, shortening your morning getting-ready ritual in addition to the space you’ll need to journey to get again to your heat mattress at night time. And, after all, you received’t have to fret about long-term possession or storage prices — it’s the perfect of each worlds.
The nationwide parks are already on many vacationers’ bucket lists, they usually provide an accessible approach to expertise Olympic-style winter sports activities together with different snowy adventures. RV journey is an unmatched approach to benefit from the winter panorama with comfort and adaptability — and we’ve received you lined on the rig that’ll make it simpler so that you can prepare, discover, and conquer the world like an Olympian with out leaving the U.S. Begin your journey in the present day!
