Top 7 mountain getaways
Look, I’ve spent enough time gasping for air at 10,000 feet to know that not all mountains are created equal. Some "getaways" are really just crowded parking lots with a slightly higher elevation. But since we’re in 2026, the travel world has shifted. People are ditching the scorched Mediterranean beaches for "Mountain Summers," and the classic spots are busier than ever.
If you want to actually hear the wind in the trees rather than the shutter of a hundred iPhones, you have to be strategic. Here’s my honest take on the top 7 mountain escapes for this year.
1. The Heavyweight: The Dolomites, Italy
With the 2026 Winter Olympics centered around Cortina d’Ampezzo right now, the Dolomites are the "it" destination of the year. I’ve been there when the jagged, pale-gray limestone peaks turn bright pink at sunset—the locals call it Enrosadira—and honestly? It’s one of the few places that actually lives up to the hype.
Reality check:
It is expensive right now. Between the Olympic fever and the general "cool factor," a decent room in Val Gardena will cost you a kidney. The move? Stay in the mountain huts (rifugios). I stayed at one halfway up a trail last summer, and watching the stars come out after the cable cars stopped running was better than any five-star hotel.
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2. The Rising Star: Big Sky, Montana
Montana used to be the "quiet" alternative to Colorado, but Big Sky has officially arrived. It’s rugged, massive, and feels like the quintessential American West.
What I didn't expect:
The sheer scale. They call it "Big Sky" for a reason—the horizon feels like it’s been stretched out by hand. But let’s be real: it’s catering to the luxury crowd now. Expect $20 cocktails and high-end boutiques. If you want the old-school Montana vibe, grab a huckleberry shake and head toward the Gallatin National Forest trails instead of the resort base.
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3. The Soul-Searcher: The Indian Himalayas (Spiti Valley)
While everyone is clambering over each other in the Swiss Alps, the Indian Himalayas are having a massive moment in 2026. Spiti Valley is a high-altitude cold desert that feels like Mars.
Pro tip:
Altitude sickness is no joke. I tried to go from the plains to 12,000 feet in a single day and spent 48 hours feeling like someone was hitting my head with a rhythmic hammer. Take the "slow route" through Shimla and let your body catch up. The ancient Tibetan monasteries clinging to the cliffs are worth the slow crawl.
4. The Wild Child: The San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Everyone goes to Aspen or Vail. Don't be "everyone." Head south to the San Juans—specifically Ouray or Telluride. These mountains are steeper, narrower, and far more dramatic.
The Vibe: Ouray is the "Switzerland of America," and it actually fits the bill.
The Catch: The Million Dollar Highway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, but it has no guardrails in parts. I white-knuckled it the whole way while a local in a beat-up truck zoomed past me like it was a grocery run.
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5. The Fairy Tale: Hallstatt & The Dachstein, Austria
Hallstatt is the village you see on every "Travel Goals" Pinterest board. It’s tucked between a glassy lake and towering peaks.
Reality check:
It can feel like a theme park during the day. Hundreds of day-trippers descend at 10 AM. What nobody tells you: Stay overnight. By 6 PM, the streets empty out, the swans own the lake again, and you can actually hear the church bells. Hike up to the World Heritage Skywalk for a view that will make your brain short-circuit.
6. The Legend: Banff & Lake Louise, Canada
Banff is the gold standard. The water in Lake Louise is a turquoise so bright it looks like someone dumped a giant bucket of Gatorade into the valley.
Real talk:
You cannot just "drive up" to Lake Louise anymore without a plan. The parking lots fill up by 6 AM (I learned this the hard way, sitting in a line of cars while the sun rose without me). Use the park shuttle system. It’s less "adventure-y," but it’s the only way to keep your sanity in 2026.
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7. The Unexpected: Killarney, Ireland
You might not think "mountains" when you think Ireland, but the MacGillycuddy's Reeks (yes, that’s the real name) are haunting.
Why it’s aesthetic:
It’s not about the height; it’s about the atmosphere. It’s deep greens, black lakes, and mist that clings to the peaks like a wet blanket. I spent a day hiking the Gap of Dunloe, and between the horse-drawn carriages and the silence of the black mountains, I felt like I’d stepped back two hundred years. Just bring a raincoat—Ireland doesn't do "dry" summers.
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