The definitive guide to skiing, travel and living a life of freedom.
Harvey’s Guide to Visiting Moldova
An often forgotten part of Eastern Europe, I was warned prior to visiting Moldova: there's nothing to do there and no young people. Apparently, they all leave the country as soon as they can because it's such a dismal place. I found neither of these things to be true...
Harvey’s Eastern Europe Travel Guide
More From Eastern EuropeFor my money, the best part of Europe is Eastern Europe. These formerly Communist countries have been providing backpackers with cheap options to visit for decades. My first foray into this epic part of the continent was on a two week trip from...
Ski Season Pass Overview – IKON VS EPIC
As the winter season approaches dedicated mountain visitors begin to polish off their skis and snowboards. The fresh pow awaits. If you are an avid outdoors person who likes to ski, you know that this is a special time of year and it requires planning before...
Undeniable Freedom. Affordable Living.
We are big fans of van living, and feel there is no better way to get a sense of adventure, see a ton of the country, and ski your ass off for a better price. We at SB/VL want to empower as many people as possible to embrace the lifestyle and get out and see some cool stuff.
Looking to start a van adventure but don't know where to start?
Wondering how you can live on the cheap in ski resorts?
Want tips on how to wire up a van for proper living?
Want an idea of how to plan your ski journey?
Hiking + Travel Guides
We not only want to be a guide for you on skiing and van living, but we have some other travel and hiking guides that we think are helpful and fun. From Hiking Acadia to spending the perfect 3 days in Charleston, SC we have been tons of places and would love to share some great advice, pictures, tips, and picks.
Find your next adventure in our hiking and travel guides.
Blog
Harvey Falcon’s Guide to Visiting Turkey
After spending three weeks hopping around Turkey, I have learned a few things. Turkey is an incredible place with diverse areas in every corner of its land. It's undoubtedly a top five country for me, as evidenced by the amount of time I spent there. Here are a few...
The Harvey Falcon Guide to Visiting Athens
Who would’ve thought that a city built over 2,000 years ago, fortified with an ancient stronghold, and a growing university nightlife culture would be a fun place to visit for three nights? My sister went last year and suggested taking 3-4 days to see the capital of...
Traveling to The Island of Rhodes
I'm a simple guy. A few beers, some sunshine, nice hostel vibes where I can meet some people to enjoy the aforementioned items…and I’m set. Throw in a golf course and I may never leave. You will find all of these things on the lovely Greek island of Rhodes. This...
Van Camping DIY: Tips to prep your van for camping conversion
Van life can be an incredible experience. It's a great way to explore the world and see new places while still having all the comforts of home. But before you can hit the open road, there's one important step you need to take: preparing your van for a new build....
8 Practical Must-Have Items For First-Time Van Builds
Living off-grid in a van can be an incredibly freeing experience. It allows you to travel wherever and whenever you want—without worrying about finding a place to stay or being tied down to one location. Off-grid living also means being self-sufficient, which means...
Aspen
One of the most famous resort towns on earth, get our take on Aspen, CO.
Arapahoe Basin
A long season + great local vibes make this a good stop on your journey.
Copper Mountain
Naturally divided terrain and a mix of amenities make this a great stop.
Big Sky
The ultimate outdoor paradise, tons of activites along with great skiing.
About Us
With the introduction of passes such as Epic, Ikon and Mountain Collective among others; chasing powski and discovering new ski resorts has been foremost on many people’s minds. Much to the chagrin of the local population, we descend on the resorts like biblical-era locust plagues to devour the freshies and overpay for beer.
However, despite a healthy (and growing) population of van, truck, SUV and the occasional Subaru dwellers, many people are hesitant to take the plunge. Why? Because they’re crybaby candyasses who couldn’t last a subzero night in their vehicle while their breath instantly freezes to the inside of the windows? Maybe, or just maybe they don’t know where to start. That’s where we come in, with roughly 2 seasons of van-living knowledge I will impart on you wisdom gleaned from the ultimate transient lifestyle.
Frank by the legendary Toyata Sienna
Welcome all, my name is Frank Buchanan and I love slumming it in a van. I don’t have to bathe that much and I can justify multiple apres beers due to not paying for lodging. My girlfriend, who is a saint if you’re reading this Michele, and I bought a van in December of 2019 after a 4 month trip in Asia. We got a 2009 Toyota Sienna minivan then drove to my father’s in Florida to outfit it before heading to Denver, slapping some snow tires on it and then finally going to the mountains. We traveled around until March 15, 2020 when Covid shut the ski industry (re. world) down and we limped back to Houston, Tx with our tails between our legs. Well 2021 was the triumphant return of myself and the van back into the Mountain West region. Let’s get started on the burning questions everyone has.
I use an Ikon pass but many times the principles, locations and fun overlap and sometimes they don’t. Park City? Park in Salt Lake or just in the grocery store parking lot, same as the Ikon resorts. Vail? I don’t know a thing about Vail except pack toe warmers so you don’t get frostbite in your hour lift lines you fucking animals. Regardless, I’m putting a comprehensive list together for what I do know and you guys can interpret it how you will.
Read fun, adventurous travel guides from our secret correspondant, Harvey Falcon. Harvey is a man on a mission to live life to it’s fullest and shares advice, guides, and stories like meeting icelandic girls in a hostel in Spain to playing one of the most beautiful golf courses on the island of Rhodes. Read his blog by clicking the banner above.