Established in 1958 by climber Yukio Yamai, Snow Peak has garnered admiration from serious campers and fashion-savvy individuals alike. Its gear and attire cater to those who relish the outdoors, refined design, and the finer aspects of life. The brand challenges the notion that comfort must be forsaken for outdoor enjoyment, aligning with its ethos of elevating and enhancing the experience at all its campgrounds.

Noah Reis, Snow Peak USA’s COO, drew a parallel between the Calvin and Hobbes comic and the perception of camping—a belief that discomfort builds character. Snow Peak contradicts this by prioritizing comfort and elegance in camping. The brand strives to bring the comforts of home to the campsite, encouraging a more enjoyable outdoor experience.

This philosophy was put to the test recently. Despite adverse weather, attendees found refuge in Snow Peak’s equipment. The Snow Peak Amenity Dome provided shelter from the elements, while the brand’s sleeping pads and sleeping bags ensured a comfortable night’s rest. Participants engaged in tie-dyeing, exploration, and yakitori grilling, showcasing their dedication to Snow Peak’s philosophy.

People at the campgrounds exhibited meticulous preparation, with their setups rivaling those on the West Coast. Snow Peak’s distinctive approach involves organizing a small living space and kitchen adjacent to the tent. The brand’s focus on intentionality resonated with attendees, transforming camping into a luxurious experience.

Snow Peak’s commitment to enhancing outdoor experiences extends beyond events at campgrounds. The forthcoming Campfield in Long Beach, Washington, promises permanent comfort with toilets, showers, and a Japanese soaking tub. Snow Peak’s expansion to Long Beach, Washington, is just the tip of the iceberg. They’re already nailing it in Japan with their Campfields, offering a year-round haven for luxury camping. This isn’t an average glamping gig – Snow Peak’s got this well-thought-out approach, backed by serious investment, that totally validates it as the real deal when it comes to camping.

Talking about Snow Peak enthusiasts, there is the unstoppable Jin Liu. This brand isn’t just about gear to her but is also an avenue for expressing herself. Her deep love for Snow Peak grew from meaningful adventures and an ever-expanding collection of gear. Rain or shine, she’s out there whipping up warm noodles in Snow Peak’s cast-iron pots and savoring every bite with their bowls and chopsticks. That’s the Snow Peak lifestyle, making outdoor living look and feel effortlessly cool!

Southern California has so much to offer to the avid traveler and weekend getaway lover. Cruising along the Santa Barbara coast, hopping on a ferry to Catalina Island, and exploring the beautiful desert in Joshua Tree are just a few of the trips you can plan in the area. But, if you’re looking for a destination less traveled, the recently renovated 1950s motel, Cuyama Buckhorn, in rural Cuyama Valley might be just the thing.

The Perfect Weekend Getaway Spot

Tucked away in rural Cuyama Valley, the renovated motel is just about two and a half hours north of L.A. While spending a night in a decades-old motel in the middle of carrot fields might sound like the perfect setup for a horror film, the reality couldn’t be farther from that. Cuyama Buckhorn checks all the boxes for the ultimate weekend getaway — imagine fine wine, good food, and the serenity of a desert oasis… plus the charm of that classic Western cowboy flair.

The Old Time’s Charm of Cuyama Buckhorn

Located in New Cuyama, a town established in the early 1950s after the discovery of oil in the valley, the Buckhorn motel was built in 1952. The motel changed ownership a couple of times throughout the years until it was eventually purchased by two L.A.-based architects in 2018.

Restoring the property to its former glory was no simple feat, but the team did it. The result? A 21-room boutique hotel housing a farm-to-table restaurant, a bar serving craft cocktails, a cozy coffee shop, and an overall experience you’ll never forget. The interior is a blend between the old and the new, and that signature Western feel binds it all together.

Surrounded by miles of mountain hikes, biking trails, fine dining, and adventure opportunities at every turn, Cuyama Valley won’t fail to become your new favorite getaway spot outside of L.A!