Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary: A Birthday Weekend at Alpine Lakes High Camp

For as long as I can remember, Jasper has called weekend getaways “holidays.” The second I start packing his overnight bag, he bounces over, eyes wide: “Are we going on a holiday?” Once we’re in the car, he announces proudly, “We are going on an adventure!” In his short life, Jasper has already checked off more adventures than many people do in a lifetime—hiking in Norway, cruising past Icelandic glaciers, kayaking in the ocean—and now, staying in an alpine hut joins that list.

As parents of a young child, it’s tempting to leave him with grandparents when we travel. But in the end, he always adds an extra layer of joy, creativity, and pure happiness to our trips. At Alpine Lakes High Camp, Jasper threw himself into every moment: strutting around the grounds like a tiny explorer, curling up on the cabin bed with a stack of books, and tracing fresh snow tracks with his boots. On the drive home, he summed it up perfectly: “Let’s go back to the cabin!”

A Sanctuary Away from the Hustle

Alpine Lakes High Camp is a haven for anyone craving an escape from daily chaos, a change of scenery, or a break from technology. Even with a handful of other guests during our stay, the camp felt serene—like we had the place to ourselves. Each morning, we set out on a hike, and aside from one hunter, we never crossed paths with another soul. Days here revolved around the basics: eating, bonding, exploring, and sleeping. No laundry, no television, no distractions—just the crackle of fires, crisp mountain air, and candlelit dinners that felt like a luxury.

Our visit coincided with my birthday, and it gave us a memory I’ll cherish forever: Jasper singing “Happy Birthday” (which he insisted on calling “Chocolate Cake Day”) over a pile of cookies topped with a single candle. That weekend was full of small, magical moments only childhood can bring. One evening, he watched his breath fog in the cool air and gasped, “Look, Mama, I’m smoking!” During our snowy hike, he pointed at our footprints and exclaimed, “Look, those prints are following you!” Alpine Lakes High Camp didn’t just give us a trip—it gave us a front-row seat to the innocence and wonder of childhood, a gift we’ll hold as a family forever.

Autumn Meets Winter: A Canvas of Contrasts

We visited at the perfect intersection of autumn and winter. The camp had just received eight inches of fresh snow, turning the landscape into a soft white blanket, yet the trees still clung to bursts of golden and red foliage. The contrast was breathtaking: bright fall hues popping against snow-dusted branches, sunlight filtering through the canopy to cast dappled light on the trails. Mornings started with frost on the cabin windows and ended with pink sunsets that painted the mountains. It was a season in-between, neither fully autumn nor winter—and that’s what made it so special.

Each day, we hiked to a different lake, and every trail offered something new: steep climbs with panoramic views, gentle paths winding through forests, and frozen shorelines that glinted in the sun. On our last day, the sky was a clear, vivid blue. At such a high altitude, standing atop a ridge with mountains stretching as far as the eye could see, we truly felt on top of the world. Jasper, our little mountain man, marched along the trails with determination, pausing now and then to examine a pinecone or chase a bird. By the end of each hike, we’d return to the cabin cold and tired—but grinning, already planning the next day’s adventure.

Cozy Cabins and Communal Joy

Alpine Lakes High Camp, formerly Scottish Lakes Camp (taken over by Justin and Austin Donohue in May), offers a range of unique cabins to suit every group. There are intimate two-person retreats for couples and spacious cabins that sleep up to twelve, perfect for friends or large families. We stayed in the Trillium cabin, which we loved for its extra space and quiet location, set a little apart from the others.

Each cabin comes fully stocked with essentials: a two-burner stove, tea kettle, firewood, dishes, silverware, tea lights, and matches. I’d packed a few extra touches—slippers, knit throws, and jarred candles—that made the space feel even cozier once darkness fell. After a long day of hiking, there’s nothing better than stepping into a warm, dry cabin, stoking the fire, and sipping hot cocoa.

Beyond the individual cabins, a communal lodge serves as the camp’s heart. Inside, there’s always a roaring fire, shelves of books, puzzles waiting to be pieced together, and endless hot coffee and cocoa. We spent hours here, mostly so Jasper could burn off the energy from all the cocoa he drank—running around, flipping through books, and chatting with the friendly camp hosts. The lodge felt like a shared living room, where strangers became acquaintances over stories of hikes and s’mores.

As an added bonus, the camp has a sauna and hot tub—pure bliss after a day of snowshoeing, hiking, or skiing. Soaking in the hot tub under the stars, with snow crunching underfoot and the mountains silent around us, was the perfect way to unwind.

Simple Meals, Sweet Moments

We kept meal prep simple, focusing on hearty, comforting food that tasted like home. Mornings started with yogurt bowls topped with fruit and granola; lunches were sandwiches packed for the trails; and dinners were warm soups simmered on the two-burner stove. Evenings ended with s’mores—graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows roasted over the cabin fire. Jasper loved helping stir the soup, spread peanut butter on sandwiches, and (most of all) assemble s’mores, his little fingers sticky with chocolate.

One of my favorite moments was watching Jasper poring over trail maps, tracing our routes with his finger. “Where have we been? Where are we going next?” he’d ask, his mind working overtime to process new places and experiences. It’s these small, ordinary moments—the map-reading, the soup-stirring, the cocoa-sipping—that make life feel extraordinary.

Farewell (for Now)

Leaving was hard—especially for Jasper. In true toddler fashion, he protested loudly when it was time to pack up, clinging to the cabin door and begging to stay “forever.” I didn’t blame him. Alpine Lakes High Camp has a magic that lingers: the smell of pine and wood smoke, the sound of laughter echoing through the forest, the feeling of being completely present with the ones you love.

The camp host told us how magical the place becomes in winter—snowmobile rides up the mountain, deep snowdrifts, and endless fresh snow to explore. I already find myself daydreaming about it: Jasper’s face lighting up at the sight of more snow, cozying up by the fire after a day of sledding, and making new memories in that winter wonderland.

Justin and Austin, the new owners, have a deep love for outdoor recreation, and their enthusiasm shines through in every detail of the camp. It’s wonderful to see them breathing new life into a place that’s been cherished by families for years.

The Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Alpine Lakes High Camp isn’t about grand adventures or fancy amenities. It’s about finding joy in the simple things: a hike through snow and fall foliage, a child’s laughter, a warm meal shared with loved ones, and a quiet moment by the fire. It’s a reminder that the extraordinary is often hidden in the ordinary—that the best memories aren’t made by checking off bucket lists, but by being fully present in the moment.

As we drove away, Jasper fell asleep in the backseat, clutching a pinecone he’d collected. I looked at the mountains in the rearview mirror, already longing to return. This birthday weekend wasn’t just a trip—it was a celebration of family, nature, and the beautiful simplicity of life. And that’s the greatest gift of all.