In the not-so-distant past, Republicans as well as Democrats were strong proponents of America’s public lands. And both parties usually supported the national parks—most beloved of all public lands. But now, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan reflect the contempt of the Republican Party’s far right for all public lands—even the national parks, long renowned as “America’s Best Idea.”

From snowsports to whale watching, America’s national parks have it all come winter. Check out our five-pack of parks where winter gives you the entire country's worth of geographical getaways.

Having a cabin with a roaring fire to return to after a long day in a national park is a great way to top off the day. And in Olympic National Park, you'll be able to do that weekends this winter if you can reserve one of the Roosevelt Cabins at Lake Crescent.

If you're a hardy cross-country or backcountry skier looking for a new adventure, now is the time to enter the lottery for a stay at the Ostrander Ski Hut in Yosemite National Park.