Mods: feel free to move this, I couldn't think of a better place to put it.
I need to get away. Last time I was in the mountains was last January. I had hopes for some summer climbing, but instead spent the entire summer (and quite a bit of money and vacation time) attending weddings. Eight weddings, to be exact. In the past, friends have stopped talking to me after I went climbing instead of being in their weddings. So I thought that this summer I would be a good friend. Boy, do I regret it. But I've learned my lesson. I got invited to two more this month. (Who the f*ck gets married in November?) I told them to forget about it.
As I said, I need to get away. I can swing ten days around New Year's. But where should I go? I don't want to go resort skiing and I don't backcountry ski (how does one learn, anyway?). I want/need solitude. I'd rather thru-hike than hole up somewhere and day hike. I imagine most of the US is off limits in Dec/Jan? I'm willing to go international but don't want to waste a whole lot of time getting there (already crossed Patagonia off the list). Any ideas?