In 1993 they established the Oasi Zegna, a 100-square-kilometre (40-square-mile) reserve of meadows and forest that pushes towards Monte Rosa, Europe's second highest peak, into an empty, wild area crossed by a few trails.

ECONOMIST: Natural style

Rather than negotiate with Meadows, Hanna got permission from the Forest Service to use an alternate drive. (Its ploy defeated, Meadows backed off.) Then Hanna got lucky--back-to-back epic snowfalls and a 70% jump in skiers that kept him solvent.

FORBES: Lion In Winter

Meadows filled with wildflowers nestle in with the forest and give the furry residents the perfect places to strike a pose for photographs.

BBC: The natural wonders of Banff and Jasper National Parks