The winter season will soon be upon us and probably faster than many of us would like, I am sure, but just because the temperature drops it doesn’t mean that fun times are over. In fact, wintertime means that there are lots of new adventures to be experienced and enjoyed with friends and loved ones. Guest ranches are an excellent option to consider when booking your winter wonderland escape. Though several guest ranches do close down during this period there are many that stay open all year round and thy offer a diverse range of activities to choose from. Here are a few of the guest ranches that offer winter vacation packages:
The Laughing Water Guest Ranch, Fortine, Montana:
Nestled against the foot hills of the Whitefish Divide and just a short drive from Glacier National Park, The Laughing Water Guest Ranch is a true Montana, Rocky Mountain trail riding ranch. During the winter months the Laughing Water Guest Ranch has lots to offer its guests. With over 220 acres of gentle rolling timber and pasture land you will find that your days can be as busy as you like or as relaxed as you like. Your stay is custom fitted for you. Choose from activities like horseback riding in the snow, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, ice fishing and one day spent dog sledding. For an additional charge guests can go down-hill skiing at Whitefish Mountain as well as back country powder skiing and snowmobiling.
The Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana:
Located in one of Montana’s most pristine valleys, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers year-round unique vacations on an authentic 19th century homestead. Here Western adventure is balanced with lavish all-inclusive amenities. This season make the most out of winter and book the 2016 Winter Ski & Spa Special. Within less than a mile of your accommodations, you will find a skating pond, sledding hills, cross country skiing trails, sleigh rides and a relaxing spa. Book a six-day stay and you’ll receive $700 in additional value, including complimentary spa treatments and downhill skiing at Discovery Ski Area–a Montana alpine ski hill with 67 runs and short lift lines. Offer Details: Rates start at $1,600 per accommodation, per night based on standard occupancy, plus 20% Ranch Fee. Offer valid on new reservations only for travel between January 3 and March 31, 2016. Offer is not combinable with other promotions and cannot be redeemed for cash or credit. A four (4) night minimum stay is required. Complimentary amenities depend on length of stay. All guests are strongly encouraged to plan their itineraries related to their complimentary amenities prior to their arrival to secure preferred timing. Standard RC Inclusions: luxury accommodations; all gourmet meals; premium wine, beer, spirits and other beverages; a selection of gear and guided on-ranch activities
The Ranch at Rock Creek
Vista Verde Ranch, Steamboat Springs, Colorado:
Situated in the Elk River Valley this Colorado guest ranch features luxurious cabins and spacious lodge rooms. During the winter months Vista Verde Ranch becomes a veritable winter wonderland. Come hideout in a cozy log cabin with a private hot tub and enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals in between adventures out in the snow. Christmas and New Year’s weeks are perfect for families looking for a special way to celebrate the holidays. Then, from early January until mid-February the ranch becomes available to adults only until President’s Day weekend rolls around and the kid’s program kicks back into gear. While staying at Vista Verde Tanch during the winter you can take a sleigh-ride or strap on some skis and try a variety of styles of Nordic skiing from classic to skate to back country. There’s also snow-shoeing, “fat” biking (bikes with wide tires that allow you to bike across snowy terrain) and snow tubing. The ranch also offers their riding program during the winter months as well as photography lessons, yoga, spa treatments and weekly cooking lessons and wine tastings.
Vista Verde Ranch
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Sandpoint, Idaho:
Located on 1100 acres, you will be treated to true western hospitality while surrounded by the scenic beauty of North Idaho while staying at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. During the winter months you can choose from 5 different packages as the guest ranch is transformed by a blanket of white snow. Log Cabin or Lodge Room Getaway Schweitzer Ski Packages: This all-inclusive ski package includes two nights lodging for two in one of their cozy, log cabins or lodge rooms, one day of skiing at Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, a romantic horse drawn sleigh ride for two, and a hearty ranch breakfast served in the main lodge for two mornings. Snowmobile Package: If you are looking for adventure then this package is for you! Come enjoy the grandeur of the back country wilderness by snowmobile. You will experience two evenings of comfort in either a cozy lodge room or one of our private log cabins. Your stay at Western Pleasure will also include a hearty ranch breakfast. Spa Package: For those of you who are looking for a relaxing winter get-a-way, try this spa package. Your stay will begin with a sleigh ride and accommodations that include two nights in a modern rustic log cabin or choose one of their spacious guest rooms. Both mornings include a hearty ranch breakfast. Indulge yourself in a day of absolute pampering while you enjoy the services and beautiful facility at the Spa at Seasons in Sandpoint. Your “Time Together” package will include (2) 50-Minute Massages and (2) Spa Pedicures. Cross-Country Ski Package: If you want to get out and enjoy the snow, but are looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the ski mountain this is the package for you. Two nights lodging for two, your own private horse drawn sleigh ride and a hearty ranch breakfast served in the lodge is only part of what this package has to offer. ***Be sure to check which dates these packages are available when booking***
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
Tod Mountain Ranch, Heffley Creek, British Columbia:
Hidden in the Louis Creek Valley, surrounded by mountains, this Canadian guest ranch is small and exclusive and offers a relaxing, tranquil environment. Available for group bookings, Tod Mountain Guest Ranch is the perfect relaxing winter getaway. Only 15 minutes away from Sun Peaks Ski Resort means that guests can enjoy all the fun, outdoor activities of Sun Peaks during the day, and then relax in comfort at the ranch in the evening. Sun Peaks Resort, the 2nd largest Ski Resort in Canada, has over 4,000 acres of skiable terrain and 126 runs.
Activities include:
- Downhill skiing & snowboarding
- Snobikes
- Snow shoeing
- Dog sledding
- Skating Rink
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Tubing & Tobogganing
- Ski School
Tod Mountain Ranch
As you can see there is lots to do at a guest ranch during the winter months. From sleigh-rides, skiing and snowmobiling to spa treatments, yoga classes and wine tastings you are sure to find the ideal guest ranch for you and your family and friends!
Happy Trails!