It’s hard to imagine a winter vacation without thinking of Colorado. Known for its outstanding winter sporting opportunities, this state has a lot to offer to those who are interested in a bit of snowy R&R. The Home Ranch – a dude ranch that offers comprehensive vacation packages for the entire family – brings all of the fun of winter right to your doorstep as you choose from a vast variety of exciting activities.
Cross-Country Skiing – Offering some of the best snow conditions in Colorado, The Home Ranch makes lessons, back-country equipment and guided day trips available to guests who enjoy the freedom, fresh air and workout of cross-country skiing. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced skier, there are guides available to take you on a skiing excursion through the Colorado mountains. If you prefer to simply take a nature walk on your skis, that’s OK, too!
Snowshoeing – Picture yourself hiking through a glistening aspen forest as you make your way along the river, with a stop at a cabin in the woods, and you’ll have a good idea of what it’s like to go snowshoeing at The Home Ranch. Guides will take guests through the trails on a beautifully scenic trip which parallels the Elk River. Prepare to stop off at the ranch’s rustic cabin, where you’ll visit the neighboring sheep camp before making your return trip.
Sleigh Rides – Whisk across the snow in a glorious sleigh that brings you right into the middle of the feeding pastures where more than 100 Belgians enjoy their mid-day meal. You’ll be treated to a ride in a genuine feed sled which – until two decades ago – was used to bring food to the horses by ranchers and homesteaders. The mountain view along the way is one that begs for photos, and you may just hear a story or two about the old days at the ranch, as well.
Tubing – Kids will especially enjoy this exciting activity, as they fly down one of two hills: one straight, which allows youngsters to go at top speed, and the other full of curves that emulate an authentic luge run. Adults and children alike will love the feeling of the snow spraying in their faces as they careen down one of these two outstanding tubing hills on a long sled or traditional inner tube.
Ice Fishing – Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake, both within three miles of the ranch, offer the type of ice fishing experience that can only be found in the Colorado mountains. Expert fishermen are available to accompany guests who want to try their hand at this cold weather sport. This is well worth the time, since it’s the type of excursion that doesn’t often present itself in most other resort vacation spots.
Also included at The Home Ranch are horseback riding, downhill skiing, dog sledding and snowmobiling, in addition to indoor amenities which include a library, functional fireplace, private in-cabin hot tub, sauna and in-room massages. For those who prefer to get in a bit of shopping before they leave, the ranch offers The Mustang Mercantile, and the nearby town of Steamboat has lots of opportunities for buying souvenirs of your winter getaway. In addition, there’s a wide variety of sights to be seen in the surrounding area, if you’d like to take a day to enjoy some of the more traditional vacation activities.