Colorado Vacation Spot: Snow Mountain Ranch

Colorado Vacation Spot: Snow Mountain Ranch

What a difference a few weeks make here in Colorado. At the end of February, we visited the YMCA of the Rockies’ Winter Park location, Snow Mountain Ranch. We were up to our knees in snow – although, granted – it was our “dry snow,” where my kid ends up running around in short sleeves while playing in it. Meanwhile Spring is here down in Denver, and I am wearing shorts today. Such is the weather this time of year here; be prepared for anything. (In fact, we head back up to the mountains for Spring Break this year, so we’re doing another snow dance now.)

Snow Mountain Ranch - Winter Park, CO Snow Mountain Ranch - Winter Park, CO

On this latest visit to Snow Mountain Ranch, we went dog sledding! Complete with a lesson before the trip as well as time with the dogs afterwards. I was fascinated how the harnesses themselves are constructed to disperse the weight among the dogs, to their chests – so there is no pulling on their necks.

Snow Mountain Ranch - Winter Park, CO

The best fun (of course) was just going for a ride and letting our musher do all the work.

Snow Mountain Ranch - Winter Park, CO Snow Mountain Ranch - Winter Park, CO

SSnow Mountain Ranch - Winter Park, CO

In the end, I am pretty sure what Dex will remember most is playing with the up-and-coming puppies, who will probably start on a team next year.

Snow Mountain Ranch - Winter Park, CO Snow Mountain Ranch - Winter Park, CO

While we were up there, we also spent lots of time in the Kiva Center for dodge ball, indoor climbing and my personal favorite, archery.

Snow Mountain Ranch - Winter Park, CO

Then we took off snow-shoeing and got to see views like this.

Snow Mountain Ranch - Winter Park, CO

But here’s the cool thing!

Snow Mountain Ranch is a year round-vacation spot. You may remember that last summer we played on their Summer Tubing Hill and it will be open all summer long for 2015. So, while we were there for winter sports, thoughts will quickly turn to summer in a few months and now is a perfect time to make reservations.

Clearly my family loves spending time at Snow Mountain Ranch. It is a great mix of get-away while still doing it all. You can eat on site, or go out in Winter Park. You can do any of their (many) activities or head into town for skiing. I like easy and YMCA of the Rockies makes it easy.

A favorite Colorado vacation spot for families, for sure.


Note: Accommodations were provided by Snow Mountain Ranch. All words and photos are mine.

This article has 6 comments

  1. Anna Stauss

    Oh we love that place but we have never tried dog sledding. And what is this about summer tubing????

  2. Amber's The Mile High Mama

    Yep, in mourning we didn’t get up to Snow Mountain this winter–it’s one of our favorite places and dog sledding looks like a blast! Thankfully, we’ll at least be there in June for Camp Chief Ouray.

    Gorgeous photography as always, Aimee!

  3. Maca

    I always wanted to go dog sledding!!! that looks amazing, is like you have this great connection with the dogs!

    I definitely have to go there!

  4. Avery Everyfann

    We have always heard amazing things about this place. We really need to get up there soon. Definitely next summer or winter.

  5. Marble Mountain Ranch

    I have spent number of summers in a ranch, but never a snow time. I think this is my next trip. Doing some snow activities in another ranch. Seen some posts like this as well, and I believe it is indeed great.

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