I’m usually curious where I can ski late in the season for one reason only… I’m a fly by my seat sort of traveler and I also like to wait until the big Christmas crowds are gone. Nothing is worse than a crowded slope, in my opinion. So, at least now we know… ski buffs who live for the thrill of just one more run down the powdery slopes can take on the Breckenridge, Colorado ski scene well into Spring. Warmer weather, fewer crowds, softer snow and falling prices make for the perfect opportunity to also pack up the entire family for a Spring Break ski escape.
The brand new Residence Inn Breckenridge is a natural launch pad to explore the appeals of the Rockies this spring. Boasting all-suite accommodations, this spot is ideal for families where they can make themselves at home in expansive suites with full kitchens and sofa beds. Complimentary hot American breakfast will fuel the fam before hitting the slopes of famed Breckenridge Ski Resort, where Peak 9 offers chair lifts and terrain that appeal to both beginners and experts, just two-minutes from the hotel. The transition to the slopes is eased by the hotel’s complimentary on-site ski storage.
A hot tub perfect for mom & dad too…
Après–ski, guests can easily explore the charming restaurants and shops with the hotel’s choice location in downtown Breckenridge. The Lobby’s Hearth Room and Base Camp Lounge are another great gathering point with a sophisticated mountain lodge vibe, creative cocktails, and menu of small bites. A year-round outdoor pool and hot tub with sweeping views of Quandary Peak is also a huge win win, complemented by the hotel’s fitness center.
So, ski buffs take note… you and your family can hit the slopes without the headache well into April!
Spring rates start at $255/nt which includes breakfast for every guest, parking, wifi in the room and… there is no resort fee!
Courtesy of the Dude Rancher’s Association, if you’re looking for the ultimate winter escape, look no further than these all-inclusive dude ranches, each of which offers cold weather retreat in some of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of the country.
Latigo Ranch in Kremmling, Colorado
The outdoor activities are just as invigorating as the inside comforts are cozy at Latigo Ranch. Experienced skiers know Latigo has some of the best snow conditions and finest cross-country skiing in Colorado. Other winter activities include snowshoeing and tubing, or enjoy the quiet and seclusion from the front porch of a historic log lodge with a panoramic view of 100 miles of the Continental Divide.
Latigo Ranch – Kremmling, Colorado
Bar W Guest Ranch in Whitefish, Montana
Things move a little slower at Bar W Guest Ranch in Montana, and that’s just how it’s meant to be. Treat yourself to horseback riding, sleigh ride dinners, square dances, snowshoeing, ice skating, dog sledding and ice fishing. Cap off the day with a soak in the hot tub, a game of pool, or a relaxing book and some music. And don¹t forget to leave time to enjoy a magical sleigh ride accompanied by hot chocolate or even dinner.
Guests ride a horse drawn sleigh at the Bar W Ranch near Whitefish Montana
The Home Ranch in Clark, Colorado
When the legendary snowfalls blanket the Elk River Valley in powder, The Home Ranch transforms into a sparkling white wonderland and becomes one of the most beautiful cross-country ski resorts in Colorado. Located just north of Steamboat Springs, the ranch offers some of the best Nordic skiing in the world, rustic accommodations, and a world-class chef that prepares what he calls ‘haute mountain cuisine’ for every meal. A typical day during a winter vacation could even include helping feed the ranch¹s herd of 100+ horses with a sleigh.
The Home Ranch – Clark, Colorado
Western Pleasure Ranch in Sandpoint, Idaho
A favorite activity of visitors to Western Pleasure Guest Ranch in North Idaho is a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride powered by one of the ranch’s draft teams. A two-mile loop trail takes passengers through a dense forest, treating them to fantastic views of the Selkirk Mountains. Sleighs are available in sizes ranging from two-passenger to 12-passenger. Western Pleasure also has ski trails for all levels.
Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
An all-inclusive winter vacation to Vista Verde Guest Ranch combines the amenities of a luxury Colorado resort with the relaxed and intimate atmosphere of a ranch vacation. Hide out in a cozy log cabin with a private hot tub and enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals in between snow-filled adventures. Winter activities include skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, tubing, sleigh rides, culinary classes, yoga and photography classes.
Lone Mountain – Big Sky, Montana
Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana
Lone Mountain Ranch offers the ultimate winter adventure. The ranch is perfectly situated just six miles from some of the best skiing in the country and was voted as the No. 1 Nordic Ski Resort in North America by Cross Country Skier magazine. Winter activities include skiing (Nordic, downhill and backcountry), snowshoeing and sleigh ride dinners. Guests can even take a short shuttle ride to explore Yellowstone National Park or the Gallatin National Forest by skis or snowshoes.
C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado
The winter weather is surprisingly mild at C Lazy U, thanks to the bright sunshine. Backcountry snowmobile and horseback riding tours, snowshoeing, private on-property snowcat skiing, ice skating, tubing and the C Lazy U Luge are favorite activities among winter guests. There¹s even ice hockey on the pond, as well as major ski resorts nearby.
Seven Devils Lodge – Council, Idaho
Seven Devils Lodge Guest Ranch in Council, Idaho
Located in central Idaho, just south of the Seven Devils mountain range, Seven Devils Lodge Guest Ranch lies in a unique area, neighboring jutting canyons, high desert, and soaring mountains. It offers some of Idaho’s finest backcountry boondocking, with terrain for all levels of riders. The ranch tailors the experience to match each guests’ riding style and even offers Back Country Basics riding clinics for those looking to improve their skills.
Sundance Trail Guest Ranch in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Winter is Bed & Breakfast Mountain Lodge season at Sundance Trail Guest Ranch. Guests are welcome to come for one or two nights, or for a week, during which time they can enjoy lodging, meals and morning horseback rides. Even four-legged travelers are welcome during the off-season! Sundance Trail is popular during the winter for family reunions, romantic getaways, and even honeymoons and elopements.
If an escape from the cold and snow is more your speed, check out these two all-inclusive guest ranches this winter:
Hideout Ranch – San Simon, Arizona
Hideout Ranch in San Simon, Arizona
See the West the way it was meant to be seen from the back of a horse. Hideout Ranch’s strategic location along the Arizona-New Mexico border provides easy access to thousands of miles of mountain and high desert riding trails trails no other ranch in Southeastern Arizona rides. Prepare to let your stress melt away in the bright blue Arizona sunshine and crisp, clean mountain air.
Tombstone Monument Ranch in Tombstone, Arizona
Travel back in time to the era of the cowboy at this unique ranch, which is set up like an 1880s Western frontier town. Each of the ranch’s 18 rooms has a special Western theme and is decorated in turn-of-the-century style. Explore miles of open country by horseback, enjoy live music around the campfire, or take a walk to the monument of Ed Schieffelin, the founder of Tombstone, located right on ranch property. The ranch offers trails for all levels of horseback riding.
We missed our chance to head to Colorado this Fall, so it’s on our agenda for next year. Thankfully, photographer, Payton VanGorp, captured the essence for us here.
Colorful Fall Foliage and Big Fluffy Clouds of Crested Butte, CO (c) Payton VanGorp
St. Valentine… ah, a story around martyred Saints. Makes me sorta in the mood. You too? To that end, I think of snowy peaks and warm fires. Precisely why we’ll be posting about a few Valentine’s Specials. This one in glorious Telluride, Colorado.
The Peaks Resort & Spa announced today the Valentine’s DayStaycation Special – an evening of pampered luxury for lovely couples everywhere – this Valentine’s Day at the premier resort in Telluride, CO. The Peaks Resort and Spa’s Valentine’s Day Staycation Package includes 1 Night Stay, 3-course dinner for two, a complimentary bottle of Champagne upon check in, 15% off Spa services and a rose petal turn-down service, all for the Romantic Price of only $299 per couple. Pretty great, eh?
A Room at The Peaks Telluride
With 29″ of fresh powder this week in Telluride, there’s no better way to heat things up this February. Treat your loved one to luxury at the world-renowned Resort and Spa. Plus, Telluride’s sweet cruisers, steep bumps and alpine bowls are in amazing shape. Enjoy a glass of your favorite red or indulge in a slice of sumptuous flourless chocolate cake before retreating to a rose-petal room turndown service turning your one-night escape toward an evening of nirvana. Already in town? Reserve yourself dinner at their award winning Palmyra restaurant and let the professional staff lead you on a culinary journey through a special three course menu priced at only $50 per person. *
The property includes 161 guest rooms including 32 suites, penthouse condominiums and two, three, four and five bedroom mountainside cabins – all with astounding mountain views. The resort offers slopeside access in the winter and is the home to the Telluride Golf Club championship course and Pro Shop. Onsite dining includes Palmyra, the Great Room, The Lift, Legends and Deep End Grill (summer only), as well as in-room private dining.
The Peak's Spa
What we also love? The onsite Spa at The Peaks Resort. At 42,000 sq. ft., is the largest spa in Colorado. The Spa features 32 treatment rooms and a variety of treatments like The Alpine Glow or Après Ski Calming Facial for wind whipped skin. The Spa also encompasses a full service salon, fully-equipped fitness center including Pilates and yoga studios, certified fitness instructors providing a variety of private and group classes, three-lane lap pool with Telluride’s only indoor water slide, indoor climbing wall, gender specific steam rooms (though we love co-ed… cause us Euro), saunas and Roman tubs, and indoor/outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. The NEW Laser Center at The Peaks is also located within the Spa at the Peaks and offers Botox, Restylane, Juvederm and Laser assisted surgery for all you Angelenos who want a secret vacation injection.
JAUNT MAGAZINE 