The words Colorado and skiing are linked together about as often as Hawaii and surfing. These activities are synonymous with the states they are connected to. With over twenty-five ski areas for beginners to experts, it is no surprise that people come from the four corners of the world to ski in Colorado.
However, if the thought of going down a steep hill on two sticks or a board terrifies you or your wallet, Colorado still offers plenty of other winter activities. And often at a much lower cost.
Snow Mountain Ranch near Granby, Colorado offers a wholesome environment for enjoying quality time in the outdoors. The resort is part of the YMCA of the Rockies, a Christian-based organization, that also includes Estes Park Center, near Rocky Mountain National Park.
This winter I headed up to Granby with a friend. I had no idea what to expect from Snow Mountain. When we arrived, I was surprised as how large the ranch really was. You could spend hours in the wilderness with only the sound of the wind in your ears and crunching snow beneath your feet.
This place is definitely geared towards families, which admittingly made it a little awkward for two single women. The atmosphere was relaxing and positive, with families spending quality time together. For those who want to extend the opportunity for outdoor adventure beyond your immediate family, Snow Mountain can accomodate family reunions in one of their larger cabins.
What is Included at a Stay at Snow Mountain Ranch?
For our package, our stay included a room with two queen beds and three meals at the buffet-style dining hall. We also had access to the Nordic Center and the other activity centers, at no extra cost. Yes, guests can enjoy the trails, the indoor gym that includes a climbing wall, the roller and ice skating facilities, the heated indoor pool, and the craft shop at no charge.
The ranch includes over 5,000 acres of accessible land for you to celebrate the snow. Bring your own or rent cross-country skis or snowshoes to take advantage of the meandering trails that weave in and out of the trees and streams. Grab a tube or sled and slide down a hill or glide across ice under the covered skating pavilion.
For those real cold and windy days that make being outside unbearable, you can head inside for some ping-pong or pool, or strap on a pair of roller skates and relive your youth.
Quality Time in the Mountains
There are no televisions in the room and games and books fill up the common areas. The goal of both YMCA at the Rockies resorts is quality time. Families are meant to put down the remote, the GameBoy, smart phones, and iPads and simply enjoy each others company.
Snow Mountain Ranch offers something that you may not find in other ski resorts - the gift of quality time together.
Julie McElroy - Freelance travel writer with published articles about places all over the world, including Italy, Colorado, Japan, Germany, and Spain.
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