Why You Need To Add Snow Mountain Ranch To Your Travel List

In Colorado there are so many options for a great family getaway in the mountains but Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park Colorado is probably our favorite place to start our summer off with the kids. Filled with beautiful views, great activities and plenty of memory making moments for the whole family Snow Mountain Ranch is sure to make the whole family excited!

Disclosure: In return for our honest review my family and I were guests at Snow Mountain Ranch for a weekend of fun. All opinions are our own.

After the kid’s first week of school we got a little mini vacation up at Snow Mountain Ranch. If you have been reading with us for long, you know that we LOVE traveling to this beautiful space in Winter Park Colorado. So, after school we jumped into the car and jumped right into a fun filled weekend of family fun! Today I am sharing some of our experiences at Snow Mountain Ranch but I am also making sure you understand why you need to add Snow Mountain Ranch to your travel list.

Why You Need To Add Snow Mountain Ranch To Your Travel List

Multi-generational Fun

YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch is perfect for any age. There is literally something to keep you busy no matter your age, ability or interests. This space is perfect for family gatherings, reunions, retreats, conferences and vacations because of that multi-generational fun. We started coming to Snow Mountain Ranch when Teagan was just 3 years old and while we have not planned a trip with the grandparents I know that in the future we will and it will be a fun time for everyone.

Beautiful Space

The property at Snow Mountain Ranch does not disappoint. I am not a fan of camping but absolutely love experiencing our beautiful Colorado mountains. This space is perfect for taking in some fresh mountain air and relaxing but also allows you to explore the beauty we are blessed with in Colorado. When we visit Snow Mountain Ranch we are able to enjoy the mountain life but have all of the necessary amenities at our fingertips!

Screen Free Connection

While there is WIFI in the lodges and around the property, not having a TV in the rooms and cabins allow for a little screen time detox! After a summer of more screen time than I would like to admit to, this was a perfect way to enjoy a weekend with the kids. With no screen times comes more opportunities for the whole family to step outside and enjoy Snow Mountain Ranch with one another.

New Experiences

While visiting Snow Mountain Ranch you and your family will have the opportunity to experience all kinds of activities that you may not normally do. This could mean going on walks with the llamas, exploring the gold mine, learning to rock climb or archery. The possibilities are endless and I love that every time we visit Snow Mountain Ranch we get to experiences something new and out of our ordinary.

Park That Car

This time of the year I find myself feeling like a taxi. Dropping the kids from one activity to another. The car is where we do a lot of our connecting. While at Snow Mountain Ranch, nearly every activity including food and lodging are in walking distance. So, park the car and enjoy a little walk to and from your activities. Breath that mountain air and get some extra exercise in too! Snow Mountain Ranch offers a “resort like” set up in terms of how to get to and from every building. If you need to drive, that is perfectly fine as well but if you got a little extra time, go for that walk as a family!

No More “I’m Bored!”

The activities are endless at Snow Mountain Ranch. There is no reason for anyone to say they are bored during your stay. From the playgrounds, trails, planned activities, mini golf, swimming, roller skating, crafts, large gym and so much more you will be able to take the “I’m bored” out of every child’s mouth for your stay.

WHAT IS SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH?

Located near Winter Park Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park & Grand Lake; Snow Mountain Ranch offers a wholesome environment where friends, families & groups enjoy a tranquil setting, more activities than anywhere else & quality time together. You can fill your day and nights at Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA with our programs and activities. Every season brings fun and excitement for the entire family. Whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing stroll, we can set you on your way.

ACTIVITIES AT SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH

Snow Mountain Ranch offers many activities on the property including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, zip lines, fishing, archery, climbing wall, crafts shop, roller skating, mini-golf, swimming, both summer and winter tubing hill and more, making the destination an affordable and adventurous getaway for the whole family. (Most of these activities are included free for guests.)

Not Just For Summertime

Snow Mountain Ranch is not just for summer! Snow Mountain Ranch is a year-round destination and winter activities include dog-sledding, Nordicskiing, snowshoeing, sledding (on real snow!) and indoor activities like archery, climbing wall, roller skating, crafts center and more. Also, Snow Mountain Ranch is located between the alpine resorts of Winter Park/Mary Jane and Ski Granby Ranch for families interested in downhill skiing or snowboarding as well.

SUMMER TUBING HILL – GENERAL FACTS:

Snow Mountain Ranch guests can use this tubing hill free of charge!

The prices for day visitors are as follows:

13 and older: $35 per person
6-12 years old: $25 per person
3-5 years old: $15 per person
*A full-day activity pass is included in this price.
*Members of YMCA of the Rockies or another YMCA (with proof of membership) can use the tubing hill for $15 per person and receive a complimentary day pass.

Now, we certainly love every activity available at Snow Mountain Ranch but our family favorite has to be the summer tubing hill! Tubing in the summer with no winter gear? YES!!

SUMMER TUBING RESERVATION, RULES AND AMENITIES INFORMATION:

Guests staying on-grounds can reserve their time slots for the tubing hill 3 days in advance at the Programs Building. Day visitors can reserve their time slots the day of their visit at the Programs Building. We highly recommend that guests book their time slot 3 days in advance. If you are a day visitor, please call the Program Department the morning of your visit to check on open times: 970-887-2152, ext. 4135.

Helmets are available for no additional cost.
Children ages 3-6 must ride with an adult (children 2 and under cannot ride).
Flip-flops are not allowed; shoes must be secure. Please do not wear loose clothing or hats.
A concessions and bathrooms house will be at the top of the hill for guest convenience.

Make sure you check out our first Summer Tubing Hill experience from 2015 and more information on what to expect.

SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH GENERAL INFORMATION

Accommodations range from lodge rooms, cabins of all sizes, yurts and campsites in the summer and even 8 bedroom reunion cabins that sleep up to 40 guests – perfect for a family reunion or corporate retreat. Plus, YMCA of the Rockies has on-staff retreat specialists to help plan large events. There is also an Estes Park location which is the place to be in the fall to see the Elk up close.

Upcoming Events At Snow Mountain Ranch

I wanted to share the upcoming the Women’s Adventure Camp at Camp Chief Ouray, at Snow Mountain Ranch. Thought it might appeal to some mamas out there! The camp will be held on Sept 6-8, 2019 and readers can register here.

Cost is $325 per person (sign up 3 or more and receive $15 off registration for everyone). The camp is open to women 18+ years of age with the intent of teaching outdoor adventure skills and playing in the outdoors. A variety of ‘how to’ sessions including packing your backpack, hiking technique, wildlife knowledge and more.

Possible activities for the weekend:

Archery
Arts: Ceramics, crafts, watercolors and drawing with local artist, Karen Vance in her studio.
Birding
Canoeing
Climbing wall
Fly Fishing / Fishing
Rowley Homestead Experience
Hiking
High Ropes
Kite flying
Mountain Biking
Outdoor Survival
Pilates
Trail running
Goat Yoga
Zip Line
Swimming
Miniature golf