Mountaineering Weekend at the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Colorado, allows families of all types to enjoy a weekend filled with exploration, learning and fun!
Disclosure: In return for our honest review my family and I were guests at YMCA of The Rockies for a weekend of fun. All opinions are our own.
Making Memories and Creating Traditions
Over the last several years we have spent a lot of time at both YMCA locations here in Colorado, we are so lucky to have these great getaway options in our beautiful Colorado backyard! Last weekend, the kids and I had the chance to experience a winter wonderland adventure at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park for the Mountaineering Weekend. While we have been to the Estes Park location in the winter to ring in the New Year, this was our first experience at Mountaineering Weekend. As always, we left YMCA of the Rockies with new memories and new traditions!
Welcome To The YMCA Of The Rockies
YMCA of the Rockies, located near the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, is an ideal vacation, reunion, wedding and conference destination. The best part about this weekend getaway is how easy of a drive it is, even in the winter.
You can fill your day and nights at YMCA of the Rockies with so many programs and activities. Every season brings fun and excitement for the entire family. Whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing stroll, you will be entertained. For this stay we enjoyed a lot of relaxing time in our cozy cabin, rollerskating, archery, swimming, crafts, basketball, bingo, marshmallow roasting, Ping Pong and all of the great activities offered for Mountaineering Weekend.
There are a number of different options for lodging when you begin planning your trip to YMCA of the Rockies. We stayed in a 3 bedroom cabin with a fireplace. This was a great updated cabin that was cozy but had plenty of room for us all. Keep in mind that well-behaved pets are allowed in 2 to 5 bedroom cabins, campgrounds and yurts and but be leashed at all times when outdoors. We are not a dog owning family but I do know how important that option is for those that do have dogs!
From the minute you step onto the YMCA of the Rockies property you are greeted with friendly and helpful waiting to help you and your family have an enjoyable stay. Once you check in, you are provided with a folder full of maps, scheduled and helpful printouts to make sure you maximize your stay. I keep this handy as we go around the center just so we know exactly what is available at certain times. No matter what you are looking to do, there will be something to keep everyone entertained and having fun!
What To Expect at Mountaineering Weekend
For this specific stay we were invited to check out the fun offerings for Mountaineering Weekend. Along with all of the regularly scheduled events, activities and programs; this particular weekend also offers a weekend filled with exploration, learning and fun all centered around mountain adventures. For Mountaineering Weekend there is a completely different schedule with a number of high attended events and programs. I was very thankful for this paper schedule to help me figure out what we could attend.
While we did not attend every special Mountaineering Weekend event or program we were able to take advantage of the Munchies & Mountains, Ice Caves and the Dog Sledding Presentation.
Ice Caves might have been Teagan’s favorite Mountaineering Weekend activity. We learned facts about how to build a snow cave and why snow caves can actually be better than tents when climbing and exploring in the winter months. A snow cave was already built and it was pretty dang fancy. A bed and little shelves were included. The kids loved going from the “front door” to the “back door” of the cave. This was just a short 60 minute talk that was very interesting and had us all thinking we could totally build our own snow cave!
While the Dog Sledding Dogs were not at the Estes Park location for this event we did get to learn all about this amazing sport and how it all started. We even got to test some of the equipment. I cannot imagine riding on the back of this sled for over 1,000 miles! Very impressive. We also learned all about how the dogs are trained and how they are taken care of during the big races. Jude was very interested in the history surrounding the dog sleds and asked a lot of questions.
Overall, the activities and programs for the Mountaineering Weekend were really great for all ages. I heard that broomball was a hit! I think we will need to try that next time along with the comic climbing!! The event planners really do a great job of having activities and programs available for all ages and abilities. I love that about the YMCA of the Rockies.
General Information To Keep In Mind With Visiting YMCA of The Rockies
Food
You can bring food with you to prepare for your family or you can take advantage of the food in the dining hall. If you are staying in a cabin you will have a kitchen with essentials you might need to prepare your meals – plates, silverware, glasses, pots and pans. You will also have a refrigerator, stove, oven and microwave. If you are in a lodge room you will have a microwave and a small refrigerator.
We typically bring up snacks and drinks to keep in the cabin and then head to the dining hall for main meals. The kids LOVE the dining hall. It is your typical cafeteria food line but they really do try to create meals and options that are healthier and allergy friendly. The food staff work really hard to make your dining experience delicious. Make sure you check out the times that the dining hall is open so you make sure you do not miss your meal.
What To Pack
If visiting in the winter months please pack for snow and cold! It is always windy in Estes Park so keep that in mind as well. Pack snow gear; snow coats, snow boots, snow pants, hats and gloves so you can play and enjoy the snow and winter activities. If visiting in the summer, keep in mind it can get hot in the afternoon and chilly in the evening. Sunscreen is a must no matter the season.
The cabins and lodge rooms do have soap/shampoo in the bathrooms. Towels and bedding are provided. The lodge rooms do have hair dryers – cabins do not. Keep in mind that lodge rooms and cabins do not have TVs – time to unplug! There is WIFI available if needed. The Vacation homes do have TVs. I suggest books and lots of puzzles and games for the evenings.
Great for Multi-Generational Travel
While is not a resort; it certainly has similarities in that it can be a perfect vacation location for multi-generational families. There is literally something for everyone here. Reserve a cabin or vacation home to have a place to meet and mingle with your family but then utilize the many programs, events and activities together or separate. Whatever is needed for your family.
Stay Social With YMCA of the Rockies:
