In Colorado there are so many options for a great family getaway in the mountains but Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park Colorado is one of my very favorite places to travel with the kids. Filled with beautiful views, great activities and plenty of memory making moments, Snow Mountain Ranch is a perfect place for any type of family.
Disclosure: In return for our honest review my family and I were guests at YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch for a weekend of fun. All opinions are our own.
YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch – Traveling Alone With Kids
Traveling Alone With Kids
Our family has experienced Snow Mountain Ranch for the last five summers but this summer is a little different, thankfully it doesn’t matter your family situation at Snow Mountain, it is a space that is perfect for everyone! Now that I am a single mom, I do have to consider our traveling plans. I would consider myself a pretty educated traveler but when it comes to traveling with my kids alone I do want to be as safe as possible but also have a space that allows the three of us to have fun.
Snow Mountain Ranch is not only a super secure and safe “resort” but the lodging options and available activities are great for a single parent with children. For our trip, we did have a cabin which allowed me to bring food to prepare for meals. This is a huge help but there are also many food options on site which allows you to not need to leave the YMCA grounds.
In addition to cabins, there are also Yurts, tent/camper camping spots and a lodge (hotel rooms). Because there are activities and food all on the grounds, either lodging option would be ideal for a single parent traveling with kids alone. Once you check in, you can start your planning for a great vacation full of mountain fun! The YMCA makes traveling alone with kids so easy.
Three Bedroom Cabin At YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch
Like I said, there are a number of lodging options but I wanted to showcase the amazing 3 bedroom cabin we had on our last visit. We were in the Bighorn cabin – if you ever stay at Snow Mountain Ranch, ask for this cabin, you will love it!! There was a huge open living room with an amazing gas fireplace and a ton of great windows. This allowed us to see the beautiful scenery all around us.
There were two queen beds, one twin bed and one set of bunk beds. There was a large bathroom with a bathtub and a small bathroom with just a shower. The living space was my favorite area of the cabin but I have to showcase the kitchen as well. This full kitchen makes it so easy to prepare meals. A full size refrigerator, oven/stove, microwave, and a dishwasher are included. Don’t worry about bringing silverware, cups, plates or pots and pans. You will find a good selection of items needed to prepare your meals!! Again, so easy!!
In addition to the great inside, the fantastic deck out front was a perfect place to enjoy our meals and ice cream. I didn’t realize that the cabin would also have a gas grill…again, another great option while preparing meals.
While we did not spend a ton of time in the cabin, the time we were there was time spent off of electronics! LOVE THAT! Fireplace on, books out, crafts out, toys out!! UNPLUG!!!
COVID-19 Considerations
If you are considering a little escape for the family during this crazy pandemic, you might be wondering if that is a safe or wise thing to do. While I cannot make that choice for you, I must say from the time we drove up to check in, I felt like we were safe, clean and that the YMCA was taking every possible precaution to keep their staff and guests healthy.
Wearing masks in any indoor public place was a requirement. While some might find this annoying, to be honest, it was not that big of a deal for me or the kids. We all survived and if those masks help keep other healthy we knew it was the best thing to do. I was super impressed with the care the staff gave to these considerations and I would recommend Snow Mountain Ranch to anyone that wants to get out and enjoy a little “normal” this summer!
What Snow Mountain Ranch Is Doing For Your Health:
Current orders require the use of face coverings inside any business. This includes all buildings at Snow Mountain Ranch with the exception of your lodging unit. We also request guests follow appropriate social distancing practices, maintaining a six-foot distance from other guests and staff. We encourage guests to bring their own hand sanitizer and use it after contact with high-touch areas.
Staff members are following social distancing requirements, wearing face coverings and gloves as mandated, telecommuting whenever possible, practicing appropriate personal hygiene, and passing a daily temperature and symptom assessment.
All staff members are required to wear masks when working within 6-feet of others, and guests are required to wear masks when entering buildings or when in outdoor situations where a 6-foot distance is not possible. All staff members must pass a health screening before reporting to their shifts each day.
All public areas of YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch buildings are deeply sanitized on a regular basis using hospital-grade EPA approved agents and virus eliminating chemicals. High-touch areas are sanitized multiple times per day with CDC-recommended cleaning materials.
Check In/Out procedures have changed a little as well. You will receive a pre-arrival email allowing you to complete part of the registration process online. Upon arrival, one member of your party may enter the Administration building to complete check-in process. For your safety, we are taking extra precautions to clean and disinfect your rooms before arrival. In order to minimize the possibility of spreading COVID-19 between our staff and guests, once you check into your lodging, our Housekeeping staff will not re-enter your room until you checkout.
***Keep in mind that these precautions are changing daily.
Our Favorite Activities While Visiting Snow Mountain Ranch
As I said before, our trip was a little different than normal because of the pandemic but there was still plenty to do!! As you plan your activities keep in mind that Masks are required at all activities. Below is a list of activities that are open or closed as of July 21st, 2020.
OPEN
Socially distanced outdoor spaces, including single picnic tables
Mini Golf
Outdoor Volleyball-Check out equipment at the Programs building
Tennis-Check out equipment at the Programs building
Disc golf-Check out equipment at the Programs building
Playgrounds-not sanitized – use at your own discretion
Dog Park
Pool (capacity of 20 people – click here for more information)
Hiking Stick Class
Kiva
Family Programs
Archery
Climbing
Canoeing
Fire Rings
CLOSED
Program/activity areas where gathering can occur
Lobbies and Common Areas
Summer tubing hill
Zip Lining
The biggest bummer for us was missing the Summer Tubing Hill but we filled that normal activity with a new activity! We decided to go on a hike on Waterfall Trail. This is a very family friendly hike that is about 3 miles round trip. The kids and I had such a great time doing this. We saw a lot of little critters, beautiful plants and flowers and some great water features, including the amazing waterfall.
We also gave the Biking Skills Park a try! The kids LOVED this!! So many fun obstacles for them to try. Sure there were a few bumps and falls but for two hours they road like crazy!!
Along with the hike and bike skills park we did some crafts at the craft shop, played bingo, did some archery, played mini golf, played on the huge playground, and roller skated. I have to say, by the end of the weekend we were all exhausted but had a great time as always. Hey parents….if you are sick of hearing the phrase, “I’m bored!” – book a trip TODAY!
About 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.
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.)
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.
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.
SEE OUR PREVIOUS TRIPS TO SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH HERE:
Another year in the books at Snow Mountain Ranch!! So many memories made. I love that I have found a place like the YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch that I know is safe and perfect for a family getaway.
