Travel: Getaway to Colorado

TRAVEL

Getaway to Colorado

If you’re dreaming of a luxury ranch getaway, prepare to be enchanted by Vista Verde and its winter wonderland, writes MATHILDE GREGOIRE.

The Rocky Mountains region is known for having some of the best guest ranch experiences in the world; offering a wide range of outdoors activities amid a truly breathtaking landscape.

With a perfect combination of luxury and rustic charm, Vista Verde Ranch (VVR) is a dude ranch and resort nested at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Located near the popular skiing centre of Steamboat Springs, the ranch is a three hour drive west of Denver, Colorado’s capital.

Winter at the VVR

In true western fashion over 100 horses live on the ranch, roaming the acres of pastures all year round. The herd consists mostly of Quarter Horses and Mustangs, with the exception of a few Belgian Draft horses and Anglo Arabians. While the Colorado winters are cold and temperatures go well below freezing, the horses’ thick, fluffy coats, coupled with their instinct to stand close together during heavy snowfall, keep them warm all winter.

Every morning, wranglers round up the horses from their pasture and drive them into corrals. A few are selected, matched to guests’ preferences and level of experience, the remainder are released back into the pasture where they happily graze for the rest of the day.

For western riding enthusiasts looking for an authentic cowboy experience, a wide variety of activities are available. Help wranglers feed the herd hay carried on sleighs drawn by Belgian Draft horses, trail ride out in the snow, or enjoy a natural horsemanship clinic. The ranch caters to riders of all levels.

Clinics are held every day and led by experienced wranglers. The fun begins with a natural horsemanship lesson with the head wrangler in the comfort of a heated indoor arena, where you learn how to communicate with your horse and improve your riding skills. Each session helps you strengthen your bond with your horse as you learn to connect through various games based on natural horsemanship techniques. Emphasis is placed on learning to trust your horse, relax, and find the right balance in the saddle. Riding around the arena with long reins while executing transitions using your seat is one of the many exercises you’ll be invited to practice. For riders coming from a traditional English riding background, being immersed in westernstyle riding can be a very exciting and rewarding experience.

If you enjoy outdoor riding, trail rides around the ranch are offered in winter. And while they are usually kept to a slower pace due to the cold weather and snowfall, this won’t stop you from having a magical experience!

Plenty to keep you busy

member takes time out with each guest to discuss the activities they’d like to sign up to that day. While horses and riding are an important part of an authentic dude ranch experience, there’s a plethora of other activities available onsite. In winter, guests have the opportunity to try snow tubing, ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Or for a complete change of pace, enjoy a photography workshop, cooking class, or a wine tasting. Ah, the food!

The culinary experience at VVR will not disappoint if you enjoy fresh, high quality, organic food and local produce. A buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served each day, and guests also have the option to order from a few delectable à la carte dishes, prepared by a renowned and very talented chef.

After a long day filled with exciting activities and enticing food, guests can relax in their charming, secluded cabin. The accommodation at VVR consists of private luxury log cabins, each equipped with its own Jacuzzi, kitchen, lounge, and cozy fireplace. After a busy day on the ranch, relaxing in a Jacuzzi overlooking the herd as they graze is a rare and peaceful pleasure, an enjoyable moment to connect with nature and disconnect from the rest of the world. If you’re in the mood to socialise, you can join other guests for happy hour in the Great Room at the main lodge and share the day’s highlights.

At VVR, all the activities on offer are part of the all-inclusive package and incur no additional charge. And while there are plenty of exciting outdoor activities to choose from, you also have the option to simply relax, either by reading a book by the fireplace, or enjoying a glass of wine on your private porch.

Whether you are looking for a solo getaway, a romantic retreat, or a family vacation, VVR caters for everyone, ensuring that each guest enjoys a personalised experience at this delightful luxury retreat.

If that sounds like your kind of getaway, find out more at Vista Verde Ranch, and don’t forget to pack your snow boots.

FACING PAGE: Welcome to a winter wonderland. TOP LEFT: Riding around the ranch is a favorite occupation for many guests. TOP RIGHT: The cozy Great Room where guests gather for happy hour. ABOVE: Belgian Drafts pull the sleigh while wranglers deliver hay to the ranch horses. Images by Mathilde Gregoire