"There is SO much to do here in the Winter!" Those were my husbands words as our family headed to the Craft Shop at the YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch after completing a morning dog sled run. He wasn't kidding! Our family has visited the YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch many times each summer, as a matter of fact we meet friends for an annual camping trip there. The one season that we have never experienced there was winter, but that changed a few weeks ago. Besides dog sledding and the Craft Shop, there are lots of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy.
Painting pottery at the Craft Shop.
Inside activities include: archery, rock climbing, swimming, roller skating, volleyball, basketball, ping pong, pool, and foosball. That doesn't include the organized activities such as Hungry, Hungry Hippos.
Who knew YOU could actually play Hungry, Hungry Hippos?
Yes, live action Hungry, Hungry Hippos. Imagine a team of two with one member laying on a scooter while holding a round laundry basket while their teammate holds onto a rope tied to the back of the scooter. A YMCA team member throws balls in the air in the center of the roller skating rink and the game is on! Team members on scooters scramble as fast as possible across the floor to gather balls in their basket. When the second team member is happy with the number of balls in the basket, they start reeling the scooter in. Once the balls are safely in their team's corner, the teammate rushes back out for more balls. This game was definitely a high point of the weekend for my 12-year-old!
Outside Activities
The outside activities at Snow Mountain Ranch are just as plentiful as the indoor activities. Remember that dog sledding I mentioned? Snow Mountain Ranch gives you the opportunity to hop on the back of a dog sled and go for a ride...and what a ride it is! The dogs don't look like the big fluffy huskies you see in the movies, these dogs are made for running and pulling. These dogs love to do their job, you can see it in the posture as they wait their turn to join the team. You can feel it in the rush of wind that blasts you in the face as the dogs lunge forward at the musher's command. One of the great aspects of the dog sled rides at Snow Mountain Ranch is how affordable they are, it is easy to afford rides for the whole family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpr4je0u8t8&feature=youtu.be
Are you tired, yet? I hope not! There are still PLENTY of outdoor activities to enjoy! A snow tubing hill, ice skating, fat tire bikes, a top notch Nordic Center where you can rent cross country skies or snow shoes. The Snow Mountain Ranch property boasts miles and miles of trails that are perfect for a day outside.
Taking a break from riding fat tire bikes.
Dining Options
When you get hungry, you can go to the dining hall, grab a tray and head through the buffet line for all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch or dinner. This is vacation...no dishes to wash! If the hunger pains strike when the cafeteria is closed, you can just head to the Buckboard Grill for a quick bite.
Snow Mountain Ranch would make a great get-away for the family over Spring Break. Only 2 hours from Broomfield and LOTS of activities for the family (most of which are included in your stay, and most others available for a minimal charge), it is THE place to spend quality time with your family.
*Disclosure: My family and I were provided with complementary accommodations and activities during our stay. The opinions expressed in this review are true and my own.
