Taking the Kids: A different kind of snow vacation
Another plus, he said, besides often being the only people they see in the backcountry, "the boys can roam the ranch completely free in a way that they could not elsewhere," reconnecting each year with longtime staff. "In many ways it feels like a "home away from home."
I love that unlike our typical trips to ski and snowboard, no one has to worry about planning meals, shopping for groceries, cooking or cleaning up. We just show up for meals -- eggs benedict for breakfast, three kinds of chili -- veggie, meat or chicken for lunch -- pulled pork with ramen and onion broth and noodles for dinner. Of course, there are choices. Did I mention wine, beer and soft drinks are included? No small thing when parents are footing the bill for their over-21 kids. Dude Ranchers Association, n
There are now 22 dude ranches around the country, open in winter, according to Colleen Hodson, executive director of the 100-member national Dude Ranchers Association noting that repeat business during the holidays seems to be increasing.
Not that these trips come cheap -- three nights at Vista Verde start at $1,295 all-inclusive per person, just slightly less for kids. But anyone who has taken a family to a snow resort knows that those trips don't come cheap either, not with equipment and lift tickets, often more than $100 a day, and kids' programs that can be over $200 a day with rentals at major resorts, though of course less expensive deals can be found.
In summer, families come to ranches like Vista Verde for a week, but in winter many opt for just three or four nights. There are kids' activities -- snowball fights, fort building, a riding clinic. Several nights a week, younger kids can opt for an early dinner and supervised activity while their parents linger over several courses.
The Wi-Fi is admittedly spotty, but many think that's a good thing in an age where kids may be as glued to their devices as adults. "Forget the electronics and who cares about TV when you've just been square dancing or want to talk about seeing fox tracks or the personality of the horse you've been riding," said Dave Walters.
Says Steve King, "Coming here is about experiencing something new together," an adventure that changes daily, depending on "where Mother Nature lets us go."
No one in my family hesitated when I suggested a return trip this season.
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