W
e begin at Vista Verde Luxury Guest Ranch in ski/horse/cowboy country Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We’ve been here before, but it’s worth going back for some “vista blanco” winter
fun, as it just doesn’t get more beautiful in winter than Steamboat Springs. Oh, you may say the weather outside is frightful, but rest assured the fire inside’s delightful (the massive fireplace practically begs to be curled up by). In fact, you will be very pampered inside, from luxurious accom- modations to gourmet cuisine, and your rate is all-inclusive. The winter riding
CONTACT INFO: ◗ 58000 Cowboy Way ◗ Clark, CO 80428 ◗ (970) 879-3858 ◗ (800) 526-7433 ◗
reservations@vistaverde.com ◗
www.vistaverde.com
program is robust, and includes a heated indoor arena for warming up, honing your riding skills in a clinic or a private lesson or simply learning how to beter com- municate with your horse. Te arena is a great “Plan B” in the rare event it’s just too frightful outside, so you can still get your cowboy on. Trails are groomed and packed for comfort and safety, and rides are usually kept to an hour for everyone’s comfort. Tere’s nothing quite like riding while big snowflakes fall gently on your shoulders, amid
a forest of evergreens blanketed in white. Santa’s not the only big guy with a sleigh; Vista Verde
has several, and the largest one is pulled by a team of Percherons. You can head out with the wranglers on a fun sleigh ride to feed the horses, singing “Jingle Bells” during a one-horse open sleigh ride around the ranch. Of course, as with any great getaway in winter, there’s
more to do than ride (shocking, I know). Vista Verde offers 30 km of trails, groomed and accommodating for snowshoeing, classic cross-country or skate skiing, with mixed terrains and some steep climbs for you yahoos. (You know who you are.) Try a sunrise ski if you just can’t stay in bed another minute. Head for the National Forest back country if your confidence allows; there’s nothing quite like the solitude and tranquility. Warning: powder snow can be addictive and have you feeling you’ve found your own personal paradise. Tere’s a frozen lake, an open snow-blanketed meadow, dramatic rock outcroppings and views galore. As we promised last year, Vista Verde will tickle your
inner giddy-up, whether you go in summer or winter. If you’ve never taken a winter vacation, you’ll be mightily thankful you did.
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Mother Nature gently wraps her favorite places In a blanket of pristine snow, tucked in for the winter, safe and snug, Nightlights a’ twinkle, like bugs in a rug.
Vista Verde Luxury Guest Ranch
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