Find winter bliss at Latigo Ranch

Colorado is known for its mountains, among a number of other notable standouts. People come from all over to photograph these impressive behemoths, scale their peaks, hike, bike and horseback on their countless scenic trails and simply relish the opportunity to rejuvenate mind, body and soul by breathing in their intoxicating air.

Located amid this awe-inducing landscape are numerous dude ranches, where city slickers who have never been astride a horse join expert equestrians looking to challenge their skills in the rugged terrain. The ranches are a magnet for all ages seeking an outdoor adventure vacation.

Latigo Ranch, voted “Best Dude Ranch in Colorado” by Colorado’s Best, offers the classic Western experience, where you can tap into your inner cowboy and cowgirl. This 400-acre property 2 ½ hours from Denver is located within the majestic Rockies at 9,000 feet in elevation. It boasts breathtaking, panoramic views of the Continental Divide and offers week-long, all-inclusive programs where you’ll have a chance to bond with your own steed (one of sixty-five available), hand-picked based on your ability.

There’s also a host of other activities: a supervised kids’ program, fly fishing instruction, special breakfast and sunset rides, Western roping, classic cookouts and high meadow pack trips. Hearty meals, comfy log cabin accommodations, a heated swimming pool, an indoor hot tub, and a rec room complete with ping pong, foosball and board games galore round out the scene.

When the summer’s over, Latigo doesn’t close its doors like many other ranches. Come wintertime, it becomes an idyllic Nordic ski haven with some of the best cross-country skiing available in Colorado. Mother Nature is typically kind to this area when it comes to the white stuff, and Latigo’s snowfall averages about eighteen feet per year.

Latigo offers nearly sixty kilometers of machine-groomed, marked trail suitable for both classic and skate skiing, with terrain that varies from flat beginning track to challenging advanced level courses. For backcountry or telemark aficionados, the ranch is surrounded by over 200 square miles of deep powder in the nearby Arapaho National Forest, making it also a prime snowshoeing mecca. It’s peaceful and secluded as you glide on the expansive trails with to-die-for views. No social distance issues here!

If you’ve never cross-country skied before, know you’re in good hands at the ranch, as there are free lessons available to get you started. Once you understand how to kick back and glide forward, you’ll discover that it’s an easy rhythm to get into and soon you’ll begin to feel almost Zen-like as you become more proficient in your technique. Then you’ll be ready to try some small hills where you’ll learn about snowplowing, wedging, sidestepping, the herringbone and other techniques.

Cross-country skiing is an excellent cardio activity, and you definitely can work up a sweat in the process. What’s great about the sport though is that you get to go at your own pace, so you can stop and admire your surroundings. Up on the higher trails, you’ll have expansive views while lower in the woods, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of an iconic Currier and Ives winter scene. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a critter or two. I spied a snowshoe hare scampering across the trail right in front of me, seamlessly blending in with the environment.

For more adrenaline-boosting fun, there’s also a tubing area on site. Afterwards, head to the lodge, where you can take the chill off next to the roaring woodstove, while enjoying cocoa and homemade cookies. Or get nice and toasty with a leisurely soak in the hot tub.

The real warmth of the place, however, comes from the hospitality of your hosts, Randy and Lisa George. The couple has owned the historic property for the past thirty-three years. Running it is a family affair and a labor of love. Their son Spencer is the head chef; his wife, Amanda, directs the dining room and wine service, and their daughter, Hannah, is the head wrangler in the summer and breakfast chef in the winter. Besides being skilled at managing and operating the place, the Georges also enjoy regaling guests with Rocky Mountain lore and entertaining tales from their past.

Mealtimes are a delight, as both the food and the company are always a treat. It’s fun to exchange stories and share information about ski trails and conditions while chowing down on “nouveau ranch cuisine” – wholesome, tasty and fresh fare.

Breakfasts are made-to-order along with homemade granola and a host of toppings, a selection of fruit, juices and more. Lunches are often hearty soups, wraps and sandwiches, and at dinner, you’ll have a choice of either a meat or seafood dish, accompanied by salad, veggies, a starch, and homemade bread. And everyone looks forward to dessert. Spencer creates marvelous flavor pairings such as passion fruit puree matched with dark chocolate in some form or another. One of his most popular chocolate desserts is an individual soufflé served in cast iron cauldrons.

Vegetarians, those who are gluten-free, and others with special diets need not to despair as the ranch is happy to accommodate your preferences. Just know you’ll never go hungry, as in addition to your substantial three squares a day, there are always plenty of snacks on hand – even in your cabin where you’ll find a container of Latigo’s famous caramel corn.

As for accommodations, there’s a total of ten cabins; the larger six contain three bedrooms and are ideal for families, the other four have one bedroom each. There’s a rustic charm to the units, which are decorated in the proverbial Western style with original artwork. The three-bedroom cabins have wood-burning stoves in their sitting rooms, while the single units have fireplaces, which makes for a cozy ambiance. There aren’t any T.V.s for unwelcome distraction, and trust me, you won’t miss them, not one bit! Private porches provide the perfect place to kick back and take in your heavenly surroundings.

To learn more visit, www.LatigoRanch.com.

Latigo is committed to maintaining a safe and disinfected property. They have thorough cleaning protocols. While there is a state mandate, guests and staff will wear masks in public indoor places, and family tables are situated 6 feet away from other tables. Call the ranch to see what the current COVID-19 restrictions are in Grand County, Colorado.