As we drove down the switchbacks of Berthoud Pass I pointed out Winter Park ski hill to my friend Lynn. We both looked at the little ant-like people coming down the runs and kept driving. Even though Colorado has had one of its best early snow seasons that had everyone flocking to the slopes in December, I still wasn’t interested. I am one of the few people who live in Colorado that doesn’t like downhill skiing.
However, I too was excited by all of the early Colorado snow as we passed through Winter Park on our way to YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch for our girl’s weekend. For those who don’t like lift lines, the YMCA’s 5,000 acres outside of Winter Park is the perfect place for a winter playground. All of this early snow meant that the Colorado dog sledding season was also in full swing at the Ranch!
Even though I’m not a downhill skier, that doesn’t mean I don’t like to get out and play in the snow! I love winter adventure activities! In fact, I got hooked on the sport of dog sledding when I was in Fairbanks Alaska last winter. Any chance I have to get on a sled and mush the dogs I do it! Since skiing dominates in the mountains, not many people are aware of the great Colorado dog sledding that we have just a short 2-hour drive from Denver!
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Colorado Dog Sledding At Snow Mountain Ranch
“When I first started mushing I didn’t know anything about it or anyone else who did it,” explained Steve Petersen the YMCA Chaplain and head dog musher at YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch. Before our dog sled ride, Steve did an inspiring and comical talk about his journey from novice to a competitor in dog sledding. He told some unbelievable stories as well as educated us on the sled, harnesses, and lines, and care and training of the dogs while discussing the ins/outs of racing. It was a great primer for anyone new to dog sledding.
Too “Mush” Fun
Nothing makes me happier than when I can introduce a new adventure to people, and it’s even more of a bonus when I can help them check something off their bucket lists! Even though I had been dog sledding before, my girlfriends Lynn and Rachel hadn’t. I was excited about their first mushing experience!
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At first, I was a little worried that the ride would be just a simple sit-in-sled ride. I was happy to learn that the Ranch had special sleds where the rider could stand and hold on, getting a real feel for what it’s like to be a musher. There is a balance and athleticism to mushing; it’s not simply a ride. Once I got the chance to mush my own team in Alaska, I knew I could never go back to simply sitting in a sled and riding! So I was excited that Lynn and Rachel would get to experience the ‘real feel’ of Colorado dog sledding.
Each of us did a short dog sled ride with Steve, which consisted of a 2-mile route (15 minutes) through the evergreens and freshly fallen snow. Steve still had ultimate control of the sled, but I was able to learn the commands, stand, and get a feel for the turns and bumps, as well as get a better vantage point of the team and how they work together.
And it wasn’t simply about the ride, Snow Mountain Ranch provided a completely well-organized, fun experience. They had a fire pit where you could stay warm while you waited your turn, hot drinks, and a place to take pictures of your loved one sledding.
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Meet the Dog Sledding Puppies!
But I really perked up when I heard the word “puppies”! Yes…there were dog sled puppies. They had 4 puppies and a retired dog out to simply socialize while we waited our turn to dog sled.
Seldom are you given this much one-on-one time with the dogs so this was an incredible treat! And the puppies were pretty darn excited to meet everyone too! After the initial excitement of hanging out with humans, they calmed down enough to simply get in some puppy snuggle time. I must admit, I was plotting how I could take one home with me to Denver!
“It was amazing!” Rachel exclaimed when I asked her how her dog sledding ride went. “A bucket list item achieved on a beautiful morning. I’m loving life!” she continued full of adrenaline. I get a lot of joy from experiencing things through others – it’s like my first time all over again!
Dog Sledding Options and Rates
Limited availability for this activity and advance reservations are required. They recommend reserving your ride online or by phone (970-887-2152 x4135) as soon as possible.
Short Rides (2 miles) Monday and Saturdays – $30 for members $50 for guests
Longer Ride (50 minutes) Fridays for guests – $150 per sled
Other Snow Mountain Ranch Winter Adventures
Snow Mountain Ranch has 5000 acres of snow-covered property, and dog sledding is just one of many things you can do there in the winter! The entire property was a winter wonderland of fun for the non-downhill skier! I was pretty much in heaven trying all of the Ranch activities.
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Snow Shoeing
I looked at the two signs pointing in different directions; one with a perfectly groomed trail, and the other with one set of snowshoe prints. Choices, choices. I took a big breath of cold mountain air and turned left into the deep snow trying to follow the one set of tracks. My other favorite adventure activity in the winter is snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is basically like winter hiking, yet a bit slower and can be more exhausting if you are cutting your own trail in deep snow (ie post-holing). My snowshoes sunk in and the snow was up to my knees; I clearly chose the road less traveled.
I was heading up to Columbine Point, which had a slight elevation gain, but breaking through new snow and climbing proved to be quite a workout. Yet when I did make it to the top (breathing quite heavily at 8500 feet), I got up to the ridge to a snowy view of the valley and ranch below. An immense sense of satisfaction swept over me having pushed myself to the top. It’s amazing how much you can sweat when it’s freezing outside; snowshoeing in the mountains is a great workout and I was happy to finally explore my first snowshoe trails in Colorado!
YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch has miles and miles of snowshoeing trails to try – from beginner to more advanced. They keep them separate from the Nordic skiers, so you don’t have to share the trail. Most of them are groomed pretty regularly and there is a phone app that includes maps of the area you can use with your GPS. You can rent all the equipment you need from the Nordic Center for a full or half day.
Not only did I go up to Columbine Point, but the next morning I took Lynn with me and we snowshoed out to the historic Rowley homestead buildings on the property. I love getting out and enjoying winter on a perfect blue-sky day. Plus – I got a little history lesson too while checking out the homestead property.
Nordic Skiing and Fat Biking at Snow Mountain Ranch
Since I was so excited about snowshoeing, I sent my friends off to try Nordic skiing and fat biking; the other two options at the Nordic Center. Snow Mountain Ranch has some of the nicest and most extensive Nordic ski trails in the US plus they regularly offer lessons. Lynn loved the well-groomed trails for beginners.
Fat biking is somewhat new yet, but Rachel was game for trying it. They don’t have as many fat biking trails, but I predict that they will continue to grow with this new winter sport. Rachel did great and if I had had one more day I definitely would have gone myself.
Rates for Nordic Center Trails
There is a trail fee that you must pay for skiing, snow shoeing or fat biking. You can pay for your trail pass, get maps, and rent all the equipment you will need at the Nordic Center. You can also enquire there about lessons.
Single-Day Cross-Country Skiing Trail Pass, Snowshoe Trail Pass or Fat Bike Trail Pass:
Complimentary to YMCA of the Rockies members and overnight guests
Adult (13+): $25 (day pass)
More Information about the Nordic Center
Learn How to Make Crafts
After hitting the trails, I stopped at the craft center and decided to try my hand at being artsy. I sat concentrating on the piece of wood in my hands, slowly burning in a design. The smell of burning wood coupled with the sunset view outside the window made for a pretty great combination.
It is the YMCA after all, and not only is there an active element to the ranch, but there’s also a creative one too. This activity isn’t just for kids, it’s a chance for all ages to become acquainted with their creative side again. I chose to do a wood burning/design project; something I had never tried before. I was amazed at the calmness and concentration that came over me while working on the project. It was just what I needed after such an active day outside. It was a super way to wind down and stretch those creative muscles. In addition to wood burning, you could do painting, mosaics, leather design, and pottery.
Staying at the Snow Mountain Ranch Cabins
Who doesn’t love a scene of a little cabin in the snowy landscape with smoke puffing out of the chimney? It’s the perfect place for a winter getaway. And after you play all day in the snow with your girlfriends, a warm fireplace and a bottle of wine in a cabin is a pretty welcome sight!
We stayed in a 3-bedroom cabin high on the hill with a lovely view. We had stopped in Winter Park earlier to pick up groceries and made a hearty feast after our day of adventures. Snow Mountain Ranch also has a dining hall with an incredible buffet if you don’t have enough energy left to cook your own food.
After dinner, we played some games and I also worked on editing photos. However, pure exhaustion set in after dinner and it was all we could do to stay up until 10! That’s the sign of a really great active winter vacation!
And even though I don’t have kids of my own, I have to say that overall the YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch is incredible for families. There’s something going on all the time; swimming, hungry hippos, roller-skating, movies, dodgeball, etc. It was impressive to see the number of activities they offered in the winter.
This was the perfect Colorado winter getaway for those who don’t want to downhill ski. However, Winter Park is just 15 minutes away if you do have skiers in the group!
I was pretty happy simply staying at the Ranch all weekend and soaking up the puppy love, the wide-open space of the Colorado Rockies, and the Ranch’s trail system. And the best part is there’s no expensive lift ticket required to go dog sledding or snowshoeing. I was able to do the winter activities I loved in Colorado without putting on skis and snowplowing down a hill terrified! My girlfriend’s getaway from Denver was a success. And if one of those cute dogsledding puppies disappears – I have no idea what happened!
Visit YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch
Located near Winter Park, Rocky Mountain National Park & Grand Lake, Snow Mountain Ranch offers a wholesome environment where friends, families & groups enjoy a tranquil setting, more activities than anywhere else & quality time together. Learn more about membership and the winter activities at Snow Mountain Ranch website.
Essential Products for Your Winter Adventures
OMG - I love this for really cold weather! The mask is secured by a magnet and it's easy to pull down and flip back up. Breathable and warm!
A waterproof, wind resistant, thermal ski pant that is great for the slopes or for my favorite - snowshoeing! Lots of pockets and built in gaitors to keep the snow out.
A great warm puffy jacket perfect for winter adventures like snowshoeing! It's lightweight and fits in your pack easily.
9 hrs of Heat | 5 Heat Zones | With Battery & Charger | Machine Washable | All Day Warmth from GobiHeat
A great lightweight, breathable winter jacket super for active winter adventures like snowshoeing.
Sooo - comfortable and warm! These are my go-to winter insultated boot. I use them for snowshoeing and everyday around town stuff when it's really cold. O Fit Thermal insoles provide stability and support while reducing heat loss to keep your feet happy!
Out of all of the heated products out there - I find the socks work the best.
They use a steel fiber heating technology and dual slim 2,400 mAh Lithium Polymer batteries allow for extended heat during longer day trips. They warm up within 30 seconds so feel more comfortable immediately!
12 hours of Heat | Battery and Charger Included
Great for a layer under your favorite winter coat.
From Gobi Heat - 10 hrs of Heat | 3 Heat Zones | with Battery & Charger | Machine Washable | All Day Warmth
Beanies that pack a punch! Merino wool manages moisture, retains heat, and is fully-lined with fleece, meaning it feels soft against your skin - no itch!
The Pipe Dream™ is a heavyweight neck warmer fully lined with super soft micro fleece to trap heat and stay put, all while keeping you cozy and comfortable
The North FaceWomen's Jump Down Parka provides winter protection from the top of your head to your knees. This cold-weather coat features waterproof DryVent fabric and 550-fill down insulation. Not once was I cold in Alaska in this parka!
This seamless top is a perfect high-performance base layer for your winter adventures from sunrise to sunset!
These make great winter hiking pants. They're heavier, with fleece pockets, stretchy, and great for snowshoeing. I consider them midlayer pants offering extreme water repellent, stretchiness, softness, and packability - Yay! I have multiple pairs!
A base layer for sock layering. WICK Dry technology quickly draws moisture away from your skin so your feet stay dry and comfortable. Removing the moisture build up reduces hot spots and friction that causes blisters
6 hours of Heat | Battery and Charger Included | Heat Up and Around Each Finger | Heated Gloves
- 100% Wool Hand Wash Only
- 100 % New Zealand Wool Fleece Lining. (Itch free)
- ❤ Fair Trade and handmade in Nepal. Hand knit one at a time, not mass produced so there may be minor differences in color and imperfections.
- 4 pairs of air-activated, high-performance biodegradable hand warmers, in recyclable packaging, for more heat with less waste
- Each warmer provides up to 10 hours of heat; reusable AirBarrier Pouch minimizes air permeability and can save unused warmer heat for up to 72 hours, for intermittent use
- Warmers are 98 percent biodegradable (contents can be composted after use); safe, comfortable heat provided by natural minerals and oxygen
I don't ski - but goggles are also great for snow shoeing or snow mobiling in cold weather! Airflow lens technology provides active ventilation to reduce fog in even the worst conditions, making the Drift the solid choice for a reliable medium-fit goggle.
A great outer layer for extreme cold environments. Seam-sealed 2-layer DryVent™ fabric provides waterproof/breathable protection from the elements
These are a must for winter travel - they will provide you peace of mind as you get around in the winter on icy trails, lakes, and even parking lots.
This is it...I finally found the best solution for keeping my hands warm in extreme cold environments...this muff is the best! I use it primarily for doing photography in the winter - it's better than any other gloves I've tried before. The inside is lined with warm fur and the heat settings are incredible. It also has a little zip pocket where you can keep your phone and camera batteries warm. The muff's battery life is good for staying out for hours waiting for aurora!
The warmest merino leggings you can get! These are perfect for cold winter adventures. I use them as a base layer or wear them alone - they are thick - no see through! They have a little spandex in them so they hold their shape well AND...they have pockets!
I'm in love with the Mountainscape design. It's a really heavy base layer...so heavy that I wear it just alone as a crew/sweater with jeans in the winter. They have lots of great designs and it's really soft and warm. This is my go-to shirt for winter and for baselayers!
A super bottom baselayer for snowshoeing, skiing, or spending a lot of time outdoors in the cold waiting for the northern lights! The material is soft but warm.
This is a great warm jacket for summits. It's windproof, water repellent and breathable, but so warm. It also packs down into a little sack that is the size of a pint glass...making it perfect to stuff in your backpack.
These are one smart glove...hence the hefty price tag. They can measure the current heat of your hands in your glove like a thermostat and then deliver just the right amount of heat to keep you warm! Heat turns on when you’re cold and off when you’re not. Set your heated gloves to a comfortable setting using a paired smartphone app and automatically the heating system maintains a steady and comfortable balance point.
The warmest glove system: No more freezing or sweating! Depending on the situation, you can flexibly choose the right LINER inner glove and combine it with the SHELL mitten and the HOOD pullover mittens.
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Disclosure:
I was a guest of Snow Mountain Ranch for this trip, however all opinions expressed here are my own.
