Mention the word Colorado and it conjures up images of open sky and mountains as far as the eye can see. In the wintertime lots of snow and winter sports are made popular by the destination and in the summer months Colorado is all about outdoor activities and enjoying what
Mother Nature has to offer. Recently we visited a few Colorado bests and from the romantic walks in Vail to the hot air balloon rides and the lush log cabins at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, we learned that Colorado really does have it all.
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Vail & Beaver Creek
Arriving in Beaver Creek on a weekend was just the right thing after a stressed out work week. First stop was The Charter at Beaver Creek where we unpacked and began to unwind. Only a short walk to Beaver Creek Village in the summer, chairlift rides, hiking and horseback riding are all the rage and we found that just having all the choices was half the fun. For a nice meal we took a horseback ride to Beano’s cabin for dinner on the mountain. We were able to enjoy not only an excellent meal, but also the wildlife outdoors – the resident porcupine looked as if he’d been eating at Beano’s for years.
Vail and Beaver Creek are known for the world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding, so a winter trip is mandatory to this Colorado destination. In the winter you can also enjoy the western history in the area on a winter horseback ride or a dog sledding outing. Ice-skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing, Nordic skiing or a sleigh ride are also fun options followed by a cozy romantic fire. For us, we also took a romantic hot air balloon ride one crisp morning and enjoyed a look at the valley from high above. |
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Vail actually has three very distinct areas of the mountain, including four terrain parks, seven bowls and 5,289 acres of free-ride terrain. At seven miles wide you can just about always find fresh tracks and remarkably there are only about two skiers per acre on a regular ski day.
Summertime in the valley is also great fun with nature walks, mountain biking or even a local marathons if you are into that sort of thing.
Pleasant Valley near Steamboat Springs
Vail Village cycle race
Where to Stay
Winter Park/Frasier Valley
Destinations West/Distinctive Homes
www.mtnlodging.com
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
www.devilsthumbranch.com
The Charter at Beaver Creek
www.thecharter.com
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
www.ritzcarlton.com
Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa Skiing at Winter Park Resort www.vailmountainlodge.com |
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Winter Park and Frasier Valley
Winter Park and Frasier Valley While names like Telluride, Vail and Aspen easily roll off many people’s tongues when talking about Colorado, there are other destinations in the state that offer as much relaxation minus the crowds. Winter Park and the Frasier Valley area are such places and with destinations like Devil’s Thumb Ranch or perhaps the opportunity to rent a house from Destinations West the trip will be well worth the time it takes to get there no matter where you are coming from.
Winter Park ResortWhether it’s dog sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, sleigh riding, hot air ballooning or just a nice relaxing dip in the hot spring, Winter Park offers a world of activities.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch is located about 10 minutes from Winter Park and is one of the best places in the area to enjoy winter or summer fun. With 4000 acres at the foot of the Continental Divide in Ranch Creek Valley guests can cross country ski, snowshoe, ice skate or swim.
In the summer and fall activities such as fly fishing, hiking, river rafting, kayaking and nature walks or available and of course, golf in Colorado is never very far away. In fact, there are three championship courses in the area.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch actually began as a working and dude ranch and continued as such from 1940 to 1972. Unoccupied for several years, the ranch finally got an overhaul and is welcoming visitors today in both the renovated historic cabins and the luxury log cabins.
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