If you’re searching for an all-inclusive ski resort in the U.S., the bad news is that you aren’t going to find one. The closest is the Club Med Québec-Charlevoix in Quebec, Canada, which opened on December 3, 2021. While that might be a great option, if you want to stay closer to home, there are a number of all-inclusive ranches that offer skiing as part of their activities, often along with sleigh rides through the snow and a host of other exciting options.
The Ranch at Rock Creek - Philipsburg, Montana
A vast 6,600-acre ranch in the heart of Montana, bordered by the Sapphire, Pintler and John Long Mountains, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers an all-inclusive experience where you can sled down hills, snowshoe, cross-country, or downhill ski. Fuel your appetite with gourmet meals that include Montana-raised beef, lamb and chicken while enjoying evenings spent sipping mulled wine or cocoa around the fire. Accommodation is in luxurious villas, each with a huge brass bed covered by a cozy down quilt, a deep soaking tub, a fireplace, and an open kitchen. There are many ways to relax, including a spa and indulgent massages, yoga and meditation classes.
Latigo Ranch - Kremmling, Colorado
Voted the No. 1 dude ranch in Colorado by ‘The Best of Colorado,’ Latigo Ranch is tucked in the wilderness southwest of Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s surrounded by spectacular scenery with a national forest on three sides, inhabited by more wildlife than humans. In the winter, look forward to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. Some of the best snow conditions can be found here, with around 18 feet of powder annually. Plus, the food is fantastic, with the menu focused on fresh, delicious and nutritious nouveau ranch cuisine. Accommodations are in cabins, all of which have a wood-burning stove or fireplace.
Vista Verde Ranch - Clark, Colorado
Vista Verde Ranch offers an upscale, all-inclusive winter escape that includes skiing, tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, and even biking, the fat tire version. Sleigh rides led by ranch horses and horseback rides through the snow will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a postcard from decades ago. Nestled in the mountains north of Steamboat Springs, the breathtaking scenery is guaranteed, while accommodation is provided in lodge rooms or private cabins with private hot tubs, ideal for soothing muscles after a day of adventure. There’s also a spa, an activity center for the kids, and delicious meals served in the dining room.
Lone Mountain Ranch - Big Sky, Montana
Named Cross Country Skier magazine’s No.1 nordic ski destination in North America, Lone Mountain Ranch offers nearly 53 miles of well-maintained trails over phenomenal mountain terrain. With expert guides and reliable snow combined with a wide range of trails, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner, an expert, or in between. Plus, Big Sky Resort, spread across four mountains with 5,700 skiable acres, is only 10 minutes away, and your transport to and from is included. Some packages also include ski passes or full-gear concierge. Guests can also take a short shuttle ride to Yellowstone National Park or Gallatin National Forest to ski or snowshoe. There is a long list of other activities too, and no matter what you do, you can end your day with a sleigh ride under a starry sky that will take you to the North Fork Cabin for a family-style prime rib dinner.
C Lazy U Ranch - Granby, Colorado
Located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, the C Lazy U Ranch offers luxury and a genuine ranch feel on an 8,500-acre property with meals, activities and accommodations all covered in the rates. Winter activities include cross-country and alpine skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. As there’s an indoor heated riding arena, horseback riding is possible all year round. This ranch does it all, with programs for kids and a spa where the adults can enjoy decadent treatments. The fare is sure to please, too, with menus that include Rocky Mountain trout and aged western beef, while accommodation is in upscale cabins with lots of room for families to stretch out.
The Resort at Paws Up - Greenough, Montana
This 37,000-acre property outside of Missoula offers winter packages that include a variety of activities, like cross-country skiing which can be enjoyed on your own or with your Paws Up guide who will outfit you with top-notch equipment and lead you through the expertly groomed forest trails. On-site Blast Mountain is a hub of winter fun with snow tubing runs, an ice skating pond, and a warming clubhouse where you can sip hot cocoa, wine, or beer alongside tasty snacks. There’s a spa for relaxation and world-class dining on dishes featuring local ingredients from huckleberries to Rocky Mountain trout. The “cabins” are luxury homes with either a wood-burning stove or stone fireplace, and outdoor hot tubs.
Triangle X - Moose, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
In the winter, Grand Teton National Park and its jagged mountain peaks are a spectacular wonderland. It’s the time to come for a more tranquil escape with few visitors but plenty of wildlife like elk, moose, deer, bison, fox, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and even wolves. Triangle X Guest Ranch is located right inside the park, the only accommodation open during the season. It offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, photography, and wildlife watching right out your door. The cozy cabins provide magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks, along with four-star dining and an outdoor hot tub.
Western Pleasure Ranch - Sandpoint, Idaho
Located in Northern Idaho, a stay at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch provides an amazing background to take part in a wealth of winter activities. There are cross-country skiing trails for all levels along with sleigh rides through the dense snow-covered forests with awe-inspiring views of the Selkirk Mountain Range. Once you’re done for the day, cozy up next to the fire enjoying the warmth of your cabin. Just off the lodge’s wrap-around deck, there’s a hot tub where you can watch the snow gently fall while soaking in the soothing water.
