Our ranch photographer Carla Jones offers a photography workshop each week to our guests. In the winter she gives our guests some really helpful tips about taking photos in the wintertime. For those of you who can’t get here for your own ranch vacation, here are Carla’s tips and tricks for you to use at home.…
Gearing up your kids for a winter vacation can be daunting, but we’re sharing some insider tips from Steamboat parents, who know a thing or two about getting their kids out in the snow. You can also check out our Pinterest board that has more ideas for dressing your kids for winter. Terri Goforth (mom…
It’s the antithesis of sitting on a beach with an umbrella drink in hand. But it turns out that not everyone wants that kind of vacation. We hear from couples all the time who want to have some adventure, experience new things together, meet other interesting people, yet still fit some romance into the equation.…
Packing for your Vista Verde vacation can be a challenge, especially given the airlines weight restrictions on bags. We try to help by having an in-depth packing list, and are more than happy to dole out advice over the phone or email. But there is no way to get around the fact that there are…
Sam, our Head Wrangler, is a wealth of knowledge in an area that isn’t on most people’s radar: Saddle Fitting. Here, she shares some basic information about saddle fitting that gives a little insight into what goes on behind the scenes in the barn. Have you ever been uncomfortable in a pair of shoes, or…
Devyn (a certified Pilates instructor among her other roles at the ranch) offers some tips for preparing for your ranch vacation. Whether you visit the ranch in the winter, summer, or fall–it is a very active vacation. Of course, you don’t have to begin an intense training session before your stay, but getting into a…
The other day I stumbled across some great historical photos that I had saved in a file. They were from Elvin Tufly, who sent them to me after he visited the ranch a few years ago. His stories from that visit took me on an amazing journey back into the early days of Vista Verde…
Steamboat Springs is a pretty wonderful place and has become a bit of a hub of Colorado dude ranches with three ranches belonging to the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association within a 6 mile radius of each other. We all enjoy the camaraderie of being neighbors and friendly competitors. Dude ranching can be an…
Many people know what cross country (XC) skiing looks like, but many of our new guests ask us “What is backcountry skiing?” Backcountry skiing is the most popular kind of skiing at the ranch and one of our hallmark winter activities. First off, it’s important to understand that backcountry skiing is a broad term that means different…
Some people just love Christmas, and some dread the holiday with all the expectations and pressures. Want to know how to have a relaxing yet festive holiday? Spend the week at Vista Verde Ranch and enjoy a Christmas vacation without the stress! One guest put it well to me recently when she said, “We give…