“It is difficult to put into words how you touched our lives over the recent Christmas holiday. When Michele and I decided to take a different approach to the Christmas holiday and seek memories rather than goods and presents, we thought a winter dude ranch might be just the place. I guess at this point we might be considered dude ranch veterans, having vacationed at a number of other ranches in Colorado and Texas. However we are not winter people and have never skied. We are city slickers from the warm Dallas climate who love horses and the ranch way of life. After lots of questions and patient correspondence, Steph convinced us to take a chance on the winter (Christmas) program at Vista Verde. Somehow Michele and I were able to keep it a secret until 24 hours prior to departure. When we announced that we were headed to Colorado for a white Christmas – there was a mix of excitement and hesitation among the kids – what would Christmas morning be like without our Christmas tree and presents?
From the minute we arrived, everything we needed was expertly handled by all of you and the staff. Every expectation that we had around attentive service, world-class food (thanks Jonathon!), numerous activities, wonderful accommodations and the idyllic setting were easily met and surpassed. However, it was all of you and your colleagues that created an experience for us that changed a great trip into an experience that will be remembered by all of us for our entire lives – a true Christmas memory. Michele, Zach, Dylan and Isabelle each experienced things they could never have imagined – a newfound love of cross country skiing, a back country tour down the Elk River, a Christmas morning sleigh ride across fresh snow, a horseback ride through snowy woods, a cherished new friend, – too many experiences to list them all. For me, my life is dedicated to this family and I cherish family experiences and memories – you created an unmatched experience to share humanity, nature and each other.
All of you (and mother nature) allowed Michele and I to use the resources with which we have been blessed to stress the importance of family, to reinforce the values that are truly important and to really enjoy nature, good people and family during a holiday that should celebrate all three.”