Story Ideas

A co-op blog by Steph and Malori

Every now and then we’ll brainstorm some fun story ideas to send along to our media partners.  It’s not that we expect them to pick up that exact story, but it can sometimes get a writer’s creative juices flowing.  Malori has been working on some fun ones this winter, and for grins I figured I’d share them with those of you who follow the Vista Verde story.

I love this first one.  It is a true story (Doug, you know we’re writing about you!) and it happens over an over each winter!

The Unlikely Winter Fan – 

So you think you hate winter? Are you sure?

It happened again. Another one of our guests confessed to being a lover of snow, cold and everything winter. He told us: when my wife suggested a winter vacation at a ranch – I told her that sounded like a miserable excuse for a vacation. But after the first morning of back-country skiing, followed by an afternoon horse clinic, he told us, “That was the best day of my life!” By day three he was planning his family’s return trip.  Why? Because he was unexpectedly introduced to a whole new world of experiences, adventure, challenges, and rewards he never even knew existed. So, how many people have been pleasantly surprised by their vacations? Perhaps a story about unlikely vacation fans could be a fun twist for readers.

Disconnect to Reconnect- 

Remembering the joy of a simple life

Ever have the desire to ditch the city, technology and the fast-paced life? How do you disconnect, but also reconnect with the stuff that really matters? Vista Verde guests end up disconnecting and reconnecting at the same time, thanks to a unique blend of personalized luxury and beautiful simplicity. For the luxury, envision deluxe mountain cabins, fluffy down comforters, a 1:1 staff to guest ratio, private hot tubs and an endless flow of wine. As for simplicity, there’s plenty of space each day to simply be present. Decisions are wonderfully rewarding:  Horseback riding or cooking class? Homemade butternut squash ravioli or bison short ribs with sweet potato gnocchi?  Engage in meaningful conversation with your spouse or read a book in while looking out over the pristine meadows?  Guests slow down and enjoy the moment.

As someone who spends her life squeezing in fitness and multi-tasking my life away, this one made me laugh:

The All-Inclusive Vacation Workout-

Be adventurous and get in shape – on a Vista Verde Ranch vacation

Vista Verde Ranch, located just outside of Steamboat Springs, CO, is an all-inclusive luxury resort. The vacation package includes lodging in a cozy log cabin, numerous activities, three gourmet meals a day, wine and micro brews, and an opportunity for the best full-body workout you can get while on vacation.

SUMMER	WINTER
Day 1: Horseback Riding	Day 1: Horseback Riding
Targeted Muscles: abs and legs	Targeted Muscles: abs and legs
Day 2: Rock Climbing	Day 2: Snowshoeing
Targeted Muscles: arms, chest, back, legs, abs	Targeted Muscles: legs, glutes, abs
Day 3: Hiking	Day 3: Back Country Skiing
Targeted Muscles: legs, glutes	Targeted Muscles: legs, glutes, abs, arms
Day 4: Yoga	Day 4: Yoga
Targeted Muscles: Full body, core focus	Targeted Muscles: Full body, core focus
Day 5: Mountain Biking	Day 5: Snow Biking
Targeted Muscles: legs, glutes, abs, upper body	Targeted Muscles: legs, glutes, abs, upper body
Day 6: Paddle Boarding	Day 6: Skate Skiing
Targeted Muscles: Full body, core focus	Targeted Muscles: Full body, core focus
Day 7: Kayaking	Day 7: Massage & Hot Tub
Targeted Muscles: chest, arms, shoulders, back	Targeted Muscles: Rest and rejuvenate all your muscles!

Each day, refuel your body breakfast, lunch and dinner with Chef Cholly’s healthy gourmet options like an arugula, tomato and feta cheese omelet, lemon and almond kale salad, or fresh grilled salmon.  You come back from vacation recharged, refreshed, fitter and healthier – what a concept! 

This one was an spin-off from a kids program blog post I did last summer about my kids being filthy, sobbing messes at the end of each day here at the ranch..

A Playground without Fences-

Running wild and free in the Rocky Mountains

A filthy, sobbing child is the kind of child we can all hope for at the end of a good day.  Why? You may have seen it before: dirty tear streaks that leave tracks like war paint – evidence of a rewarding day spent playing, running, and jumping in the great outdoors. After a full day of horseback riding, panning for gold, and a low ropes course at Vista Verde, you will end up with a kid who is so exhausted she can barely make it through dinner.  But, what a great replacement for fenced yards, sanitized playrooms and recirculated air.  The kid’s program at Vista Verde will leave your child begging to be left behind with the kid’s supervisors, horses, and mountains they have come to love. Hey, you may be begging to be left behind too after breath-taking hikes, adventurous horseback rides, and a daily timeout from the kids.