Three Winter Days at C Lazy U Ranch Colorado

My knuckles were as white as I assume were the breathtaking mountainous peaks around us, but I hadn’t stopped my barely under control panic attack to check out the scenery.  We were winding our way through the snowy switchbacks of the mountain pass, and this flatlander from Texas could only imagine careening off the mountain or slipping into the oncoming lane.  The mister was masterfully managing the less than ideal road conditions, and only seemed slightly miffed that each turn was punctuated by “SLOW DOWN, YOU’RE SCARING ME!” 

 

After navigating the switchbacks of death (seriously, the roads were totally clear, but let’s not let the details get in the way of a good story), we passed through the village of Winter Park, a charming ski town that begged for exploration.  But, this was not our stop on this snowy Friday.  Instead we continued out of town and down the mountain slightly to the town of Granby, CO.  A few more miles down a fairly desolate country road, we arrived our destination.  As we made our turn down the long driveway, the sun began sinking behind the pristine peaks in the distance, illuminating the snow in gentle orange and red.  The postcard perfect scene was the perfect greeting to erase the stress of the arrival and reset my brain for a luxury winter retreat at C Lazy Ranch.

Arrival/Check In: Welcome to Rustic Luxury

The scenery had certainly changed from when we left Texas the day before, but it was still a chilly shock to step out of the car.  Mental Note #1: Must unpack coats first.  I am immediately greeted by Dale, the Director of Operations, who introduces himself, but he already knows my entire family by name, setting a tone of hospitality that will permeate the entire weekend.  He warmly invites us into the Patio House to sign in and complete the wavers.  The boys charge into the snow, a completely foreign substance, with no regard for the repercussions .  Soon, they are wet and cold, but smiling ear to ear.   Mental Note # 2: There is a learning curve for native Texans visiting a snowy climate for the first time.

Inside the Patio House, we sign the necessary waivers, as well as receive our schedule of activities, and our welcome packet.  Our welcome packet includes a water canteen for each member of the family, and a reminder that we need to stay hydrated to stave off altitude sickness.  Mental Note #3: Drink water. Lots of Water.

It is a short drive up the hill to our cabin, a three bedroom suite that is aptly named Hill.  We need to traverse a snowy path to reach the cabin, but our guide assures us that the trek is worth it.  He certainly did not exaggerate.  A central living area with a waiting fireplace opens into a large master bedroom with king bed and bathroom with deep jetted tub.  On the opposite side of the living room is a bedroom with a queen bed and two bunks that also has its own bathroom.  One more bedroom with two twins, a living area, and bathroom completes the cabin.  While I am checking out the western décor and ample closet space for gear, I notice that the cabin is customizable so that smaller families or couples can use just two of the four rooms, while bigger families like ours can rent the entire cabin and spread out.

Our guide quickly begins porting our luggage up the hill, and although I make a sweet Southern suggestion that he doesn’t need to fuss, I am feeling the altitude and I am grateful for the help.  The kids immediately break into the suitcases to gear up and go out to explore the snow in earnest.   Their laughs and giggles as they roll in the snow are infectious.

Evening Festivities: Day One

6:30pm: We make the 200 yard trek from our cabin up the hill to the lodge for cocktails and dinner.   Dale and a roaring fire in the stone pit are waiting to welcome us into the warmth of the lodge.  We are a bit late for cocktails thanks to our romp in the snow, so the festivities are in full swing inside.  The adults are gathered around the bar enjoying cocktails and swapping stories of their days on the ranch, while the kids have gathered in the main area for a raucous game of Apples to Apples.  Not to be left out of the pre-dinner treats, fresh popcorn and hot chocolate with marshmallows are waiting for the kids (and grownups) in the card room off the main lodge.

7:00pm: Dale sounds the dinner call and the 40 guests head upstairs to the dining hall.    The other guests have been at the ranch for at least one night, so they know the drill, but we are uncertain where to sit in the communal dining hall.  Will, the bartender, suggests that if we want to sit with our family, that we choose a table and make ourselves at home, but he also offers the option of letting the kids sit at the kids table.  Basically, we are encouraged to do whatever makes us feel most at home, a hallmark that we find at every turn at the ranch.  In the end, two kids choose to join their new friends at the kids table, and two kids join us at our table.

7:15pm: The Chef emerges from the kitchen and announces the menu for the evening.  All of it sounds slightly exotic and appetizing.   The kids are offered the option to choose from the adult menu, or a slightly more kid-friendly version from the menu.   All of my kids choose the kid options, but I am thrilled to see that those options are more unusual than the typical kid fare.  The youngest doesn’t find anything that he likes on the menu, so the server makes some suggestions until we find something that suits his fancy.  After riding in the car all day he is on the verge of meltdown, and I am grateful for the accommodations.   Our servers, Camille and Noah, effortlessly tend to the kids and their needs, while serving three courses around the dining room.  Dinner includes an appetizer of mild Barramundi, and a main course of beef tenderloin and mushroom risotto.  It is all delicious, and I am stuffed well before dessert is announced.

8:15pm: The kids have finished their dessert and have retreated en masse to the game room in the Patio House.  In the quiet, the adults are served a light lemon cake and have a few more moments to chat with our ranch mates.  As overfull bellies create a comfortable lull in the conversation, Dale begins making his rounds to ensure that everyone is set for activities the following day.  Activities are loosely scheduled throughout the day, and signing up the night before helps the ranch to be prepared with personnel to make it memorable.

 

9:00pm: Back in our cabin, we end the evening with a roaring fire and an animated game of War.  As we snuggle into our soft bed with covers pulled up to our chins, a light snow begins to fall outside.  Our full day of winter fun the following day will begin with a fresh layer of snow.

Up Next: A Full Day of Snow Fun at C Lazy U Ranch

~C Lazy U Ranch generously provided for our stay.  They did not require that I express a certain viewpoint and all opinions are my own.~