Destinations the whole family will love!

yeah, it’s that kind of amazing…

THE VILLAGE PEOPLE WERE ONTO SOMETHING (BESIDES AWESOME COSTUMES). THE YMCA OF THE ROCKIES HAS IT GOING ON.

YMCA OF THE ROCKIES
Two locations (excluding the camp) both about 1 hour 1/2 outside Denver, CO

It’s winter ski season again. And before you start bracing yourselves for the high price of high-altitude fun, wait. Put away the Amex Black card and get set for one of the best ski bargains around.

I’m always looking for low-cost vacation spots that don’t skimp on style. Even if that style is weirdly campy (see TEE-PEES and TRAINS), it just can’t be boring-ville. With the YMCA of the Rockies, however, the inexpensive price tag just means you’re checking in to your average cabin-style accommodations. It’s certainly nicer than your credit card bill would lead you to believe. (Now why all cabins are still firmly set early 80s decor is an entirely other matter.)

How low are the prices? At writing, the Snow Mountain Ranch is offering weekend getaways for $75/adults and $55/child (plus $30 program fee). That’s 2 nights of lodging and all meals, and activities that include guided snowshoe hikes, swimming, outdoor campfire, movie and more.

I know. It’s crazy!

winter wonderland-ness

get cozy in your cabin

it’s easy to splash out on this affordable vacation

LOCATION
ESTES PARK CENTER 
An hour and a half northwest of Denver, surrounded on three sides by the Rocky Mountain National Park

SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH 
An hour and a half west of Denver Winter between the Park Ski Resort and the town of Grand Lake

PLAYING
• There’s year-long fun at the YMCA of the Rockies. From winter skiing, sledding and snowboarding to summer hiking, biking, mini-golf and pretty much every other type of fun under the sun. Oh, and Snow Mountain has an indoor pool, so you can splash year-round.
ESTES PARK RECREATION GUIDE

SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH RECREATION GUIDE

EATING
• Lodge-style accommodations do not feature kitchens (most have mini-fridges, however) and your stay will most likely include meals at the community dining areas (Schlessman Commons which have three buffets every day. I like to pretend I’m in my freshman year at college again and carbo-load while having inappropriate conversations at my table. Usually I get at least one odd look from another table.                                                                                                                          • Cabins feature kitchens, or you can dine at the Commons via their meal plans or just as a per-meal fee.

SLEEPING
• Sleeping arrangement in the cabins and lodges range from bunk beds, sleeper sofas and Queen-sized beds. I get top bunk!

TIPS
• High chairs and cribs are provided free of charge (and you thought it couldn’t get any better)
• What are you waiting for? Head for the mountains without a mountain of debt. Oh, and here’s a few accolades:
-The “Mercedes Benz of Reunion locations”, Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
-Best Place to Travel With a Family, Nick Jr.
-No. 1 Place For Affordable Family Adventure Travel (Snow Mountain Ranch), Outside Magazine

Case closed.
YMCA OF THE ROCKIES WEBSITE

Other ski vacations: SUNPEAKS, OKEMO MOUNTAIN

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photo credits: all images by YMCA of the Rockies