When you think of winter vacation ideas, you might be surprised to know that some of the best places for winter vacations are dude and guest ranches! We're excited to bring to you 15 winter ranches that will definitely get you in the festive spirit.
There are many winter vacations in the US to choose from – perhaps you want a real winter wonderland experience with twinkling lights, heavy snow and festive food and drink?
Or maybe you want to escape the cold and are looking for climates that are a little milder (Mexico’s calling!)... our winter ranch vacations have got you covered.
In our selection of the best ranches for winter, there are winter vacations for families, adults-only winter ranches – our ranches pretty much cater for everyone and anyone, all year round.
There are quite a few ranches that are open in the winter months, so read on to discover our specially-created list of the 15 best winter ranches.
Winter ranch vacations: winter wonderlands
The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana
This stunning Relais & Chateaux property and all-inclusive Ultra Ranch, brings together upscale amenities and wide open spaces.
Luxury accommodations at The Ranch at Rock Creek include lodge rooms, canvas cabins (glamping), historic barn and luxury homes, plus you’ll enjoy memorable ranch cuisine on your winter ranch vacation.
Winter ranch vacations are gaining in popularity and here you’ll discover a true winter wonderland.
Winter ranch activities: Cross-country skiing, ice skating, sledding, snowcat tours, sleigh rides, snowga, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, winter ice fishing, hockey, skeet shooting. Alpine skiers and snowboarders can visit nearby Discover Ski Area (included in the nightly rate). Weather permitting, horseback riding and target shooting are available.
Minimum stay in winter: Three days
Open: Year-round
C Lazy U Ranch, Colorado
One of our ranches that are open in the winter, since 1919 this award-winning luxury guest ranch has been celebrated for its rich history, rustic elegance, legendary cuisine and signature ‘5-Spur Service’.
There’s something for everyone at C Lazy U; kids enjoy adventure and discovery, while adults do everything they want.
Winter ranch activities: Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing.
Minimum stay in winter: Two days
Open: Year-round
Triple Creek Ranch, Montana
This adults-only Relais & Chateaux property offers an epicurean, all-inclusive vacation experience of refined rustic elegance, gourmet cuisine paired with an excellent wine list and warm, welcoming, five-star service amidst the romance of a forested mountain retreat.
Enjoy private luxury log cabins and splendid ranch homes with easy access to the comfortable Triple Creek Ranch lodge, and the rugged Montana wilderness offers adventures abound for those who like to play in the snow.
Winter ranch activities: Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, self-guided snowshoeing, dog-sledding, sledding, Frontier Logging Camp (hatchet throwing, slingshot course, firebuilding), holiday celebrations for Christmas and New Year.
Minimum stay in winter: No minimum
Open: Year-round
Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming
Consistently awarded ‘Best Resort in the U.S.’ year after year by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Readers Choice, as well as earning the highly-touted Forbes 5-Star Hotel award, Relais & Chateaux property, Brush Creek Ranch offers genuine Western hospitality, unbridled adventure and a truly inspiring landscape.
Indulge in a rejuvenating spa, a collection of lodge rooms, cabin suites and residences, and a variety of authentic outdoor adventures.
Winter ranch activities: Guests head over to Green Mountain, a private 600-acre mountain getaway located 25 minutes from the ranch. Try downhill skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, winter ice fishing, snow-cat tours, horseback riding, sledding, tubing, ice skating, yoga.
Minimum stay in winter: Two days
Open: January to October, December
Bar W Guest Ranch, Montana
The Bar W lies right in the heart of Big Sky Country, and offers the finest qualities of the Western way of life and hospitality.
This includes a special string of horses and cattle, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, miles upon miles of riding trails and open prairies, and staff that will help make your vacation here one you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Winter activities: Whitefish is a winter wonderland and the Bar W Guest Ranch offers all winter sports, including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, winter ice fishing and sleigh rides.
Minimum stay in winter: No minimum
Open: Year-round
Vista Verde, Colorado
Here you’ll find a quiet escape where you can experience winter at its best. Your all-inclusive winter vacation to Vista Verde combines the amenities of a luxury Colorado resort with the relaxed and intimate atmosphere of a ranch vacation.
Hide out in a cozy log cabin with a private hot tub and enjoy delicious, freshly-prepared meals in between adventures out in the snow.
Christmas at Vista Verde is magical – just how Christmas should be.
Winter activities: Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, snowshoeing
Minimum stay in winter: Three days
Open: January to March, June to October, December
Lone Mountain Ranch, Montana
Recognized as one of the premier guest ranch resorts in the country and a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, you’ll find 24 unique cabins, genuine Montana cuisine, exceptional service and a stunning array of outdoor activities.
Lone Mountain Ranch has also been voted the number one Nordic ski area in North America and the proximity to the Big Sky Resort gives guests the opportunity for world-class alpine skiing, too.
Winter activities: Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, snowshoeing.
Minimum stay in winter: One day
Open: January to October, December
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Idaho
Experience the spirit of the West on an all-inclusive winter guest ranch adventure vacation to Idaho.
The warm Western hospitality, country gourmet dining, ranch-raised and -trained horses, and the beauty of Idaho’s winter wilderness will make your guest ranch stay at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch not just a vacation, but an authentic Western experience with memories that will last a lifetime.
Winter activities: Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides
Minimum stay in winter: No minimum
Open: Year-round
Red Reflet, Wyoming
Customize your dream adventure at this fantastic ranch in Wyoming – you control how much you get to experience!
Both a working cattle ranch and luxurious resort, Red Reflet boasts outstanding five-star amenities, superb food and experienced staff.
During the winter, paths all around the ranch are filled with fresh powder snow, providing endless opportunities for adrenaline-fuelled winter ranch activities.
Winter activities: Snowmobiling, sledding, snowshoeing, hiking trails, canyon trails.
Minimum stay in winter: Three days
Open: Year-round
Winter ranch vacations: winter warmers
White Stallion Ranch, Arizona
Hidden away on 3,000 acres of lush Sonoran desert bordering the Saguaro National Park West, escape a harsh winter and immerse into the desert’s moderate and sunny weather – southeastern Arizona offers over 300 days of sunshine every year!
At White Stallion Ranch, you will truly unwind by enjoying spa-time, fresh, quality food, luxuriating in cozy casitas, wallowing in warm evenings, line dancing, singing songs and stargazing.
Winter ranch activities: Horse riding, tennis, wagon rides, birdwatching, shooting range with .22, .45 and .50 caliber guns, guided rock climbing, guided fat tire e-biking, badminton, basketball and more!
Minimum stay in winter: Four days
Open: Year-round
Tanque Verde, Arizona
One of America’s old-time cattle and guest ranches, it’s located on 60,000 acres of Tucson, Arizona’s most breathtaking desert landscapes.
Established in 1868, Tanque Verde Ranch is recognized as the last luxurious outpost of the old west, providing guests with plush accommodations, unparalleled amenities and a vast array of exciting activities.
Winter activities: Horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, tennis, yoga, ATV, swimming and more.
Minimum stay in winter: One day
Open: Year-round
The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, California
Nestled in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley in renowned Santa Barbara County wine country, is California’s premier guest ranch.
At The Alisal Guest Ranch, guests are transported back to a bygone era and can expect blends of the best of nature with exceptional outdoor activities, first-class accommodations, spa services and fine dining.
Winter activities: Golf, horseback riding, tennis, fishing, mountain biking, yoga, archery, hiking and more.
Minimum stay in winter: Two days
Open: Year-round
Rancho Las Cascadas, Mexico
Enjoy 333 days of sunshine a year in the heart of Mexico! You’ll experience amazing horseback riding that leaves nose-to-tail riding offerings in the dust, incredible food and comfortable accommodations.
Guests love the thrilling experiences on offer at Rancho Las Cascadas and you’ll embrace the feeling of absolute escapism for your winter ranch vacation.
Winter activities: Climbing, mountain biking, bird watching, yoga, outdoor swimming and hot tub.
Minimum stay in winter: No minimum
Open: Year-round
Now you've found the perfect winter ranch vacation, it's time to pack! Don't stress the small stuff, check out our ultimate ranch vacations packing list: what to pack for a ranch vacation: 9 absolute essentials.
Written and created by Kate Hammaren; luxury and adventure travel writer, editor and world traveler.