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Après Adventure: The Best Ways to Unwind at a Dude Ranch After a Day in the Snow

December 26, 2024

A day spent in the snow has a special magic to it, especially if you’re riding horses over powdery hills, snowshoeing through glittering aspen groves, tearing down the slopes, or showing-up your friends at trap shooting. But the beauty of winter adventures doesn’t end when the sun dips below the mountains. At a C Lazy U, the best part of your day might just be what comes after the adventure. Picture this: rosy cheeks warmed by crackling fires, boots kicked off, and a glass of wine in hand, while the crisp air outside gives way to the soft glow of a peaceful evening.

Here’s how to make the most of that après-snow bliss and embrace relaxation, Western-style.

A Warm Welcome: Sauna, Hot Tubs, and Cozy Fires

When the cold starts to build and your muscles feel the weight of a day well spent, warmth becomes the greatest indulgence. Start your evening by melting away the chill in the ranch’s brand-new Lazy You Hideaway sauna. The soothing heat works its magic, easing sore muscles and clearing the mind — an ideal prelude to a night of rest and rejuvenation.

If steam isn’t your style, step into one of the heated outdoor hot tubs instead. The combination of bubbling water and crisp mountain air is nothing short of spectacular. With the stars overhead and snowflakes drifting lazily down, you’ll feel transported to a scene straight out of a storybook.

Prefer to stay indoors? The ranch’s cozy private cabin fireplaces are waiting for you. Slip into your comfiest socks, stoke the flames, and let the flicker of firelight set the stage for an evening of pure serenity. A good book, a soft blanket, and a mug of something warm make for some of the finest fireside companions.

fire pit outside in the winter

Relaxation Elevated

If you’re craving the ultimate wind-down experience, look no further than the Lazy You Spa. Nestled along the banks of the creek, this tranquil retreat offers more than your average massage — it’s a unique escape for both mind and body. Choose a custom massage to ease away tensions or indulge in a winter-inspired treatment to pamper yourself after a big day.

A Celebration for the Palate

The adventures may pause at sundown, but the flavors of the West are just getting started. Each evening, the ranch’s extraordinary fine dining experience takes center stage. After a day of fresh mountain air, the chef-crafted menu is a celebration of seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients, blending European luxury dining elegance with traditional Western comforts. 

Pair your meal with a selection from the ranch’s award-winning wine list, thoughtfully curated to complement the evening’s offerings. If wine isn’t your speed, sip on a craft cocktail, local whiskey, or decadent mug of cocoa. There’s something undeniably satisfying about gathering around the table with friends, family, or colleagues and breaking bread after a day spent exploring the snowy landscape.

Play, Laugh, and Gather Together

For those who still have energy to burn (and may be fueled by a few stiff drinks), the evening fun isn’t over yet. Head to the ranch’s game room, where laughter and a little friendly competition come alive over shuffleboard or board games.

If the outdoors call your name once more, the bonfire is where you belong. There’s no better end to a Western winter day than s’mores roasted over an enormous flame!

Game room at CLU featuring foosball

Your Western Winter Nightcap

As the night winds down, be sure to take a moment and soak in the stillness. The quiet of the mountains, the snow-blanketed fields, and the distant sound of horses settling in for the night — this is a level of peace and contentment you can feel in your bones. Whether you’re savoring a final sip of wine by the fire or breathing in the cold night air from your cabin porch, there’s no doubt: days at the ranch don’t just end — they linger, leaving you warm, relaxed, and deeply connected to the beauty of the season.

Come for the snow-covered trails, the horseback rides, and the endless Western charm. Stay for the evenings where time slows down, and relaxation feels like a gift. After all, it’s not just a day in the snow — it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Looking to escape? Book your C Lazy U experience today.

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Out in the untamed West, skill and precision meant the difference between survival and surrender. Ranchers, cowboys, and frontiersmen honed their marksmanship by tracking fast-moving targets across open plains. At C Lazy U Ranch, you can step into that legacy, gun in hand, and take your shot at an experience straight out of the Old…

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From the Horse's Mouth

We loved chatting with the ranch hands and learning all about the history of C Lazy U. Special call out for Ally who was so friendly and showed us an excellent and adventurous ride all while making us feel welcome. Spencer's stories were fantastic and we appreciated him sharing his experiences all while having a great time exploring the trails. Franny was so helpful and attentive during the clinical sessions. I took lessons as a kid and never got so much one-on-one help with my posture and horsemanship. Though we were rusty, she made us feel so comfortable. We were both nervous but she put us immediately at ease. Thanks to the ranch hands for such a wonderful experience!

~ Laura N., 10/15/2021

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