A weekend of bliss, interrupted only by food and wine? That’s what they promise you’ll find this month at Montana’s
Resort at Paws Up.

If you hurry, you just might catch the Montana Master Chefs series at this spectacular ranch, set to run from September 30 through October 3. The five chefs (from the Campanile Restaurant’s Mark Peel to the Bravo TV Channel’s “Top Chef contestant Lee Anne Wong) will present cooking demos, a cook-off challenge, and featured dinners. In between, there are wilderness activities and a champagne reception. The wines are just as impressive as the schedule: Grgich Hills Estate, Merry Edwards Winery, and Trefethen Family Vineyards. Don’t miss it! Rates: for 4 days/3 nights, $4,323 per couple. Call 800/ 473-0601 or go to www.pawsup.com

Ah, summer at the ranch. Horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, oh my! But how you pack may determine whether you’re prepared for all the kinds of fun stuff you can enjoy on the ranch. A little planning goes a long way.
Going to the mountains? Prepare for every kind of weather, from summer sun to sudden showers and mountain breezes. Out on the plains, its bright sun and hot weather most of the summer. And at a California coastal ranch, you’ll have to dress for the occasional fog bank that drifts in fro the ocean (yep, even in summer). So check with the ranch, and check the forecast before you go. But relax: ranch dressing always means comfy and casual.

The basics
Jeans: Well, duh. But here’s a tip from Gene Kilgore himself: before the trip, wash all the jeans with fabric softener so you can avoid saddle sores from the rubbing of that heavy, stiff denim inseam (ouch!). Most ranches have washing machine/dryers available but if you don’t want to spend vacation time doing laundry, bring extra jeans (at least 3 pairs), socks and tee-shirts for all.

Cowboy hat: You want to fit in, like the cute pair at left, don’t you? Splurge on a good triple X felt hat.

Boots: You gotta have riding boots for horseback riding. Ranchers advise against riding in sneakers or hiking boots—your foot could slip through the stirrup or get stuck in it. But if you don’t have any, check ahead: some ranches have spare pairs of kids and adults’ boots for you to borrow while at the ranch.

Riding helmets: It’s not the wild, wild, West anymore, and most ranches recommend wearing a helmet while riding, especially for kids. Most ranches have a supply of helmets available if you don’t own a riding helmet.

Everything else
Light waterproof jacket with hood
T-shirts and long sleeve shirts
Shorts and bathing suits
Hiking boots, sneakers
Socks (at least 3 pairs)
Fleece pullovers or sweaters
Tevas/water shoes/old shoes that can get wet
Sunglasses and a hat
Sunscreen and bug spray
Gloves for riding (for morning rides)
Backpack or fanny pack

Our report this month ranges from the snow covered valleys of British Columbia to the sunny mountains of Mexico, with news, programs, and great deals at dude and guest ranches everywhere in between. There’s still time for a late winter getaway, and it’s not too soon to start planning for a summer vacation.

Canada's Tod Mountain Ranch

Hot Deals

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Tod Mountain Ranch
“Tod Mountain Ranch is the perfect relaxing winter getaway,” enthuses owner Tracey O’Connell. Situated in the quiet beauty of Louis Creek Valley, it offers peace and tranquility backed by stunning views.  The lodge has a large but cozy living area with fireside lounge, TV lounge, recreation room and a dining room where they serve hearty, home-cooked meals. Accommodation in cabins provides a hint of luxury at the end of the day.

Take advantage of close proximity to Sun Peaks Ski Resort and vacation at Tod Mountain Ranch. Located only 15 minutes’ drive from the ski resort, a stay at the ranch means you can enjoy all the activities of Sun Peaks during the day, then relax in comfort at the ranch in the evening.
Details: All-inclusive rate of $110 per person per night includes accommodation, 3 meals daily and use of all ranch facilities.  Package available from Feb. 1—Mar 31, 2010.

MEXICO

Rancho Las Cascadas
Giddyup, amigo. Yep, you can combine a sunny, south-of-the-border getaway with traditional dude ranch fun and horseback riding. The authentic Mexican cuisine and massage/spa treatments are nice twists on the usual ranch vacation theme.

Located just 90 minutes from the Mexico City International Airport and tucked in the mountains overlooking waterfalls, Rancho Las Cascadas is something special. This month, they have some special offers coming up.
Details: Stays from Feb. 27—Mar 13, 2010 there is no single supplement on new bookings.  Visits Apr 24—May 1, 2010 include a shopping trip to famous San Miguel de Allende. And, notes Kristin, “We are also arranging Mexican Cooking Courses which will combine with a riding package. And in terms of news, we have 10 new arrivals at the ranch—boxer puppies—which will be on sale if anyone is interested!”

WYOMING
The Hideout Guest Ranch & Resort
From Shell, Wyoming, Natalie Longwell is calling me in the middle of a snowstorm.  “It’s snowing right now,” she says, “which is good because we’ve got a bunch of photographers here doing a photo shoot.” It’s part of a ‘winter photo safari’ trip, she explains. It’s not surprising that The Hideout Guest Ranch & Resort is popular with photographers: it’s right by the scenic Big Horn Mountains and home to ton of wildlife (including one of America’s largest wintering bighorn sheep herds).

“We’re looking forward to a busy spring and summer,” says Natalie. But before that, a host of special programs kick off. First comes the Natural Horsemanship Clinic “A new program, focuses on our fantastic horse trainers. Natural horsemanship is a quieter, more gentle approach rather than the old cowboy way of breaking the horse. You end up with calmer animals and better communication from the rider.” Then Branding Week. “Guests can ride in the spring roundup and help with the branding. It takes them back to a piece of the old West. It’s a lot of fun and they really help.” A typcial day starts with round up where all the cow/calf pairs are brought into pens and sorted. After a wonderful picnic lunch (or barbecue lunch), the roping and branding commences throughout the afternoon. Space is limited,so book soon.
Details: Natural Horsemanship Clinic (March 14-20, 2010) costs $1,633 per person/double occupancy $1,849 per person/single occupancy. Branding Week–April 11-17, 2010 costs Space is limited: $1,906 per person/double occupancy $2,029 per person/single occupancy For each, pricing is all-inclusive land only and excludes tax and gratuity. Air and transportation not included

NewsFlash

CALIFORNIA

Marble Mountain Guest Ranch
All the wet weather California has had this winter promises a fabulous rafting season this spring and summer. And there’s one dude ranch poised to take advantage of the news. Tucked into the forest at Somes Bar, California (north of Redding), Marble Mountain Guest Ranch offers mountain trails, great fishing streams, a range for sporting clays, and upscale cuisine. But whitewater rafting on the nearby Klamath River is one of their passions.

“It should be a spectacular rafting year, what with good snowpack and rainfall,” notes owner Doug Cole. And for him, rafting ranks high. “We came here as whitewater rafting outfitters, then we created this as a dude ranch to bring together the whole Western experience.” That’s the signature of the Marble Mountain Guest Ranch, adds Cole. “We don’t do horse rides all day–we bring in other experiences. We’re in the middle of a whitewater mecca, and we’re in the perfect spot to take advantage of it.”

With warm flows in the summer, great swimming, and beginner to intermediate level rapids (class II and III), the Klamath is perfect for the whole family. “The Klamath flows fairly steadily all summer long,” says Cole. Marble Mountain Guest Ranch schedules whitewater rafting and kayaking during the warmer afternoon hours (smart!) and they hit a different stretch of the river each day; shuttles take no more than 35 minutes to the launch site on any day. Talk about a cool summer escape.
Details: These guest ranch packages are all-inclusive and combine a horseback trail riding program with whitewater rafting, sporting clays, fly fishing, jet boat adventures on the Lower Klamath and other, more traditional ranch fun. Says ranch owner Doug Cole, “These unique combined activity days, our superb dining experience, and our youth buckaroo programs, create the best setting for an American dude ranch vacation that can meet the diverse interests and needs of your entire family. Our focus is not on cheap prices but on dollar value—what you can get here for an all inclusive week stay is our strength.”

Green Dudes

COLORADO

Zapata Ranch
Outside Mosca, Colorado, hard by the Great Sand Dunes National Park, sits the storied Zapata Ranch. Visitors here find a unique ranch experience. The ranch is owned by the Nature Conservancy, and managed by a third-generation ranch family (the Duke and Janet Phillips Family) with a unusual mission: to create a working ranching as an ecological resource base, supporting a mix of activities and always emphasizing sustainability, innovative management, and diversification. But it’s not a ‘pretend’ ranch; they work hard to maintain both economic and ecological viability.
They believe that ranchers provide an increasingly important role in the stewardship of our nation’s native rangelands.

Oh, and did we mention that they run bison as well as cattle on this 103,000-acre spread? Here in the high desert grasslands, the bison are managed as a ‘conservation herd’, meaning that they run as a wild herd. The Zapata Ranch does no branding, feeding, or weaning. Bison are gathered once a year (in November) and get sorted out to be sold for meat, tagged, vaccinated for bruccelosis, or sold to another rancher. And yes, you can buy Zapata Ranch grass fed/finished bison meat.

Nature is more than just a backdrop. The ranch borders the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the newest National Park in America. The ecosystem includes alpine forests, creeks and wetlands, grasslands, sand dunes, and lush meadows. The ranch and surrounding San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado is a wildlife mecca where you’ll find bison, coyote, deer, elk, and birds of many species (including thousands of migrating sandhill cranes).
Details: Vacations here revolve around learning through experience, as guests learn about real ranch life and about the great outdoors. You’ll choose from three primary programs: horsemanship experience, ranch experience, or  nature experience.

For our December news roundup, we’re continuing to roll out new features for the blog. Last month, we introduced Newsflash, Hot Deals, and Tips from the Ranchers. New to the blog this month: The Smart Ranch Traveler: suggestions on ways to save money on a ranch vacation. Stylish Dudes: New stuff ranchers/guests are wearing at the ranch. And Green Dudes: about new environmentally-friendly practices ranches have introduced. Happy holidays!

Newsflash

Montana
THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK

It’s the newest guest ranch in the West, set to open in May 2010 (but with a soft opening this month, see below). Set roughly halfway between Butte and Missoula, Montana, The Ranch at Rock Creek is a 6,800-acre ranch, anchored by the stylish Granite Lodge, with its spa, and Silver Dollar Saloon. Two private rental houses and several glam safari-style cabin/tents on platforms by the creek and in the woods augment the lodging. Lucky guests have private access to activities from sleigh rides, ice skating, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, to bowling, shooting sporting clays, and horseback riding. Inside the stone-and-timber Granite Lodge, guest rooms are decorated in iconic Western themes, but include all the comforts and luxury of a high-end hotel.

It’s all the vision of investment banker Jim Manley, who spent 30 years searching for the perfect setting for a ranch that he’d dreamed of owning since his youth (when Bonanza was his fave show). This unique combination of the authentic ranch setting with luxury amenities, five-star equivalent food and wine, and state-of-the-art facilities is right here in the American West. While the facility is new, it retains a sense of place and fits the surrounding environment perfectly.

In summer, the fun is endless: angling on blue-ribbon trout streams, mountain biking, archery, target shooting at sporting clays, hiking, or horseback riding in the famed big sky country. Nearby, you’ll find ghost towns, battlefields and museums to roam, rodeos, parades, and wildlife to watch.
At some point, after all that action, you’ll want to relax and rejuvenate at the ranch’s full service spa. Or maybe just hang out and enjoy the wine pairing, tea and cookies, and four-star level cuisine.

“Guests have exclusive use of the 6,800 acre ranch, including The Granite Lodge, Spa, and Silver Dollar Saloon, plus private access to all activities, and everything ‘big sky country’ has to offer,’ notes General Manager Paul Robertson.

Details: The ranch celebrates its official grand opening in May 2010; starting rates (includes meals, activities) in May: rooms from $800 to $950 per person per night, tents from $825 to $1150; houses rent for $5000 to $6200 per night. This holiday season, private groups may get a sneak preview. Starting on December 17, The Ranch at Rock Creek is open for private groups who book the entire facility.It includes downhill skiing at nearby Discovery Basin with 60+ runs of all skill levels, horseback riding, on-ranch cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, massage treatments, and so much more. “Share this unforgettable western destination with your best clients and they will always be grateful.” For the holiday season, the all-inclusive package price starts at $17,600 per night; for details, please call 888/-757-2624.

Smart Ranch Traveler

Northwest Nebraska
PONDEROSA RANCH

At the Ponderosa Ranch, Kim & Jeff Lund tell me that “families can save a lot amount of money with the a la carte pricing that we offer our guests”. That is offered in additional to the traditional all inclusive vacation package. Essentially, guests can choose the amount of horseback riding they wish to do and pay only for the hours they ride. Families who do not have a lot of riding experience or are not into the sport only want 1-2 hours of riding at a time and that may be all they wish to do for the entire day. The Ponderosa’s guests can then fill their day with sightseeing activities in the area, which they can pick and choose to fit their budget as well. They can also choose the number of meals they eat with our family. “Each of our cabins have their own kitchens,” say the Lunds, “allowing families on a tight budget to prepare some or all of their own meals.”
Great cost-saving ideas! And it works at Ponderosa because, as the Lunds say, “Our guests chose our ranch because its a small, family-owned operation. We only take one family at a time riding (generally 4-5 people maximum) which allows for a very personalized experience.”

Hot Deals

Holiday Packages abound this month. It’s a great way to spend a festive holiday at the ranch and let them take care of the hard work! Here’s a selection of packages:

Idaho

WESTERN PLEASURE GUEST RANCH
From her desk at Sandpoint’s Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Janice tells us, “We are trying something a little different this year at the ranch with our sleigh rides.” Indeed. They’re hosting A Simple Christmas – Sleigh Rides And Christmas Trees beginning Sunday, November 29 and ending December 19 or until trees are gone. So gather the family together, bundle up and get ready to enjoy this family outing at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch.

First, you’ll load up on a horse drawn sleigh and ride through the forest out to the tree lot.  Pick out your own fresh cut, locally-grown Christmas tree, warm up at the bonfire, then hop back into your sleigh and ride back to the lodge where for popcorn, hot chocolate, and coffee.
A Simple Christmas—Sleigh Rides And Christmas Trees runs:
Sundays – Nov, 29th, Dec. 6th, Dec. 13th  at 3:00, 4:00, and 5:00
Wednesdays – Dec. 2nd, 9th, and 16th,  at 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00
Fridays – Dec.  4th and 11th   at 4:00, 5:00, and 6:00
Saturdays – Dec. 5th , 12th , 19th  at 11:00, 12:00 and 1:00
Reservations are required and available. Cost including tree is $90 plus tax for a family of four.
Each additional person is $15.00.  Kids five and under are free. If there is not enough snow, wagon rides will be substituted.

British Columbia, Canada

BIG BAR GUEST RANCH
In Clinton, B.C., the Big Bar Guest Ranch offers a Christmas Package with a difference. “This year we are presenting a Danish Christmas,” our friend Susan notes. “This special Christmas will be complete with ceremonies and specialties from Denmark.” Following the Danish tradition, they’ll be celebrating Christmas on December 24.

Go ice skating, gaze at the star-filled night sky, ride through the snow, go on a dog sled trip, cross country ski, or perhaps just snuggle up in front of a crackling fire with a cup of warmth in your hands. Danish Christmas  Package: December 23–26 (3 Nights – 4 Days),
All Inclusive, Sagebrush Inn, $569.30 per couple (taxes included) – special pricing for children includes 3 Nights Accommodation (1 night free) and all meals, including special Christmas Eve Supper. Free outdoor activities: skating, snow shoeing, x-country skiing, star gazing. Activities with fees: Horseback riding, skidooing, dog sledding. All outdoor activities are weather dependent. Adds Susan, “Please let us know which activities you want to commit to at the time of booking.”

TOD MOUNTAIN RANCH
At Canada’s Tod Mountain Ranch, Christmas is a pretty big deal. “We take a traditional approach to the Christmas holidays. Our Christmas tree, which was grown here on the ranch, will be decorated with hundreds of twinkly lights and shiny baubles,” says Tracey.

During the day, relax and enjoy the comfort, calm and tranquility of the ranch. Go hiking, snowshoeing or cross country skiing on ungroomed trails around the ranch. Visit Sun Peaks Resort (just 15 minutes away) for downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiles. Sun Peaks has 100 runs open on all three mountains and we hear it has snowed pretty much every day for the past three weeks. But the ranch is down in the valley with warmer weather and less snow plus the quiet, calm, relaxing environment of the ranch. Christmas Special Package: December 23- 28 ($125 per person per night). On Christmas Eve, after dinner, you can join the local ranchers at the annual carol service at our country church followed by mulled wine and mince pies back at the ranch. Dinner on Christmas Day will be a traditional Christmas feast with roast turkey, baked ham and all the trimmings. dog sledding and sleigh rides. You can even ski with Santa at Sun Peaks on 23rd and 24th December. Rate includes accommodation, all meals, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks & snacks throughout your stay and use of all ranch facilities.

Stylish Dudes

Argentina

ESTANCIA LOS POTREROS

Set in a lush reserve in Argentina’s Cordoba Hills, Estancia Los Potreros dates from 1574 and is deservedly proud of its heritage. Travelers to the ranch often come away imbued with the Gaucho spirit that permeates the ranch. Happily, they can take away something more tangible as well.

Shown at right is the boina headgear worn by Estancia Los Potreros gauchos. “This is the ‘new stuff’ we all wear on the ranch,” our friend Robin tells us. “They attract such respect that even the men wear them.” And you can buy boinas on the ranch.

Green Dude Ranches
Argentina

ESTANCIA LOS POTREROS
We also wanted to mention the Estancia’s Environmental Memorandum, which may be reason enough for some environmentally-conscious travelers to visit the farm in Argentina. The owners have a passion for conservation and the preservation of the environment. They cherish the farm’s spring water and use wind and solar energy.

“We take inspiration from a Native American Proverb,” says Robin. “It goes: We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”. Well said.

Here is an excerpt from their memorandum:
“…The horses are bred locally and the farm is the source of employment for a number of local people. The farm believe in totally organic farming; they do not use any growth hormones, pesticides, insecticides or chemical fertilizers.”

“They are careful not to overgraze and keep the stocking rate to a minimum level that allows the natural grasses to regenerate. The cattle and horses are free range and the cattle eat back certain paddocks to build natural fire breaks in the winter.”
For more, read their philosophy in full by clicking here.

With snow still on the ground in some parts of the U.S., it may seem early to start planning a summer getaway to a Canadian ranch. But early birds can get the best choices and some great deals.

Let’s start with British Columbia; B.C. has a wide variety of guest ranches, from traditional to high end, and Canada travel can be a great value now. Take the Three Bars Ranch (shown at left), owned by the Beckley Family and nestled up against mountains and near the St. Mary’s River.

Built in 1989 of massive logs, the main lodge and 21 cabins blend modern amenities with classic European styling. Riding is big here. Three Bars Guest Ranch has more than 110 head of horses and their horse-to-guest ratio is over 2-to-1, so they can surely find a horse to suit any rider’s ability and experience level. Besides a world-class horse training facility, you can enjoy tennis and sport courts and a heated pool and hot tub, or try hiking, mountain biking and rafting (among many activities).

But mostly, its just drop-dead gorgeous. “Three Bars Ranch is set in the crown of the continent and is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth,” says April Beckley. “With over 75,000 acres to roam there is literally no end to the possibilities for you to explore.” They often run internet deals—check their website soon.

More B.C. ranches: Don’t forget to check out Sundance Guest Ranch, south of Ashcroft, for great riding and hospitality. And for a fabulous setting and the opportunity for great adventures, try the Tsylos Park Lodge, 200 miles north of Vancouver.

Canada has a long history of both hospitality and ranching, especially in Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. No matter what you’re looking for in northern-climate ranches, Canada has so much to offer: amazing scenery, friendly and welcoming people, good prices and an exchange rate that has eased a bit in recent weeks (currently $78.8291 US Dollars is equal to 100 Canadian Dollars).

Its coastal province to our northwest, British Columbia (B.C.), has a wide selection including some of North America’s larges and oldest cattle ranches. I just got off the phone with Tyler Beckley, the president of the British Columbia Guest Ranch Association (BCGRA) and he gave me a good overview of everything from traditional dude & guest ranches to high end spa ranches.

“Canada is too often overlooked when it comes to finding a guest ranch vacation,” says Tyler. “While none of us in B.C. have a famous address, most people find that the people, scenery and experience make up the difference. B.C. ranches and Canadian ranches in general offer a great product, and currently at a bargain,” he notes. “If you listen to any travel writer,” Tyler adds, “they will tell you to look off the beaten path for the next great destination, and when it comes to guest ranches, that is Canada.”

We list information on six British Columbia ranches on the Ranchweb site: the luxury-oriented Echo Valley Ranch & Spa; the world-class and swanky Siwash Lake Ranch; the family and riding-focused Sundance Guest Ranch Ltd; the lovely, amenity-rich Three Bars Cattle & Guest Ranch (run by Tyler Beckley and his family); the brand new Tod Mountain Ranch; and the  Tsylos Park Lodge & Adventures located in pristine wilderness.

B.C. will be thrust into the world spotlight for the 2010 Olympic Games to be held at Whistler, so you can beat the crowds and visit B.C. this summer.

And elsewhere in Canada, there’s the Warner Guiding & Outfitting, Ltd. in Alberta and the place to go for wilderness tenting pack ridesor a rustic backcountry lodge ride; the fly-in Crown Jewel Resort Ranch in Nova Scotia for flying and fishing; and the horse-lovers’ paradise of Ranch 4 Saisons Guest Ranch & Spa Adventures in Quebec.

“With the expansive wilderness still available to us in Canada it is becoming the place to come and play,” says Tyler. “If you enjoy the truly unique culture yet want all of the comfort of travel to a country that speaks English and is safe, we’re a good bet,” Tyler Beckley continues.

In a few days, we’ll highlight individual ranches in Canada. Stay tuned!

Alyson at The Kay El Bar dropped us a nice note the other day, with word of big news at the ranch. “The Kay El Bar recently underwent a  “face lift” with remodeled bathrooms, dining room, and landscaping.  The original adobe bricks were reinforced so that they’ll be around for another 85 years!”

She notes that there’s also a new patio and cook-out area that is “the perfect setting for a reunion or wedding reception–in fact, we have one of those coming up on March 14th.  A local cowboy is marrying his sweetheart and arriving at the ranch in a horse-drawn carriage.”  Cool.

They’ve also updated their bathrooms-check out the photo at right, below.

Sounds like the The Kay El Bar is a good example of how a historical dude ranch can modernize without “selling out.”  Take a look at their new website; it reflects how they give people an authentic Western experience.

More ranch news in Arizona. You might think about getting a break for spring break by staying at Hidden Meadow Ranch where children, 11 and under, stay free the third night. And at Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch, they are offering a special discounted rate for a 3-night stay between: March 21-April 1 or April 27-May 3, 2009.

In the Saddle

Learning to ride a horse can be a transformative event for a both kids and adults. When you’re finally astride, comfortable in the saddle and at one with your horse, your confidence soars. But it is smart to remember that horseback riding is a real sport with a real animal, and when your instructor/wrangler speaks, its important to listen up. Before you climb onto Old Paint, or before you even arrive at the ranch, you can prepare yourself or the kids by brushing up on some riding dos and don’ts.

Do wait for your wrangler to bring your horse to you—don’t approach a group of tied-up horses (you haven’t felt real pain until you’ve had a horse step on your foot). And after the ride, stay in the saddle until the wrangler helps you dismount; let him tie up Old Paint with a lead rope (the reins are never used to tie up the horses).

When riding, remember your trail manners: don’t pass another horse at high speed (it can be dangerous), don’t make any loud noises (ditto), don’t throw things that might spook your horse or another’s mount. And don’t let your horse graze–the wranglers make sure he gets plenty of the right food back at the barn.

In short, don’t act like a tenderfoot. Act like a real cowboy/cowgirl. After all, isn’t that the point?