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.

It’s no secret that 2009 was a challenging year for dude and guest ranches just about everywhere. The good news is that ranches have responded with enthusiasm, ramping up new programs, special deals, and energizing the industry with a new way of looking at and promoting their unique offerings. At the same time, ranches strive to maintain some of the best traditions that are so beloved by guests of many generations.

So what is new? More targeted events like the special Cowgirl weeks or weekends (like a slumber party with horses, one guest said). And how about spruced-up menus that lean more toward brioche than beans. The menu of activities is richer, as well, going beyond horseback riding and fly fishing to often include things like yoga, rock climbing, or spa treatments.

We hope you’ve had a happy holiday season and enjoy a warm and wonderful New Year. Here’s a quick roundup of news from the range:

Winter fun at Vista Verde Ranch, above

Hot Deals

COLORADO
VISTA VERDE RANCH
Winter specials at this luxe ranch outside Steamboat Springs include Share and Save, Work of Mouth Special, and Give Winter a Try. But do read the fine print:  Discounts can not be combined. They are also hosting two horsemanship clinics- Jan 3-6 and Mar 2-6.
Details: Share and Save- January-March. Prices are as stated for the first 2 people in a cabin, then bring along some friends or family and the extra guests are 50% off.  Word of Mouth Special- The ranch normally pays a finder’s fee in the form of Vista Bucks when you refer a friend.  But this winter they are upping the ante; send a new guest to the ranch for a winter stay and both you and your friends save 25% on your 2010 winter stay. Give Winter a Try- January-March. Pay for 3 nights and get the 4th night free.

MONTANA

320 GUEST RANCH
Check out the Winter Wonderland Special, where you can escape to the 320 Guest Ranch for a night of true Montana hospitality.  Whether it is a romantic getaway, a girls’ night out, or some family fun, the Winter Wonderland Special can do the trick. Set out under the stars for a sleigh ride pulled by Percheron draft horses; follow it with scrumptious cowboy cuisine at the 320 Steakhouse & Saloon and finish the evening with accommodations in a cozy cabin.
Details: Winter Wonderland Special costs $200 for two persons (alcohol, taxes and gratuity not included). Good/Valid for 2009-2010 Winter Season; can extend stay up to 7 nights at a discounted lodging rate. Reservations: 406/995-4283 or info@320ranch.com or click here.

NewsFlash

CALIFORNIA
ALISAL GUEST RANCH AND RESORT

From quiet luxury to exciting adventure, the Santa Ynez Valley’s Alisal Ranch and Resort is both rugged and refined. This 10,000-acre working cattle ranch and luxury resort has created the perfect getaway with the Wine & Roses Package. All the ingredients for a romantic retreat are here: a crackling fire, Champagne, even a bed of roses. Sign up and you’ll make sure everything is coming up roses this Valentine’s Day.
Details: The Wine & Roses package is available for $1,850 per couple. Suite rates are available upon request. It includes studio accommodation for three days/ two nights; sparkling wine and roses on arrival; welcome basket with fresh fruit, cheese and chocolate truffles; breakfast and dinner daily, including wine with dinner; a picnic basket for two with wine. In addition, it includes one hour couples massage; horseback riding on scheduled rides, golf green fees, tennis and fishing at Alisal Lake, as well as taxes and service charges. When: Available midweek September through May, or any two nights from November through March (excluding summer and holidays). For weekends during September, October, April and May, add $200 to the package price. To book, call 800.4.ALISAL or click here.

COLORADO

VISTA VERDE RANCH
They’re working on putting together some details for a  cooking school in March as well as a yoga retreat sometime in the future. Stay tuned.
Details: For more, click here.

Green Dudes

B.C. CANADA
SIWASH LAKE RANCH
One doesn’t don’t usually speak of cowboys and carbon footprints in the same sentence―but you can when talking about this remote off-the-grid dude ranch. The ranch is lightening its eco-footprint with innovative clean energy technologies. Rated by the Globe and Mail (a well-respected newspaper) as one of Canada’s top eco-friendly luxury destinations, Siwash Lake Ranch is overhauling its power system.

The Siwash Lake Ranch is eliminating over 90 percent of its fossil fuel energy production by installing a solar power plant as their primary source of clean, renewable, and reliable energy. It features a state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic system for electricity and also includes a retro-fit of the hot water heating system, along with new technology to capture excess energy from heated water.  The ranch is also switching from gas-powered to solar-powered pumps for irrigation and other water systems.

“This project will save $32,000 per year in fuel costs and reduce our annual carbon footprint by 123 tons of green house gases. This is the equivalent of taking 22 passenger vehicles of the road for one year,” says Allyson Rogers, owner and proprietor at Siwash Lake Ranch.  “Our guests are excited about all the work we do to make our operations as sustainable as possible,” she notes. “To stay in harmony with our environment by using renewable green energy to fuel our operations is incredibly important to us.”

Details: To learn more about their comprehensive sustainability program, and for a list of their land stewardship initiatives and their daily best practices, please visit www.siwashlakeranch.com/site/sustainability.html. To book, click here

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.

Just as snow is beginning to dust the high country, (check out Wyoming’s Hideout Ranch, shown at right), we’re happy to announce some cool new improvements to the November Ranchweb blog, with the introduction of several new features: NewsFlashes, Tips from the Ranchers, Very Hot Deals, and others which we’ll roll out soon.

It’s a fresh way to get out the news about ranches and information about the latest deals. Newsflashes are: special programs, additions, or recent changes have happened, or are coming up at a ranch.  Very Hot Deals: are great bargains, or package add-ons for this month or coming soon. Tips: are the best advice ranchers can give travelers about coming to/planning ahead for a dude ranch trip. And there are more improvements on the way. That said, here’s the latest:

NEWSFLASHES

In Colorado
Vista Verde Ranch has just changed the way they help out those who recommend the ranch, called their Word of mouth special.  They normally pay a finder’s fee (paid in ‘Vista Bucks’) when guest refer a friend, but this winter they are upping the ante: send a new guest to the ranch for a winter stay and both you and your friends save 25% on your 2010 winter stay.

In South America
Go south of the border to Estancia Los Potreros if you want a dude ranch experience with a little something extra—Argentine culture. Explore the real ‘estancia experience’ at  Estancia Los Potreros. Argentina’s Estancia Los Potreros dates from 1574 and lies in a beautiful reserve in the Cordoba Hills in the center of this lovely South American country. It’s a working farm, organic, breeding Aberdeen-Angus cattle and the lovely Paso Peruano horses. Known for its horses, riding and polo are big deals here, but there’s also trekking, birding, wine tasting, and golf. All sprinkled with a dash of Argentine culture. Keep up with The Estancia by checking out their blog, discussing everything from their latest polo matches to featured wines (last month: wines from the bodega Nieto Senetiner).
Very interesting. Or should we say Muy interesante?

VERY HOT DEALS

In Colorado,
Vista Verde Ranch is running several specials for this winter, but please read the fine print:  Discounts can not be combined. Packages include: Share and Save (January-March). Prices as stated for the first 2 people in a cabin.  Bring along some friends or family and the extra guests are 50% off.  Give winter a try (January-March).  Pay for 3 nights and get the 4th night free.  Pre-Christmas special. Sneak away for a 4-night stay to rest up before the holiday madness! Cost is $1,200/person for the 4 nights. Book quickly as they have only one cabin available for this special rate!

In Montana

Triple Creek Ranch is gearing up for their 2010 Spring Vintner Series & Spring Roundups. First, Vintner Weekends Each spring, Triple Creek offers 3-day weekend packages for wine lovers.  Each event features a winemaker from a different winery and we showcase wines from that vineyard.  The weekend begins with a wine seminar on Friday evening.  Guests enjoy a grand tasting dinner on Saturday night with wine pairings from the featured winery (variously this spring: Flora Springs Winery, Chappellet Winery, Koenig Vineyards, and Fidelitas Vineyards).

Then, Spring Roundup Weekend runs May 2-6, 2010 and May 9-13, 2010. The four-night Spring Roundup combines adventure and romance. By day, you either learn about horses, move and brand cattle, or experience a rodeo. Then you return to the privacy of your cabin to relax by the crackling fire, enjoy a couple’s massage and relax in a hot tub before dining in the candelit dining room of the Lodge at Triple Creek Ranch. The package (for two people), includes all meals, beverages, house wines and spirits and on-ranch activities.  (Taxes and gratuities not included.)

In Wyoming

The Hideout Guest Ranch & Resort is a year round, all inclusive, upscale guest ranch with a variety of winter activities, from cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on over 400 miles of groomed and natural trails, to horseback riding. Yes, you can still ride in winter (Shell Valley boasts generally mild winters) and so, weather permitting, scenic rides are available at lower elevations, including riding with wild mustangs. The Hideout will be running Winter Riding Adventure Packages in November, plus January and February, 2010.
In British Columbia, Canada
Tod Mountain Ranch

“Winter has now arrived up here.  It’s a beautiful sunny crisp day today but we already had our first snowfall last week,”owner Tracey O’Connell tells us, then adds, “Here’s our latest Hot Deal for your blog. Book your 2010 summer vacation before 31st December 2009 and pay the 2009 rates.  This represents a savings of up to CAD$150 per person, including taxes.  Offer is available on all dates from 1st May – 31st October 2010.”
Thanks, Tracey. Now those are great deals!

You may have noticed a new feature in our right column (scroll down). On the Horizon is our way of giving you a sneak preview of the story titles we are working on. If you see a story title that you feel you (and your ranch) should be a part of, contact us via email (hit Contact Us in the Navigation Bar up top). We want your input. It’s our way of staying connected.

We also have a blogroll (right column, scroll down); it posts links to blogs we like and want our readers to have access to. We want to link to your ranch’s blog and we want you to link to us. We’ll all grow stronger as a result. How does it work? Just send us your link; contact us via email (hit Contact Us in the Navigation Bar, up top) and we’ll help make it happen.

When you want to really explore and head deep into Canada’s backcountry, there are outfitters ready to show you the way. Some, like Alberta’s Warner Guiding and Outfitting Ltd. (shown in photo, above), and Tsylos Park Lodge & Adventures, have been in business for years. Others, like Tod Mountain Ranch, in British Columbia, are brand new.

“We ride in almost 30,000 hectares of mountain trails, forest and alpine that surrounds the ranch and is home to bear, deer, moose and coyote,” notes Tracey, of Tod Mountain. “Look up and you just might see a bald eagle or hawk flying overhead.”

Tod Mountain Ranch is a small, cozy facility accommodating up to 16 guests in a setting that is both luxurious and rustic. Buildings have a natural look to them and the services and amenities are high quality with a touch of luxury.

“Our cabins have all the comforts you would expect to find in a luxury hotel,” Tracey adds. Each cabin has a private bathroom and is furnished with custom-designed log furniture and and high-end amenities.

Tsylos Lodge (pronounced sigh-loss) has been around since 1957, set at wild Chilko Lake in British Columbia. It offers wilderness adventures from fully guided fly-fishing trips to pack trips and grizzly adventures.

Warner Guiding and Outfitting Ltd. has both in-town rides (ideal for those with just a day or so), plus longer backcountry trips along the Bow River, or up onto Sulphur Mountain. “Our backcountry rides are perfect for people of all ages and abilities, who have a little more time to spend in the Rockies with us,” contends Jill. They offer tenting or lodge stays from two to six days and horseback packtrips deep into the heart of Banff National Park.

“We’ll take you to the perfect spots for capturing once in a lifetime photos and viewing wildlife in its natural habitat,” says Jill, of Warner Guiding and Outfitting Ltd. “Bring along a fishing rod for a chance to cast in some alpine lakes or mountain streams.”

Warner’s specialty trips, dubbed Holidays on Horseback, offer a number of interpretive trips each summer featuring leading authorities on wildlife and their habitat, environmental issues, conservation, mixed with both fun and history. Choose topics like Mountain Photography or Year of the Grizzly.

One added benefit to a Holiday on Horseback is that you’ll know that you’re helping the local environment: a portion of your trip cost is donated to continuing wildlife research and conservation in Banff National Park through the University of Calgary Grizzly Study, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the Friends of Banff programs.

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.

Careful readers of the Dude Ranch Blog know that we have just debuted a new design, thanks to our Wordpress host. Yep, we’ve got all the bells and whistles now: Tags, Trackbacks, and lotsa cool Widgets.

More importantly, the new design is easier to read and quicker to navigate. The key thing to remember, however, is that we’re here to serve you, the Dude Ranching community: ranchers,  travelers, and ranch job seekers. It is our firm belief that life is good in ranch country, and we’re here to share that message.

We’re also here to help bring more travelers to dude ranch country. We do that by unlocking the secrets to planning the perfect ranch vacations and offering up handy tips and useful information. And finally, we’re here to let ranchers know about what’s going on in this exciting (and ever-changing) industry. It’s a tall order, and we can’t do it without your help.
So, please, let us hear from you. Tell us how you like our new design (or what you’d improve), what stories you’d like us to cover or what important information we should be passing along to all of our readers. You can leave a comment or send us an email. Just don’t be a stranger!

Stephanie at The Home Ranch, just outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, just emailed me that they’re extending their 2009 winter season. Guests can now book their trip through April 8, taking advantage of the abundant snow and many fun winter activities The Home Ranch offers.

Winter guests enjoy everything from cross country and downhill skiing to snowshoeing (pictured), tubing, horseback riding and sleigh rides, and fly fishing and kids’ games.

The Home Ranch also boasts some of the best food and wine around, with gourmet meals prepared by Chef Clyde Nelson. Accommodations include six rooms in the main lodge and eight private cabins ranging from one to three bedrooms; each of the cabins has its own hot tub on the porch. All activities and meals are included in the cost of the stay, and kids stay free at the Home Ranch.

“We’ve had such a great winter, and we’re excited to be able to share that with more people this year,” says Selina Heintz, Front Desk Manager of the Home Ranch. “Staying open later just makes sense when the conditions will still be great for all the winter fun at the ranch.”

For more Colorado winter fun, check out Vista Verde Ranch; choose from a wide menu of many winter activities- backcountry skiing, cross country skiing,  horseback riding, sleigh ride, sledding, snowshoeing, and more.

And don’t miss the C Lazy U Ranch; new this year: a groomed tubing hill!  Enjoy snowmobile-drawn tubing where you ride behind a snowmobile on an inflatable tube (daily for children and adults). Or take a shuttle up to the top of the C Lazy U driveway and sled all the way down the C Lazy U Luge to the ranch.  Organized sledding begins daily from 3:00-4:00 (conditions permitting).  It’s a fun-filled, snowy adventure!

Our recent conversation with Arizona’s Russell True, new President of the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) and co-owner of White Stallion Ranch, included some good thoughts about the challenges facing dude ranches and their visitors in a tough economy. “We have to remind people that when you buy a ranch package, there are few to no add-ons,” says True. “If you compare a dude ranch to another resort, it’s apple to oranges: we’re all-inclusive and a very good value.”

But besides value, there’s another good reason to choose a dude ranch now, he continues. “Families need ranches because we create opportunities for real family time and some of our best family memories,” he contends. “You’re getting real experiences—not manufactured amusement park stuff,” True adds. “And we love what we do: it’s not just a job for any of us,” he notes.

The dude ranch is a uniquely American-born institution, and the first introduction to the West for some. Some ranches got their start at the turn of the century, so there’s history, culture, and tradition here, too.

“The Chinese word for crisis also means ‘dangerous opportunity’,” says True. “As ranchers, we’re must be more open minded, versatile, and adjust and adapt while protecting and expanding our future.” No problem, says True. “Ranchers are flexible-we’ll get better at our jobs. And there’ll be more of us standing at the end of all this.” And blue skies will return.

When you’re ready for an Arizona ranch visit, consider the Bar 10 Ranch, near the magnificent Grand Canyon; you’ll find western ranch activities, delicious country-style meals; and genuine western hospitality. And the Grapevine Canyon Ranch is famous for its riding program and friendly, highly personal service.