Maybe it’s because I’m closer to 40 than 30. Or maybe it’s because life with a baby means I occasionally prefer softer living to the carry-everything-on-your-back lifestyle that comes with backpacking. Whatever the reason, I’ve developed a strong affinity for easy-approach glamping opportunities that make weekend adventures doable with our toddler in tow. And if it’s a yurt? Even better. Makes me feel like I’m (kind of) still camping.
Family Fun at the Snow Mountain Ranch Yurts
Will and I have spent some time at Snow Mountain Ranch in the past, pre-Liliana. During our first visit, we enjoyed fat biking in the snow and dog sledding with the world’s most adorable puppies. But this time, we were invited back in the summer to experience the Snow Mountain Ranch yurts. Yurt life in the mountains with a sub-one-year-old? Sign me up!
Alas, I’ll cut to the chase: I didn’t get to go. Deadlines loomed so I chained myself to my desk all weekend while Will and Liliana enjoyed everything that SMR’s yurts had to offer. I drooled over the stories though, and lived vicariously through the eleventy billions text photos I received from my husband. Because you guys, Snow Mountain Ranch is seriously one of the best family-friendly places I’ve ever visited!
First, let’s talk about the yurts. The ranch features 24 different yurts split between two different villages, and each structure has electricity, WiFI, a minifridge, and a microwave inside {which explains why Will could text me so easily!} Is it glamping? Absolutely. But I will tell you that minifridge came in handy for Will who was stashing my pumped breast milk to feed the baby all weekend! #BabyLife If you’re the sort who likes to shower and not pee outside, the nearby bathhouses have flush toilets, showers with hot water, and hair dryers {although truth be told, I can’t speak to that because my husband barely washes his hair when he has to go to work, let alone when he is glamping for a weekend.}
Is this the softer life? Sure is. But, I mean, you have to walk a couple hundred yards from your car to your yurt so it’s kinda like a toddler-led hike, right?
Did I Mention All The Amazing Activities?
In all seriousness, I’ve come to appreciate places like Snow Mountain Ranch since having a daughter. Since she was so young, Will couldn’t partake in as many of the sanctioned activities as the other families, but he and Liliana walked around all day to watch the big kids play. Archery lessons, summer tubing, roller skating, arts and crafts, and the Spruce Saddle Adventure Zone {complete with zip line, of course} are all options to anyone looking for a weekend in the mountains. And, guess what: most of those activities are already included in your visit.
If you are interested in visiting, hop over to Snow Mountain Ranch’s website. Reservations opened on January 1, 2019!
If You Go:
Cost: $99 per night. Each yurt sleeps 6 people via a Queen bed and two bunkbeds. One tent is allowed on each yurt’s tent pad to sleep an additional two people.
Availability: Yurts are available year-round, but note: there is no heat so winter visits will be chilly. You may check availability here.
Dogs: Allowed with a $25 per night fee.
Activities: As mentioned above, most activities are included. The climbing wall, archery, summer tubing, and zip line require reservations and do cost extra.
6 Comments
Thank you for posting this! I had never heard of SMR until a few weeks ago when I booked a weekend there for my fiance and myself. Were there any other activities you enjoyed doing as a couple aside from dog sledding and fat biking? Anything else to be aware of?
Hi Nell! We focused on those, along with hiking and snowshoeing, but I know there is horseback riding, ice skating, roller skating, swimming, and miniature golf too. There is also a Nordic Center with lots of cross-country skiing. Basically, if you like to be outside, they likely have it in some capacity.
Wow this looks like a great but easy way to enjoy the outdoors for all ages. I think I see a campfire in the photos, but you don’t mention it in your post. We love to make creative gluten free s’mores on the campfire anytime we are in the woods. Would we have to bring our own marshmallow sticks?
These pictures are so damn beautiful..!!!
We love snow mountain ranch! The best year was when our kids were 2 and 5 and the amount of activities we could do was phenomenal! Thanks for the post – and you will love it even more as she ages.
Wow. the place is so majestic! Thanks for sharing this experience.