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The Top Reasons to Visit C Lazy U for Christmas Vacation

December 19, 2023

Looking to add some extra magic to your holiday season? Escape to a place where lights twinkle across the perfect winter landscape, where fires roar in cozy cabins, and where every meal is as grand as a Christmas feast — it’s a family winter vacation that’s only seen in storybooks, paintings, and at the best winter ranch in the West!

At C Lazy U Ranch and Resort, we know a thing or two about holiday magic. 

There’s so much to fall in love with at our all-inclusive winter wonderland, but here are some of our guests’ favorite reasons to check-in for the holidays. 

Read More: What Happens on a Dude Ranch in Winter?

The main lodge decorated for Christmas, with a blazing fire in the outdoor lounge

Horseback Riding on Snowy Trails

Guests are always raving about our celebrated horseback riding program, which many experience during the summer. What some may miss out on is winter horseback riding — a unique, transformative experience rich with enchantment. The dude ranch itself even transforms in the winter, becoming a quiet, sparkling, vast space that may make you feel as though you’ve entered another world. There are certain things guests will only see on the winter horseback riding trail: elusive elk herds dusted with frost, foxes pouncing into the snow, and eagles knocking powder from tree limbs are just a few of the natural sights you might spot on your winter rides. 

The mountains are exceptionally beautiful in the winter, which makes for glorious horseback trail rides during your Colorado winter vacation at C Lazy U!

Explore a Winter Wonderland Rife with Adventure

Even if horseback riding in the winter isn’t your cup of tea, there are a myriad of other ways to explore C Lazy U Ranch’s snow-covered meadows, mesas, and woods without hopping in the saddle. Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing across our 8,500 acres, either on your own or with a guide. If you’ve already gone horseback riding, this is still worth it: from the ground, you get a different perspective of the ranch’s wintry scenery.

Related: See All the Winter Activities C Lazy U Has to Offer

We have hundreds of acres of cross country skiing that will lead you on a Rocky Mountain adventure on your winter vacation in Colorado.

Ice Skate Under the Stars

One of the most frustrating experiences during a city winter is a crowded skating rink — at our guest ranch, you’ll never have that problem. Ice skating on our Zamboni-groomed pond is available to anyone who would like to partake, but the ranch also hosts a special Skate Night in which families come together to skate under the stars.

Ride in a Horse-Drawn Sleigh

Is there any Christmas activity more festive or romantic? Hop in a sleigh pulled by a team of our trusty Belgian Draft Horses to explore the ranch — you’ll even get to see our herd of more than 200 horses (plus our charming miniature donkeys) up close in the field!

Sleigh being pulled by horses at the ranch
Horse-drawn sleigh rides by our handsome Belgian draft team are a guest highlight.

Our Lodgings are Brimming with Christmas Spirit

Our cozy luxury cabins each feature their own wood-burning fireplace, the perfect setting for hanging stockings, opening presents, enjoying hot cocoa, or reading The Night Before Christmas to the kids. Each family receives its own Christmas tree to decorate in-room, so there’s no need to worry about missing out on traditions just because you’re away from home.

Willow Cabin

Eat the Best Food in the West

C Lazy U offers a gourmet dining experience only an authentic ranch can. Executive Chef Cory Untch prepares seasonal menus that mix comfort classics with the best in modern fine dining, all crafted from farm-fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. For drinks, enjoy a cocktail from our full-service bar, or let master sommelier Tony Collier provide you with an exceptional pairing from our award-winning wine list.

Read More: Dining at C Lazy U    

dinner entree
But don’t think we only know how to barbeque food! Gourmet meals await you during your luxury dude ranch stay.

Every Kid at C Lazy U is on the Nice List

Spending quality time with your loved ones is what the holidays are all about — but we understand that parents need time to connect and recharge over the break, too. Whether you’re headed to our annual New Year’s Eve party, want to settle a bet over some trap shooting, or need a legendary massage at the Lazy You Spa, our Winter Kid’s Club has you covered! Our counselors will keep your children safe as they learn and have unforgettable adventures in the authentic American West. 

Santa Stops By Every Year  

What magical Christmas experience would be complete without a visit from the man himself? Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the ranch by sleigh every Christmas Eve. Ol’ Saint Nick comes with presents for every boy and girl on the ranch, and places them with care under the sparkling Christmas tree in the Main Lodge. A jolly fellow through-and-through, this is the perfect time and setting for your little ones to meet their winter hero in the flesh! 

Santa and one of the many children on ranch pose for a picture

The Memories Last a Lifetime

The greatest holiday gift is a cherished memory that never fades. When you spend Christmas at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado, you’ll get the traditional holiday experience spiced-up with plenty of magical touches that only a real dude ranch can provide. Ready to step out of your everyday life and into the set of your family’s very own Christmas movie? 
Explore our all-inclusive winter vacation packages, or make a reservation today!

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Ranch Blog

Embark on a journey unlike any other at C Lazy U Ranch, where horseback riding isn't just an activity — it’s a breathtaking opportunity to connect with nature and the authentic spirit of the American West. While there are numerous dude ranches across the country, few match the dedication and care we put into our…

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Thank you so much for accommodating our Vegan diet!

~ Christina & Brad B.., 12-30-2021

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