Although cowboys often spoke of “bedding down,” most actually slept in the trees, where they could play their harmonicas without fear of being trampled by their square-dancing horses. Make camp in four-walled comfort with today’s Groupon: for $55, you get a one-night stay, including two breakfasts (a $149 value), at Indian Peaks Lodge at Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby.

A member of YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch's numerous cabins, lodges, campgrounds, and other accommodations dot more than 5,000 acres of breathtaking landscape. Eschew drafty tents and flaming s’mores for the creature comforts of Indian Peaks Lodge’s newly renovated rooms, each of which accommodates up to six people with two queen beds, a sleeper sofa, a mini fridge, and other amenities frequently dreamt of by hibernating bears. During the winter, guests can escape the chill of the air and the unsettling glares of snow angels by bobbing in an indoor pool—or embrace the crispness of the climate by cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, or building a political roundtable of snowmen. Among other outdoorsy endeavors, spring stayers can hit the Frisbee links for disc golf, practice their serves on a sand volleyball court, and fish for compliments and/or actual fish.

Whatever the season, fuel up for the day’s adventures with a pair of complimentary buffet breakfasts teeming with omelets, pancakes, sausage, hot cereal, coffee, and other morning gastro-goodies. Ideal for weekends of peaceful repose as well as for staging elaborate, high-stakes snowball fights, Snow Mountain Ranch’s picturesque splendor gives families a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enjoy Mother Nature’s company without enduring one of her sanctimonious lectures about dental hygiene.

Reviews

Snow Mountain Ranch was recently mentioned by CBS Denver and more than 60 TripAdvisors give the ranch an average of four owl eyes:

• Snow Mountain Ranch has pristine views of lakes and wildflowers. – Stan Bush, CBS Denver
• If you're looking to reconnect with your children, spouse or get back in touch with yourself, YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch is the place to do it. I don't know if it's the air, the mountains or the outdoor activities but I left feeling renewed. – ChefMeg, TripAdvisor