Things to Know for Snow Mountain Ranch

When making a reservation, please review the amenities in your accommodations to ensure you have everything you need for your trip:

Cabins

• Included: Wi-Fi, linens and towels, shampoo/body soap, toilet paper and tissues, full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, dishes, cooking utensils), television*, fireplace*
• Not Included: air conditioning

*Not available in all cabins
Roll-away beds are available for a fee

Lodge Rooms

• Included: Wi-Fi, linens and towels, hair dryers, shampoo/body soap, toilet paper and tissues
• Not Included: air conditioning, television, kitchens

A Note on Technology

• Wi-Fi is provided in each of the cabins and lodges.
• Cell service varies by carrier and can be limited depending on your location on property.
• Please note you are in a mountain area and cell service can be limited throughout the geographical region.

Certain accommodations allow pets. Please review your accommodation when making a reservation to ensure it is pet-friendly. Review our pet policy for more information.

• $25 pet fee, per pet/per night
• Max of $250/visit
• 2-pet maximum

YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch is approximately 9,000 feet above sea level. You should be prepared with the proper attire, as temperatures can vary dramatically over the course of a day. To learn more about what to expect, check out our Weather Information.

Packing List

• A variety of layers (warm and cool)
• Warm jacket and rain jacket
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Sturdy shoes in case of snow

Drones
The safety and privacy of our guests and campers is of the highest priority for YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center. Therefore, we do not allow private or commercial drones to be used in the immediate airspace over our properties, except in limited circumstances when the operator has received written permission from YMCA of the Rockies. This includes use associated with special events, marketing, and in film/photo applications.

Firearms
As a private property, YMCA of the Rockies prohibits public display of firearms on its campuses, except during YMCA-sanctioned events. Additionally, we require that guests traveling with firearms keep them unloaded at all times while on our properties, and encased with a trigger lock in place.

YMCA of the Rockies will not service any YMCA facilities where a firearm is discovered, locked or unlocked. If a staff member discovers a firearm in a YMCA facility after check-out has occurred, staff will immediately contact security to request an urgent response from the county sheriff’s office.

Marijuana
Though allowed by law in Colorado, YMCA of the Rockies has a strict “no marijuana” policy that forbids the possession, use, and/or consumption of marijuana anywhere on our properties, in our facilities, or during participation in our programming. YMCA of the Rockies is a mission-driven organization whose core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith are best represented in an environment which excludes the use of marijuana. Thank you for abiding by our policy.

Snow Mountain Ranch features and array of on-site dining options. Meals are available on a pay-as-you-go basis
Dining at Snow Mountain Ranch

Local Dining Options
The Grand County community offers a variety of locally owned restaurants, international cuisine, and dining experiences.
Grand County restaurants

YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch is committed to the health and safety of our visitors.

Wildlife Safety
We share our beautiful locations with all different kinds of wildlife. Please read these articles to learn how to stay safe around wildlife and how to help our wild neighbors stay safe, too.

Safely Enjoy Wildlife
Your Elk Rut Questions Answered
Be Bear Aware

Please review our cancellation policies prior to booking.

Cancellation Policy
Reservation deposits are fully refundable up until the time periods outlined below. (Please note: There are no refunds for late arrivals or early departures.)

Lodge Rooms

• From booking to 48 hours prior to arrival: Deposit is fully refundable.
• Less than 48 hours prior to arrival: No refund available

Cabins

• 14+ days before arrival: Full refund
• 13-8 days before arrival: Deposit forfeited
• 7 days or less before arrival: No refund

Payment Schedule:

• • At booking: First night’s stay deposit required
  • 7 days before arrival: Remaining balance charged

Change Policy

• No fee for changes prior to arrival.

To help maintain our beautiful surroundings, guests must abide by the following rules.

• Stay on trails when hiking and only park in designated areas. Traveling in undesignated areas causes erosion of fragile ecosystems.
• Do not feed wildlife under any circumstance.
• Keep your distance while viewing wildlife. For your safety, use a zoom lens and stay at least two bus-lengths from any animal.
• Be bear aware. Do not leave food or beverages in your car, or on your cabin counter or table. Lock doors and close ground-floor windows when you leave your cabin and when you are asleep. Your actions could save the life of a bear!
• Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT/CEO, JULIE WATKINS:

YMCA of the Rockies’ puts Christian principles into practice through programs, staff, and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The “for all” part of our mission is very important, and our core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith guide everything we do. In line with our commitment, our Board of Directors adopted a diversity, equity and inclusion statement which confirms, YMCA of the Rockies will reach out to and welcome all people and organizations of good will and ensure that the rich gifts of diversity are reflected and respected at all levels.

Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.

Our organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategies advance the Y’s relevance, viability, and impact as a cause-driven organization. They help us to ensure that everyone can access and thrive at our YMCA and our approach puts into action our core belief that in a diverse world, we are stronger when we are inclusive and equitable. Reflecting our mission, we are proud to welcome all to YMCA of the Rockies!

Sincerely,
Julie Watkins, President/CEO

OUR MISSION:
YMCA of the Rockies puts Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities, in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND GLOBAL INNOVATION STATEMENT:
YMCA of the Rockies will reach out to and welcome all people and organizations of goodwill and ensure that the rich gifts of diversity are reflected and respected at all levels.

OUR DIVERSITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
The YMCA will welcome individuals, organizations, volunteers and staff of various backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs and experiences representing all dimensions of diversity. The YMCA will serve members and groups of various faiths and provide resources for Christian and spiritual growth for those who desire to participate. YMCA of the Rockies will protect against any practice, activity, decision, or condition that discriminates on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or any other status protected by law.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

• Establishing and strengthening mission-aligned relationships with groups committed to increasing access to outdoor spaces
• Increasing access to overnight and day camp for youth who face barriers to access.
• Providing cultural opportunities and education to staff, guests and Board members
• Engaging donors and friends of the YMCA in supporting inclusive programming and facilities.

At YMCA of the Rockies, weather can vary dramatically over the course of a day because of our altitude (8,010-8,700 feet above sea level). We recommend bringing:

Packing List

• A variety of layers (warm and cool)
• Warm jacket and rain jacket
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Sturdy shoes in case of snow

Summer & Fall
Summer and fall temperatures can be warm during the day and chilly at night. We recommend bringing light-weight clothes for the day and warm jackets for the evenings. Summer is known for afternoon thunderstorms, so be prepared by having a rain jacket. Also, plan your hiking accordingly by leaving early in the morning and returning before the afternoon.

Winter & Spring
Winter and spring have the potential to be cold and sunny or cold and snowy! Prepare yourself with sturdy shoes, warm clothing, and adequate tires or four-wheel drive for your vehicle.

The low oxygen levels found at high altitudes can cause problems for travelers who are going to destinations higher than 8,000 feet above sea level. YMCA of the Rockies locations are found between 8,010 – 8,700 feet above sea level. We suggest the following to help our visitors adapt to altitude.

• Drink plenty of water (64 ounces daily).
• Rest if you feel fatigued or dizzy.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Reapply sunscreen often.

Please call us and leave a message with your name, phone number, what you lost, and the date and location you think you lost it. We’ll get back in touch with you, and if we find your item, we’ll discuss your options to come pick it up or have it shipped for a fee.

Estes Park Center
(970) 586 – 3341

Snow Mountain Ranch
(970) 887 – 2125

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are not sold on property. It may be consumed only in the privacy of your room, cabin, or group meeting space.

Smoking
YMCA of the Rockies strives to provide a clean-air environment. Please respect our non-smoking policy in all facilities. We provide special fire-safe ashtrays in several outdoor areas designated for smoking.

Marijuana
Though allowed by law in Colorado, YMCA of the Rockies has a strict “no marijuana” policy that forbids the possession, use, and/or consumption of marijuana anywhere on our properties, in our facilities, or during participation in our programming. YMCA of the Rockies is a mission-driven organization whose core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith are best represented in an environment which excludes the use of marijuana. Thank you for abiding by our policy.

Estes Park Center
Electric vehicle-charging stations are located at Emerald Mountain Lodge.

Snow Mountain Ranch
Find electric vehicle-charging stations in a parking lot near the intersections of Just and Meadow Lanes.