

Things to Know for Snow Mountain Ranch
We’ve put together an informative list of knowing what to bring and what to expect, so you can enjoy yourselves from the moment you arrive at Snow Mountain Ranch.
What to bring
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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 feeLodge 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.
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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
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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
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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.
What to Expect
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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 RanchLocal 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:
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- At booking: First night’s stay deposit required
- 7 days before arrival: Remaining balance charged
Change Policy
- No fee for changes prior to arrival.
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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.
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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.
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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 – 3341Snow 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.