If you are planning for a ranch vacation this winter, be prepared to enjoy the beauty that the season has to offer. The winter landscape is a breathtaking view and even more so on a ranch. However, with that view comes the cold weather that is present whenever Old Man Frost is around.
Dressing for winter ranch vacations
Montana has one of the harshest climates in the lower 48, but, the payoff is well worth it. At the Bar W Guest Ranch you have the option of taking sleigh rides and soaking in all the beauty that the scenery has to offer. However, the lows in that area can get down to an average of 20 degrees.
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Dressing for the climate is a must, as well as keeping your feet warm. I found some boots a while back and I love them. They are Justin Rugged Utah Round Toe Boots (I found mine at CountryOutfitter.com), but they are more like Cadillacs on my feet. They are extremely toasty and keep my toes at the right temperature year round. Of course, no winter outfit would be complete without some leggings. I honestly just use some typical Hanes Long Underwear for that.
Of course, keeping your upper body heated is absolutely essential. I really like the look and feel of a nice Carhartt jacket. Mine keeps me pleasantly comfortable. Most importantly, it allows me the ability to move around easily without feeling restricted. This is important to me when I am engaging in a family snowball war.
Dressing for Winter Sun Ranch Vacations
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On the other side of the spectrum is the ability to vacation in some of the warmer climate areas for the winter. A great example is BG Equestrian Resort located in Florida. Here you won’t be involved in the family snowball fights; instead, you will be pampered with temperatures in the 60’s and of course, you want to stop by at the local Silver Springs State Park and take a Glass Bottom Boat tour. In this climate a light jacket would be perfect, or even a thicker shirt. One of my favorite picks that is both functional and stylish is the Amanda Sweater (retails around $199.95). This keeps my wife looking great and feeling comfortable.
No matter where you go, a Dude Ranch vacation in the winter is unlike any other vacation you will experience. No matter if you are looking to be able to enjoy a working ranch, or be pampered at a resort, you can’t go wrong. Being able to get back to the roots and be able to communicate with nature is sometimes exactly what is needed for the soul. Somehow it seems to make me feel right with the world.
by Nash Ricci