Ranches that provide meetings ROI and retreat abound in the West. Most accept business groups in three seasons, excluding summer when family guests are in residence for vacations. Recreational options change with the seasons, and both cross-country and downhill skiing are part of the winter experience at many ranches. The Dude Ranchers’ Association, in Cody, Wyo., (866.399.2339; www.duderanch.org) is an excellent resource for information on member ranches that cater to business groups.
Following is a sampler:
- The Home Ranch (970.879.1780; www.homeranch.com) near Steamboat Springs, Colo., is a Relais & Chateaux member, and offers Wi-Fi in all ranch buildings. Groups of up to 17 can be accommodated in single units. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides are part of the scene in winter months. Head chef Clyde Nelson has appeared in national gourmet magazines and presents guests with home-baked breads and pastries daily.
- Latigo Ranch (800.227.9655; www.latigotrails.com) is situated three hours’ drive west of Denver and within one hour’s drive of five major Colorado ski resorts. Single accommodations are available for 20 guests in 10 carpeted cabins, some of which have three bedrooms. Wi-Fi is available in cabins and the main lodge conference space.
- Rock Springs Guest Ranch (800.225.3833;www.rocksprings.com) near Bend, Ore., has an IACC-approved conference center and offers CMP packages. Accommodations are in single cabins, which can house a total of 26 guests. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Redmond Regional Airport, with service by United Express, Horizon Air, and Delta, is 20 minutes away.
- Three Bars Ranch (877.426.5230; www.threebarsranch.com) in British Columbia has 21 cabins, dedicated meeting space and a 45-foot-by-50-foot conference center with high-speed Internet access. Cell phone towers are located on-property. Heli-sightseeing is available, as are shuttles to nearby Kimberley Alpine Resort, which offers cross-country skiing trails with night lighting.
- White Stallion Ranch (888.977.2624; www.wsranch.com) in Tucson, Ariz., has 45 casitas that can accommodate 40 to 45 guests, dedicated meeting space, and 3,000 acres of wide-open land at the foot of the Tucson Mountains and adjacent to Saguaro National Park. Wi-Fi is available throughout, and recreation options include tennis, a fitness center and swimming in a heated outdoor pool. Courtesy airport transfers are available for guests who stay four nights or more.