Cold temps, short days, and more time indoors can make it daunting to face the winter months from a wellness perspective—we’re right there with you! But this winter, we’re not looking for intense regimens or miracle cures; we’re seeking balance and overall wellbeing. Below is our plan for beating the winter blues, both at Devil’s Thumb Ranch and at home!
Movement
From bite-sized to big adventures, we’re trying to move in as many ways as possible this year. We believe that consistent movement is more important than pushing it to the max every time.
At Home:
Go for a 20-minute outdoor walk a handful of days per week. Bundle up, get out into the fresh air, and be sure to change up your routes to keep it interesting!
Try a class in your area and don’t be afraid to branch out! One class per week gives us something to look forward to and doesn’t feel overwhelming. Try Pilates, bootcamp, cycling, or even ecstatic dance!
At the Ranch:
Explore our award-winning trails on skis, snowshoes, or fat tire bikes! Did you know an hour of cross-country skiing can burn 400-600 calories on average? That’s definitely a win-win in our book because gliding the trails is such a great way to commune with nature, breathe the fresh mountain air, and get your heart rate pumping all in one amazing activity.
If you’re looking to stay warm but still get active, join us for daily morning yoga in the lovely Ranch Creek Spa studio—included complimentary in your stay.
Nourishment
Eating well is what it’s all about for us—and to us, eating well includes plenty of little treats. We love fresh, local ingredients, but we also believe it’s important to indulge every now and then!
At Home:
Try this refreshing Winter detox smoothie. Orange, carrot, ginger and turmeric make it incredibly refreshing with a healthy bite. Inspired by The Endless Meal.
1 Orange
1 Carrot
1 tbsp. fresh ginger (¼ tsp. ground)
1 tbsp. fresh turmeric (¼ tsp. ground)
Pinch of Black Pepper
3 Ice Cubes
At the Ranch:
Wagyu beef has the nutritional equivalent of salmon—feel good about fueling up with a little extra protein! Don’t skip dessert! When you’re at the Ranch, we always recommend trying Chef Sierra’s seasonal cake… whatever it is, it’s going to be delicious! Get your fill at Ranch House Restaurant or Heck’s Tavern, if you’re staying at the Ranch.
Rest
Let your body absorb all those healthy efforts and take time to unwind!
At Home:
Transform your bathroom into a spa. Candlelit showers and baths are our favorite way to unwind in the evening. Turn off that overhead light, put on some ambient music, and take some time to consciously relax. We like to keep our gua sha facial massaging tool in the shower so that we remember to take a moment to relax our facial muscles while we’re at it.
At the Ranch:
This one’s a no-brainer—you must make a visit to Ranch Creek Spa! Our full-service spa offers soaks, scrubs, massages, and facials. If you want a little bit of everything, we recommend the Road to Wellness package. This all-in-one treatment includes an invigorating scrub, soothing soak, full-body massage, and revitalizing scalp massage.
Round out your spa day in our aromatherapy steam room, dry sauna, or sipping our Devil’s Thumb Ranch tea blend by the fire.
Exploration
Our favorite way to get inspired is to seek out a new experience or learn something!
At Home:
Learn something new! With the internet at our fingertips, we can learn virtually anything (no pun intended). Download a language app and practice a little every day. Take to YouTube to learn to knit. Cook something new—something as simple as homemade tortillas can be a game changer for your meal!
At the Ranch:
New sights, new terrain, new adventure—if you’re a skier or snowboarder, you must try Devil’s Thumb Ranch Catski Backcountry Experience! Take a scenic ride in a heated snowcat to exclusive ski and ride terrain right here at the Ranch and enjoy all the fresh turns that mother nature can provide!
If you’re not a skier, join us for a scenic snowcat tour! Take in all the spectacular winter sights from the comfort of a snowcat; an adventure anyone can enjoy!
Upcoming Wellness through Movement Events at the Ranch
Stagecoach Classic 30k & 15k Race, 15k Ski Tour | Jan. 20
Skijoring Clinics | Jan. 6, 27 | Feb. 3, 24 | Mar. 2, 30
Full Moon Ski Tour | Jan. 27 | Feb. 24 | Mar. 23
Ski, Sip, & Yoga | Feb. 4