Yurts: Not Just for Summer
There’s a Dutch word that’s trending right now. It’s hygge, and it basically translates as cozy and comfortable. And there is nothing more hygge than a yurt stay in the middle of winter. Surrounded by pillows of snow, I guarantee you’ll be nice and snug inside a yurt warmed by a crackling fire.
There are various types of yurt stays available in the Rocky Mountains, from rustic to more luxurious options. All of these stays will provide a true “hygge” experience.
Last winter, Ryan and I stayed in the Sunset Yurt, one of three Never Summer Nordic yurts located just west of Cameron Pass between Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Photo courtesy of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
The three yurts at this location are the only Never Summer yurts that are dog-friendly in the winter and accessible by car year-round. Never Summer has other, more remote yurts around Northern Colorado as well.
For most yurt stays, you need to pack as if you are going camping. And that’s just what we did. We even brought along our old dog, Xena.
Our yurt had a kitchen that was more luxurious than I had expected. There were two propane burners and big tubs for washing dishes and storing food. Solar powered LED lights had been installed in several areas of the yurt making it much easier to cook dinner, take out contact lenses, etc.
Our yurt had a lot of thoughtful amenities, such as a bench near the fireplace and lots of hooks so that guests can hang up wet snow pants, coats, etc. With snowshoeing and cross country skiing trails right outside the door, this came in handy.
Each yurt at this Never Summer location has its own wooden outhouse. I hate outhouses, but these were clean and fairly spacious, which helped with my outhouse claustrophobia.
A stay in one of the two Yurt Villages at Snow Mountain Ranch is a little less rustic, because there is a bathhouse. We’ve only stayed in the summer, but these yurts are open year-round and are accessible by car.
Each yurt is basic, but does include a mini-fridge and small microwave. They are not heated in the winter so guests must pack extra warm clothing and extra blankets. Guests may bring their own space heaters, as well.
The pathways around the two villages are not shoveled in the winter, so packing a pair of snowshoes is advisable. Each yurt has its own outside fire pit, picnic table, barbecue, and seating area.
The real bonus here is that each Yurt Village at Snow Mountain Ranch has its own large bathhouse with flush toilets and shower facilities.
Photo courtesy of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
For a little fancier yurt stay that requires a little more leg power to get there, check out the Rock Springs Yurt at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This overnight outing will create memories to last a lifetime.
To get to Rock Springs Yurt, guests are guided along a 2.5 mile trail that ascends 1400 vertical feet. This outing is for intermediate to expert skiers only. The trek will be well worth it as this is an all-inclusive type of yurt stay that includes dinner prepared by your guide, après snacks, light breakfast, hot beverages and drinking water.
Rock Springs Yurt also provides sleeping bags and liners as well as propane and firewood. You only need to pack in things like toiletries, extra clothes, etc.
There are many yurts nestled in the Rockies and the Mountain West. Whether you want a ski-in/ski-out experience like Rock Springs or a car and dog friendly outing like Never Summer, this list of Colorado yurts from the Colorado Yurt Company will help you discover the perfect yurt for you.
