Winter Wonderland Ride Alberta Canada The ranch is a beautiful place to enjoy the winter season in Alberta. Whether you’re passing through on a ski trip, visiting for the holidays, or just looking for a weekend getaway, we offer accommodations and winter vacations for everyone to enjoy! Enjoy our beautiful guest house as the perfect space for your holiday or event! This is the perfect place for your winter weekend getaway, family reunion,... Our accommodations provide a gorgeous space for truly embracing the winter spirit!  After an introduction to western tack, and tips for riding in the snow, we’ll head out for a beautiful ride on the ranch or in Kananaskis Country. Family Vacation Trip with multi activities Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Meeting: Bragg Creek Airport: Calgary Transfer: Calgary Airport 4 PM Riders: Min 2 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

    GST (VAT)  5%

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick up at Calgary Airport at 4:00pm. Return transfer drops you off at the airport for 10:30am. (Please don't book domestic flight before 12:00pm and international flights before 1:00pm)
Pickup from hotel near airport or downtown Calgary might be possible - please inquire

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
We pick you up from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) and transfer you to the ranch. It is about a 1 hour drive to ranch, welcome and check-in.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 2 (Monday): Introductory Ride
After breakfast, you will meet “your” horse. After grooming and tacking up the horse, we’ll provide tips for riding in the snow. Once everyone is comfortable, we’ll head out for a 2-3 hour ride on the ranch.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 3 (Tuesday): Snowshoeing & Half-Day Ride
After breakfast we’ll introduce our guests to the traditional Canadian skill of snowshoeing and get out to explore nature in winter. We will cover some winter survival tricks and cook lunch over an open fire. After returning to the ranch we’ll saddle up and head out for a couple of hours riding.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 4 (Wednesday): Day trip to Banff/Canmore - No Riding
Options for the day (all guests must choose the same activities because they are geographically separate from each other):
- Downhill skiing at Sunshine (www.skibanff.com)
- Dogsledding near Canmore (extra C$100 - to be paid locally)
- See the sights of Banff, visit the Whyte Museum and the Banff Hot Springs
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 5 (Thursday): Winter Activity & Half-Day Ride
Sleigh ride and skating in morning OR cross-country skiing on the many kilometers of beautifully groomed trail in Bragg Creek. Skis/boots/poles can be rented, and instruction arranged if you feel you need it.
In the afternoon, we’ll saddle up for a 2-3 hour ride. After showering and changing we’ll head to the local saloon for “open mic” night where people can either sing along or just enjoy the jamming of talented
local musicians.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 6 (Friday): Day Ride in Kananaskis Country
For the last day we plan a full day ride in Kananaskis Country. The specific route will be chosen depending on weather, trail conditions and group preferences. A sumptuous supper is planned in the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Departure for the airport after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast



Non-Riding activities on the ranch
During the winter months snowshoeing, skating or a sleigh ride (needs to be pre-booked) are possible on site and an excellent cross country ski facility is located nearby.

                                            Bragg Creek area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	30	36	41	50	59	66	72	71	62	54	40	32
Average Low Temperature (°F)	1	7	13	23	31	38	41	40	32	24	11	4
Average High Temperature (°C)	-1	2	5	10	15	19	22	22	17	12	4	0
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-17	-14	-11	-5	-1	3	5	4	0	-5	-11	-16
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	4	6	7	10	10	8	8	7	5	4	3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
During winter, temperatures will range from -35 (-31°F) to +8 degrees Celsius (46.5°F), with both extremes being infrequent. We typically ride when it is -15°C (5°F) or warmer. It is often sunny and clear, at this time of the year.

We suggest to bring
- 2 pair of jeans or riding pants
- 3 long sleeve shirts
- Fleece or sweater (fleece is lighter)
- Jacket or vest as wind breaker
- Brimmed hat (protects from rain, sun and low branches) **we have helmets to borrow should you request one
- Healed, ankle-high, water-repellant boots
- Gloves
- Toque (warm hat)
- Warm socks (1 pair per day)
- Underwear (1 set per day)
- Personal hygiene items
- Warm underwear
- Camera (please not that there is no possibility to charge batteries!)
- Chaps (if available)
* If you have any medical condition like allergies, or are on medication, please tell your guide.

Available to rent for additional fee
- Rainwear (oil-skin slicker)

Saddle bags
Your trail horse will have 2 saddlebags tied to the saddle. One is for your personal items to carry on the trail, such as camera, sun protection, water bottle, extra layer of clothes, etc. The other bag is reserved for "group items" such as lunch or first aid kit. Your rain wear will also travel with you tied behind the saddle.

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights will be spent at the same location.

Description
The ranch lies in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 13 km south of the picturesque hamlet of Bragg Creek and roughly 60 kilometers southwest of Calgary - a wilderness area stretching to the Continental Divide! This is one of the prettiest areas for riding in the world. On the Eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Alberta has a tradition of ranching that started in the late-1800's and continues today. Riding westward from the ranch toward the Continental Divide, landscape changes from one of rolling ridges and open forests to one of high alpine meadows, thick primal forests, and shear limestone cliffs. The highest peaks in the region are around 11,000 feet with permanent snowfields and glaciers on their shoulders. This variety of ecosystems makes each day’s ride different and beautiful in its own unique way.
The guesthouse has 5 rooms (2 single rooms with one double bed, and 3 rooms with king bed, two twins, or two double beds). There are 2 full bathrooms, which are shared amongst all guests. We provide all bed linen and towels, but please bring your own soap and shampoo. There is a hairdryer in each bathroom. We have an outdoor fireplace with picnic area. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the property except for around the outdoor fire pit. There is no TV in the guest house, but there is complimentary WIFI. You are welcome use the i-pod docking station, boards games, and a large selection of books and magazines available.
Laundry is available for an additional fee at certain times of the day.



Room Occupancy
Single supplement is waived if you are willing to share.

Other Activities on the Ranch
The trails around the ranch are also suitable for walks. There is a small lake at the north end of the property with 2 canoes if you want to enjoy a paddle or watch the beavers. Massages can also be booked for an additional fee. During the winter months snowshoeing, skating or a sleigh ride (needs to be pre-booked) are possible on site and an excellent cross country ski facility is located nearby. 



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

All our meals are made fresh using as many local ingredients as possible. The menu changes daily and offers typical local dishes but also internationally inspired cuisine. As much as we take pride in preparing all meals from scratch, we are not a restaurant and typically, there is only one choice for a meal. Following the tradition of the “Good old days ranch life” we sit down all together, staff and guests, and enjoy a good meal and company together.

Breakfast is typically served around 8.30 AM, dinner around 6.30 PM. In most cases, you will have lunch on the trail. We will stop at a scenic place, enjoying a picnic lunch in great scenery.

Coffee, teas, water, juice for breakfast, and hot chocolate are complimentary while you stay with us. Please note that we do not serve alcohol, but feel free to bring your own as well as any other favorite drink you like.

Dietary Restrictions
We cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice. Gluten-free requests are $10 extra per day.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Missouri Foxtrotter, Canadian, Arab, Quarter Horse, Morgan, Welsh pony, Paint and cross breeds
Pace:		Mostly walk / rides range from 2 to 4 hours/day | Walk | Trot |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 8
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders

Pace
Intermediate level required. Moderate pace. Slow in the mountains, but nice opportunities for faster paced riding across open meadows, 4 -7 hours per day. Some dense forest areas and extreme steep and rocky terrain sections.

Horses
We have Canadian, Arab, Missouri Foxtrotters, Paints and Quarter horses. The horses have been chosen for their endurance, spirit, and sure-footedness in the mountains. Most horses will be fitted with western style saddles but those with a distinct preference for English riding may be accommodated.



Trails and Terrain
All our trips are customized, using a network of over 300 km of trail that we have access to. Because we must consider a variety of factors in route planning, like bear activity, river conditions and snow depth in the high passes, we resist the temptation to publish a detailed schedule and trail description. After all, this is a back country-adventure you’re embarking on, not a bus trip! The amount of terrain and spectacular scenery you will experience depends largely on the length of trek you take. You will encounter forest trails, open alpine meadows, rugged and rocky trails, exposed passes and river crossings.

Guides
Our team includes a number of enthusiastic and knowledgeable people, some are family, and the rest are like family. The amazing and dedicated people who work here never tire of sharing their passion for this lifestyle with our guests.
 

Passports

Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:

(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;

(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;

(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).

Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);

(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.

Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.

Passport Note

Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:

(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;

(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;

(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.

Types of Visa and Cost

Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.

Validity

Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)

Working Days Required

10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	1
USA	2
Other EU	3
Visa Required?
British	No/4
Australian	No
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	5
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	N/A
USA	No
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.