5★ The Retreat @Starry Ridge. Ice Castles Nearby, Trails & Mueller Park

ESCAPE SKI RESORT CHAOS – DISCOVER COLORADO'S HIDDEN WINTER GEM Why pay $300+/night for crowded Breckenridge lodging when you can experience authentic Colorado mountain living for a fraction of the price? Starry Ridge offers private snowshoe trails, rescued mustang encounters, and world-class stargazing—20 minutes from Cripple Creek Ice Castles (Dec-Feb) and 30 minutes from Mueller State Park's 90+ miles of winter trails. WINTER AT STARRY RIDGE Experience Colorado winter the way it's meant to be: FREE Winter Trail Equipment: Snowshoes (adult sizes), microspikes, trekking poles, gaiters Private Trails: 1.5 miles through pine forests, aspen groves & wildflower meadows Mueller State Park: 30 min to 90+ miles of year-round trails & ranger programs Rescued Mustangs: Meet our gentle horses (guided experiences available) Dark Sky Stargazing: 15 min from Florissant Fossil Beds International Dark Sky Park Peaceful & Affordable: 1/3 the price of ski resort lodging, zero crowds Real Colorado—not tourist Colorado YOUR MOUNTAIN SUITE Western-inspired cozy retreat with private entrance (sleeps 4): BEDROOM - Queen bed + 2 twin XL beds - Desk/workspace for remote work or journaling - Mountain views & goat-watching from your window! - Private en suite bathroom: walk-in shower, dual sinks KITCHENETTE (Fully Equipped) - Breville convection oven/air fryer/toaster combo - Single-burner induction cooktop, microwave, crockpot - Mid-size fridge/freezer, coffee maker, electric tea kettle - Blender, food processor, hand mixer, spiralizer - Cooking basics provided: oils, vinegar, salt, pepper, variety of spices - Fresh herbs in pots when in season LIVING AREA - Comfortable L-shaped sofa for lounging - Dining table seats 4 - Thoughtfully curated western décor Private suite with excellent soundproofing, attached to the main home. Guests consistently praise the space as “the most peaceful stay imaginable.” 64 ACRES OF ADVENTURE EXPANSIVE DECK (1,000 sq ft with Pikes Peak views) - Two 6-burner Weber grills (we'll light them for you!) - 4+ outdoor dining areas (seating for 4-8 each) - Cozy lounge area with reclining loungers - Ping-pong table - Propane fire pit for evening warmth - Shared only with your hosts (no other guests) THE PROPERTY - Private marked trails with hidden picnic spots & 360° views - Mountaintop walking meditation labyrinth - High meadows: badminton, croquet, Viking chess, soccer - Granite outcroppings & wildflower meadows - Wildlife viewing: elk, deer, mountain birds - Historic 19th-century Bear Trap Ranch artifacts MUSTANG WISDOM EXPERIENCES Our on-site equine and nature-based wellness program offers: - Equine-assisted coaching sessions (communication, presence, leadership, connection) - "Executive Digital Detox" weekend retreats - Family-friendly animal encounters Perfect for individuals, couples, families, or small groups seeking meaningful connection with nature and themselves. Additional fee applies. Exclusive VRBO guest discounts available—just ask! WHY FAMILIES LOVE STARRY RIDGE ✓ Kids safely explore 64 acres under wide-open skies ✓ Meet rescued mustangs and friendly goats ✓ Lawn games for all ages: croquet, badminton, Viking chess ✓ Real outdoor adventure (not screens or tourist traps) ✓ Educational: wildlife spotting, nature, horsemanship ✓ Screen-free environment, plus games, puzzles & books encourages family connection ✓ Affordable compared to ski resort family lodging NEARBY WINTER ACTIVITIES & YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTIONS WINTER (15-120 min away) - Cripple Creek Ice Castles: 20 min (December-February seasonal attraction) - Mueller State Park: 30 min (90+ miles winter trails, ranger programs) - Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument: 15 min (cross-country skiing, Dark Sky stargazing, fossils) - Breckenridge ski resort: 90 min - Monarch Mountain: 2 hours YEAR-ROUND - Pikes Peak: 30 min (iconic 14er summit, year-round access) - Eleven Mile Canyon: 30 min (world-class fly fishing) - Cripple Creek: 20 min (historic mining town, casinos, live theater) - Colorado Springs: 1 hour (Garden of the Gods, restaurants, shopping, attractions) IMPORTANT INFORMATION ALTITUDE & WINTER ACCESS - Elevation: 8,000-8,500 feet above sea level - Stay well hydrated! If altitude-sensitive, spend 1-2 days in Colorado Springs (6,000 ft) first to adjust - October-March: 4-WHEEL DRIVE REQUIRED with snow or all-season tires (non-negotiable for safety) - Gravel mountain roads PROPERTY DETAILS - Working ranch: 4 acres near arena occasionally reserved for coaching clients (60+ acres always available to guests) - No laundry facilities due to sensitive mountain septic system—please pack sufficient clothing for the duration of your stay - No smoking outside vehicles (extreme wildfire risk—Colorado state law) - No pets to protect our livestock and guardian dogs - Service animals welcome per ADA guidelines—please notify us in advance - Bedroom casement windows open wide—not safe for young children (close supervision required) AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE (Convenience Items) - Hand warmers: $8/pair - Foot warmers: $8/pair - Bundle: $25 for 4 pairs (saves $7!) (Nearest store is 45 minutes away—we keep them stocked for your convenience) YOUR HOSTS We live on-site and are happy to help with grills, local restaurant tips, trail recommendations, or arranging horse experiences—but we're completely respectful of your privacy and space. Think of us as your built-in mountain concierge for authentic Colorado experiences. WHAT TO BRING WINTER ESSENTIALS (We provide trail equipment, but not clothing) - Sturdy waterproof winter boots (insulated) - Waterproof gloves & warm hat - Warm layers (temperatures can drop below 0°F at night) - Closed-toe shoes for horse activities - Sufficient clothing for your entire stay (no laundry available) ALWAYS BRING - Sunscreen & sunglasses (high-altitude sun is surprisingly intense!) - Camera for Pikes Peak sunrises, wildlife, and starry skies - Reusable water bottle (hydration is key at altitude) Book your affordable Colorado mountain escape today—where peace, adventure, and authenticity meet!