The Blog at Rock Creek

Why a Winter Vacation Might Be Better Than a Resolution

Each year, the scientific evidence mounts suggesting the health and wellness benefits of spending time outdoors. The rise of technology has beckoned us inside, where we stay for more of the day than we may realize. The Harvard School of Public Health recently suggested adults spend as little as five percent of their day outdoors. As our perspectives have become more global, we’ve been slowly allowing our phones, tablets and computers become our windows to the world.

In the winter, it’s even more noticeable. When the weather gets cold, we hibernate. A little rest is great for the body and mind, but we also run the risk of changing our habits to be more insular, inside-oriented and sedentary. As we write this on a computer and you read this on a device, we’re mindful that the Internet is our best friend and worst enemy in the fight for wellness. Read more…

According to Statista, the most commonly made New Year’s resolutions are eating healthier and losing weight. But it can be hard to stick to a resolution like this if you’re used to being a homebody in the winter. When January 1 comes around, it’s easy to choose a good book and crackling fire over bundling and braving the outdoors.

Winter Getaways & Workouts

Yet, as a destination built on the spirit of play, we know that outdoor experiences and experiential travel can prime your body and mind for the year ahead. So supply all the gear, guides and warmth necessary to enjoy winter to the fullest.

Winter getaways can also jumpstart your fitness goals. We’ve used our robust winter activities program and our own Montana winter experiences to inspire this blog. The Ranch at Rock Creek is a “choose your own adventure” of winter fun. We suggest guests channel their sense of childlike wonder and pick what suits their bodies and ambitions best—a heart-pumping workout or a serene, slow-paced wander.

Below is a list of our winter vacation activities in order of approximate calories burned per hour for a 150-pound person. If you can’t visit us at The Ranch, we hope they can inspire you to get out before it’s too late and these amazing workouts are gone again for another year. Read more…

The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree can be traced back to 15th century Germany. For many, it is the epitome of family, history and Christmas. In addition to those meanings, we also adore it as a symbol for luxury in the wilderness. People across the world balance the rugged beauty of a fresh cut tree with the luxuriousness of twinkling lights, glass ornaments and edible garlands.  In November, The Ranch at Rock Creek staff joined over 200 community members in celebrating this custom at the Granite County Festival of Trees.

The Festival of Trees Gala Auction raised money to finance healthcare projects for the Granite County Medical Foundation. It is part of our continued investment in local healthcare and emergency services. In 2013, The Ranch at Rock Creek donated $25,000 to help pay for a new generator at the Granite County Medical Center. The new model ensures that they can provide medical services for residents and visitors even in inclement weather, after Tropical Storm Sandy showed the dangers of failing hospital generators. Read more…