If your idea of a cowboy vacation means parking your boots somewhere plush come nightfall, check out the new Buckaroo Adventure package at The Pines Lodge, one of the high-end RockResorts. The 60-room lodge, which has made it to Condé Nast Traveler's Gold
List, has a heated pool, gym and a AAA four-diamond
restaurant. Its slopeside location makes it a great choice during ski season, and in summer you can do hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing,
whitewater rafting, or take a gondola to a mountaintop acitivity
center with games such as horseshoes, croquet, indoor
laser tag and even a 9-hole regulation disc golf
course.
The Rodeo, which takes place in town on Thursday nights, lets family members compete (or just watch) in burro races, bronco riding, barrel racing or sheep rides; or, you can just take in a nice pony ride, some face painting, games or BBQ.
Available most of July and August, the package starts at $530 and includes a two-night stay and tickets to the local rodeo and other outings. It is advertised as delivering a 20% savings compared to regular prices. The package includes:
- two-night stay at The Pines Lodge (standard double-double room with balcony, normally $195/night x2 = $390)
- four VIP tickets to the Beaver Creek Rodeo ($20/adult and free for kids under 12, so worth $40 for family of four)
- chairlift ride followed by a mountaintop picnic lunch for four ($27/adult and free for kids under 12; a value of $54 for family of four)
If you booked this getaway without the package, the cost of the components would add up to $484 for two nights before taxes and fees. When we tested the package for several July dates, the price came in at $359 for two nights—a 25% savings.
Deal or no deal? We rassled up some good savings. In fact, it was pretty easy to get the package for much less than the advertised price of $530.
The package is available July 1- August 23. The fine print: There is a two-night minimum stay which must include a Thursday, when the rodeo takes place. Note that there is a $30-a-day resort fee, with or without the package. As usual, some blackout dates apply. When booking online, click on the Buckaroo link after you enter dates. Alternatively, you can book by phone at 866/605-7625 (ROCK).
