Family Fun in the Vail Valley

The Vail Valley attracts families from all over the world to ski and snowboard Vail and Beaver Creek, 2 of North Americas most boasted about ski resorts. Parents hit the slopes all day and send the kids to ski school, everyone gets to experience skiing and riding at its best! But we all know you came to the Vail to experience a family vacation, and finding activities that the entire family can participate in can be tricky. Your family may not all be expert skiers, the kids might be too young for snowmobiling adventures, and maybe the grandparents have accompanied the vacation and they do not ski. For those of you looking for family fun, you can all do together on your family vacation think Bearcat's Cabin!

Bearcat's Cabin sleigh ride and dinner experience is perfect for families of all ages. We do have any age or ability restrictions, just a fun experience for everyone. Our sleigh rides start right as the apres scene is getting going, but you can't take your kids to hang out in a bar while you sip back on a few frosty brews! Come on out for a sleigh ride with us, and we promise you can still get your frosty brew with us, or try one of our signature cocktails- I recommend the Cowboy Handwarmer.

If Apres Ski is not your thing, but a soak in the hot tub is, then try us out for dinner! We offer 2 nightly seating's at 5:30 and 7:30, each start with a 25 minute sleigh ride. Once you are back from the sleigh ride and taking pictures with our wonderful team of horses enter a piece of Colorado history in Bearcat's Cabin. A 3 course world class dinner is prepared by the Timberhearth Grill and offers a healthy selection that is sure to please everyone. Our children's menu will delight and you don't want to miss the mac n cheese- we see all you kids at heart taking a heaping scoop of the cheesy goodness- and we're glad you do!

Bearcat Stables Wedding and Event Venue

Bearcat Stables is the Vail Valley's most exciting and newest event venue to come on to the scene. Operating as a horseback riding stable since 1998, the vision to grow the business has progressed over the years. In 2011 Bearcat Stables began operating Bearcat's Cabin as winter destination. Bearcat's Cabin offers the Vail Valley's best horse drawn sleigh ride and dinner experience. From a seasonal summer location to a year round destination the property is now available to rent for a wide variety of events and groups.

Groups can take advantage of Bearcat Stables summer operations and include a horseback ride or wagon ride to entertain guests before enjoying a home style cook-out on the ranch! We have hosted everything from family reunions to corporate outings and sports teams that come to the Vail Valley to compete in many summer tournaments offered. 

photo credit Charlie Townsend Photograpy

Getting hitched in the beautiful Vail Valley? Whether you are looking to host your rehearsal dinner with your friends and family or looking for a unique Colorado outdoor wedding venue look no further, Bearcat Stables homemstead is surrounded by nature.  Our location will touch all of your senses, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, our open valley has sweeping meadows, the soft sounds of Squaw Creek, quacking Aspen groves, and authentic Colorado charm.  Our summer venue can accommodate up to 250 guests, in our 3 manicured acres. For winter celebrations Bearcat's Cabin offers an intimate scene for about 40 guests.

Photo Credit Joe and Robin Photography

Complimentary quotes and site tours available
groupsales@bearcatstables.com
970.376.3591

Vail to Aspen 2016 5 Day Retreat

Vail to Aspen Summer 2016 dates available

 

There is still time to book your back country horseback ride of a lifetime. Our signature trip from Vail to AspenVail to Aspen has availability for August!

August 23-27 (5 day excursion)

August 30-September 2 (last trip for 2016)

 

Back by popular demand experience the 5 day trip of a lifetime! Spend a full day at the guest ranch enjoying a variety of activities and relaxation. Choose from a guided fly fishing excursion along the banks of the world renowned Frying Pan River, to a gentle yoga class to unwind and stretch out before heading back out on the trail, guided by Nicole Godley- all ability levels welcome. Need more relaxation? Indulge in an hour long massage while taking in the clean crisp air of the Colorado mountains. Let loose with your creative side and join us for a cocktails and canvass painting class. Gourmet meals and the luxuries of home await you on this unforgettable 5 day journey. 

 

www.bearcatstables.com

Email insummer@vail.net for more information or to book your seat today!

Backcountry Bliss

October is the time of year where everything seems to be in transition. Our summer in the Vail Valley has officially come to end. The days are shorter and cooler and we know that winter could make its appearance at anytime. Out at the stables we have been finishing up the season's trails rides and the elk herd has begun to return to the Squaw Creek Valley. 

This is also the time of year where we are thinking ahead...way ahead to summer 2016 for our signature backcountry horse back ride from Vail to Aspen. The 55 mile experience is like no other, spending 4 days and 3 nights in the White River National Forest. For summer 2016 we are offering a new one of kind adventure- and making one week of this excursion 5 days, allowing for an extra day at the guest ranch!

By popular demand we will offer the 5 day backcountry experience August 23-28. The additional day at the Diamond J guest ranch will allow you to relax and enjoy a variety of activities. Fly fish the Frying Pan River just outside of Aspen. The fly fishing here is some of the best in the world, with gold medal waters, boasting some of the most beautiful Colorado trout varieties you will ever have the chance to land. 

Frying Pan River Fly Fishing 

Yoga is another great option to stretch out those sore muscles from the ride. There is no better way to get in touch with the beautiful nature surroundings than with some deep breathing and mindful awareness of the awe and beauty that the backcountry surrounds you.

Yoga

Paint the world beautiful! Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, and we will provide you with the canvass to express your experience with the paint brush. Professional instruction will be available, and with the Colorado Rockies as your back drop it should not be any problem to find inspiration.

Lastly massage therapy will be available. I have a feeling just about everyone on the trip will be happy to  relax to the sounds of the river and the breeze through the trees as the massage therapist works out all those knots. Relax and let go...

There is available space on our Vail to Aspen backcountry rides including the special 5 day retreat. For more information please visit our website:Vail to Aspen with Bearcat Stables or email insummer@vail.net 

Holiday Parties

HOLIDAY PARTIES AT

BEARCAT'S CABIN

A snowy sleigh ride through the woods, savory cuisine, and celebrating with your favorite people. Bearcat's Cabin, the Vail Valley's most authentic dining experience is available to you exclusively. 

Perfect for holiday parties, birthday celebrations, company parties, ski club outings, rehearsal dinners, and more! Private parties are available from December to March at Bearcat's Cabin. Come and see why this is the Vail Valley's most exciting and unique venue to host your next event. 

Space in the cabin is limited, groups under 40 guests will be best accommodated with us! 

Looking Forward to Fall

Bearcat Stables  We have the best seat in the Valley  to view the fall colors  Open thru October 2015

We have had a wonderful summer season, thank you to everyone that came out and took a horseback ride with us. If you didn't have a chance to join us for a ride yet, there is still time. We will be open thru October! The fall is a spectacular time to get in the saddle. The elk return from their summer grazing grounds higher up in the mountains to enjoy the lush meadows in the Squaw Creek Valley, and the Aspen trees will be firing off their brilliant colors in just a few weeks. Our Tuesday Night Chuck Wagon Dinners wrapped up August 25th. If you are looking to host a  dinner, group ride or event with us during the fall season please contact Jill in group sales. Groups of any size are welcome groupsales@bearcatstables.com or 970.376.3591    Vail to Aspen backcountry excursions for the 2015 summer season will be completed this Friday August 28th! We had another amazing summer with new and old faces that came to experience the ride of a lifetime. We will be taking reservations for the Vail to Aspen trips for 2016 starting in September. Call us today for more information 970.926.1578 info@bearcatstables.com

Backcountry Rides by Bearcat Stables

Backcountry Horseback Riding 

The Colorado wildflower season is in full bloom, and one of the most spectacular ways to see all of the colors is on one of Bearcat Stables Backcountry Rides. Offering 3 and 4 hour backcountry rides daily leaving from the trail head at Big Park into the White River National Forest. 

The backcountry rides are great for those with intermediate to advance riding skills. Three hour backcountry excursions leave twice daily offering two experience. Big views and lush meadows are perfect for morning adventures and our afternoon outing will take you along Squaw Creek Valley, crossing the creek several times and winding through the cool shaded forests. Our 4 hour ride includes a gourmet lunch to be enjoyed in a wildflower covered meadow with views that are guaranteed to take your breath away. 

Can't get enough of the backcountry from the saddle. Bearcat Stables signature backcountry excursion is a four day and 3 night epic adventure. Leaving from the Vail Valley spend your nights in the 10th Mountain Division Huts and a private guest ranch while you make your way 55 miles to Aspen. Gourmet dinners are provided each evening and before you head out in the morning a delicious skillet breakfast will be prepared by our chef. Summer 2015 is full for the Vail to Aspen ride but summer 2016 reservations will open in September.