BEAVER CREEK, Colo. – The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is delighted to introduce a new series of daily programming activities, beginning November 19, 2015, for the signature Ritz Kids program offered exclusively this winter season. A dream come true for both kids and parents, The Ritz Kids program is led by knowledgeable and energetic childcare professionals, offering children ages 5 to 12 the ultimate vacation experience through activities centered on adventure, creativity, wellness, and the beautiful Rocky Mountain landscape. Ranging from the popular Ski Nanny program – a full day class designed to teach kids the basics of skiing while their parents hit the slopes – to daily themed interactive classes such as Wild West Day and Alpine Art Day, even the youngest of visitors can enjoy a winter getaway to this picturesque Alpine retreat.
In addition to the numerous activities provided by the Ritz Kids program, young travelers will also have direct access to the resort’s resident naturalist, Jackie Elder. A former certified park ranger, Jackie leads the kids on various outdoor explorations like snowshoe hikes and bird watching adventures.
“There is nothing more magical than winter in Colorado and watching children make lifetime memories at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch” said Jackie Elder, Resident Naturalist. “Whether they are learning to become a veteran skier with the Ski Nanny program or making arts and crafts with hot cocoa, the winter activities are boundless for our youngest guests.”
New to the resort this year, Ritz Kids now offers the following Winter Activities Schedule for children to enjoy:
Sunday: Winter Sports and Games Day
- Morning: Kids start the day with a snowball contest, followed by hot cocoa and crafts.
- Afternoon: A snowshoe hike around the resort with a healthy and delicious snack back at the clubhouse.
- Evening: Kids have the chance to create a custom decorated t-shirt before competing in team challenges to see who will win gold in the Ritz Kids Olympics.
Monday: Wild West Day
- Morning: The day starts with decorating a one-of-a-kind western bandana before venturing outside like a homesteader to build a snow fort to sip hot cocoa in!
- Afternoon: Inspired by the resort’s architecture, kids build and paint adorable miniature log cabins to bring home. Once the hard work is done, they can relax with a sweet s’mores snack made with marshmallows roasted around the fire pit.
- Evening: Kids help pitch the tent for campout night where they can play games and end the night with a soak in the spa’s rock lined grotto hot tub.
Tuesday: Alpine Art Day
- Morning: Starting with a scavenger hunt leading to different works of art around the resort, kids use this inspiration to create their own masterpiece painting using a real canvas, easel and painter’s palette.
- Afternoon: Kids spend the afternoon sculpting a unique snow sculpture outside and a homemade clay creation they can take home as a souvenir.
- Evening: The day ends with creating custom paper hats and carnival games followed by cookie decorating.
Wednesday: Native American Culture Day
- Morning: Kids learn an ancient Native American skill as they travel on snowshoes around the resort followed by bead making.
- Afternoon: Kids gain inspiration by learning interesting Native American legends and stories before they transform a smooth river stone into a colorful masterpiece with colorful designs.
- Evening: Preparing for a night of sweet dreams, children can craft a one-of-a-kind dream catcher and enjoy a relaxing soak in the spa’s rock lined grotto hot tub.
Thursday: Treasures of the Rocky Mountains Day
- Morning: Kids can create their own treasure hunt map and clues in the Ritz Kids room to challenge friends and win fun prizes.
- Afternoon: During an exciting hands-on afternoon, kids can make their own colorful gemstones and homemade ice cream with all the favorite toppings!
- Evening: Kids partake in a treasure hunt through the resort and end the night decorating a wooden treasure chest to store their trove.
Friday: Winter Weather Day
- Morning: This educational morning teaches kids how snowflakes form and make beautiful crystal structures, followed by watercolor painting where they can make a beautiful picture inspired by the winter scenery.
- Afternoon: After experiencing the winter weather first-hand on a fun snowshoe walk, children come back to the resort and get cozy while enjoying a cup of cocoa and making a snowflake art project.
- Evening: Kids create a glimmering snow globe souvenir before warming up with a dip in the resort’s rock lined grotto hot tub.
Saturday: Amazing Animals Day
- Morning: Kids learn how animals and humans stay warm by working on a science experiment followed by an art project inspired by Colorado’s wildlife.
- Afternoon: By examining replica pelts and skulls, kids learn how animals survive winter in the mountains before sleuthing around the resort for signs animals have left behind on an animal evidence scavenger hunt.
- Evening: Starting with a game of charades and building an animal den made of marshmallows, kids can end the night gathered around the fire while making delicious S’mores.
Time and Prices of the Ritz Kids Program
- Ski Nanny: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. pm $85 per child
- Morning Half Day: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $95 per child
- Afternoon Half Day: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. $95 per child
- Full Day: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $140 per child
- Kids Night Out: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. $115 per child
About The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
The grand lodge architectural style of The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch exudes authentic Rocky Mountain luxury and captures the essence of the surrounding national forest. Consistently recognized as one of North America’s top hotels, the year-round destination resort in Colorado offers limitless outdoor adventure, Ritz Kids experiences, an array of dining options, and a “Rocky Mountain speakeasy” at Bachelors Lounge. The Bachelor Gulch Spa at The Ritz-Carlton is the ideal place to relax and rejuvenate. The soothing Forbes Four-Star, 21,000 square-foot spa and fitness center features 19 treatment rooms, a co-ed rock-lined grotto, an integrated wellness program, and both Pilates and yoga studios. Designed by world-renowned hospitality designer Tony Chi, Spago by Wolfgang Puck opened at the resort in late 2007 as the only Colorado outpost of his legendary Beverly Hills restaurant. All four-legged guests are welcomed to ‘Bachelor’s Pack’–helmed by the hotel’s resident canine ambassadors, Bachelor and Belle–with a host of premium services and amenities.