Rocky Mountain Retreat for Two

I consider myself very fortunate to have found partner as thoughtful as my own. Born in upstate New York, my husband is familiar with the change of seasons throughout the year. For the past 26 years and 10 months, I have become very accustomed to monochromatic seasons year round. As a native South Floridian, green leaves are always within eyeshot and cutoff shorts are appropriate twelve months out of the year (in my opinion). My very favorite gift this past Christmas was from my husband: a plan to search for snow.

We scoured the internet and interviewed friends and family, searching for the white winter wonderland I had created in my mind. I was on the prowl for something romantic and rustic, while the Mr. had his heart set on running water and snow-plowed roads. We met in the middle, aka marriage. The Hygge Chalet was the perfect frosty getaway, nestled where only Google maps could find her.

Two thousand ninety eight miles and one treacherous 4-wheel mission up a snow-covered 'driveway' later, we pulled in front of a precious A-frame home and realized that the Airbnb listing that lured us here had simply not done this place justice. Tire swing hanging from one pine tree and a Sasquatch warning sign posted on another. The snow crunched under our boots as we ran toward the lock box and let ourselves in to our home away from home.

The interior was cozy and clean. The bamboo floors were perfect for sliding in fuzzy socks and there were plenty of pillows and throws to snuggle up with in front of the fireplace. An antique pair of binoculars sat on an end table just waiting for my husband's arrival (We recommend checking out the view from the back deck with those bad boys). Stairs led us right up to a quaint loft where we found an especially comfortable bed. It was much smaller than our own but all the better for stealing my husband's body heat. Julie Anne (the creator behind this architectural and rentable masterpiece) had the kitchen stocked with all the must-haves for breakfast in bed and we were thankful there was fresh spring water for drinking, as most retreats this precious and secluded are lucky to have running well water.



The exterior was even more breathtaking. Bright blue paint coated the A-frame cabin, creating the feeling you were in a fairytale. Tucked in the mountainside, we were surrounded by mature trees and fresh air. Powder snow covered the ground, untouched by man but riddled with footprints from furry visitors that had come along.

Most people, even in Colorado, were unfamiliar with Grant, which made this destination even more appealing. We were 30 minutes from the nearest grocery store and over an hour away from any major town. A terrain too unruly for all-season tires or 2-wheel drive.  The roads we traveled resembled something out of Ice Road Truckers, or so my husband says, and they were magnificent. 

Even though I would love nothing more than to keep the Hygge Chalet a secret of ours forever, I feel obliged to share this special place with any couple on a quest for true quality time. Click here to read more about this Rocky Mountain retreat.