Breckenridge’s Newest Four-Season Luxury Resort, The Ranahan By Welk Resorts, Now Open
Inspired by Colorado’s high-country ranching and mining history, The Ranahan by Welk Resorts is now welcoming vacationers to its six-acre property overlooking the scenic Blue River in beautiful, historic Breckenridge, Colo.
The resort’s name, Ranahan, is a cowboy term for a top ranch hand, and its architecture and interior design are a tip-of-the-hat to the region’s gold-rush roots and cattle-ranching history. A three-story, majestic stone and timber fireplace welcomes guests the minute they enter its lobby, which could be mistaken for a grand early-century ranching residence. The adventurous gold-panning spirit can be felt at every turn through mining-inspired artifacts and design features as well.
“Breckenridge’s rich history definitely inspired our newest Welk Resort, and we hope that The Ranahan will inspire the same sense of adventure in its visitors. We are excited to be a part of the Breckenridge community and honored to share its incredible recreational, culinary and artistic treasures with our vacation owners and rental guests,” said Welk Resorts CEO Jon Fredricks.
The resort features 67 spacious one- and two-bedroom villas, each with a balcony or patio to better enjoy the property’s scenic views. Villas also include fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, and, of course, fireplaces. Common areas feature a lively indoor/outdoor pool complete with slide and kiddie splash pad, adult and family hot tubs plus fire pits and barbecues.
The Ranahan by Welk Resorts is located at the northern gateway to Breckenridge just steps from the 7-mile Blue River Recreational Path for cycling and hiking and the Blue River itself for trout fishing. Mountain bikers and hikers can explore the Colorado Trail Head, located just a halfmile from the resort.
It is also a short drive to the Breckenridge Golf Club, Breckenridge Ski Resort and the historic Breckenridge downtown with its shops, galleries and dining destinations. Lake Dillon in neighboring Frisco to the north offers summer sailing, biking and fishing opportunities. Also nearby are ghost towns, rail lines, historic mines, casinos and other popular ski mountains.
The Ranahan is also home to a Christy Sports rental shop for convenient downhill, Nordic and snowboard rentals in the winter and bicycle rentals when the snows have melted. Even better, the resort’s seasonal ski and bike valet service make it easy for vacation owners and renters to set out for adventure.
While Breckenridge is a town full of exciting attractions and activities, Welk Resorts also features its award-winning INSPIRED For You program, which offers an ever-changing array of activities from sunrise to sunset on the property for guests of all ages.
The opening of the family-friendly resort will be celebrated during a ceremony Jan. 15. Book your Colorado ski vacation now at welkresorts.com/breckenridge with rates starting as low as $189 per night for a one-bedroom suite, subject to availability.
The Ranahan project team included general contractor RA Nelson of Avon, Colo., architect Studio OS Architecture of Denver, and interior designer Kimberly Timmons Interiors of Denver. The project cost was $60 million. Resort construction and hypothecation were financed by Western Alliance Bank.
Upon build-out, Welk Resorts Breckenridge will have 123 units and generate an estimated $1 million in property taxes, $10.6 million in regional visitor spending, an incremental $600,000 in sales taxes, and $4 million in annual salaries and wages for the resort’s 90 sales, marketing and operations jobs.
Additionally, the property includes an employee housing facility inspired by a traditional ranch bunkhouse. The employee housing provides Welk Resorts’ team members with an affordable housing option as well as a great place to stay, live and enjoy the area. Also onsite is the Gibbs’ Barn Preview Center, which uses some of the latest technology to help guests and Owners preview Welk Resorts’ beautiful properties in California, Missouri and Mexico, as well as the amazing vacation experiences and benefits Welk has to offer.
The Ranahan by Welk Resorts can be found at 557 Stan Miller Drive off Colorado State Highway 9, 3.5 miles north of the BreckConnect Gondola and one mile west of the Breckenridge Golf Club. It is just two hours East of the Denver International Airport.
