In January we were so lucky to be invited back up to Brooks Lake Lodge, the historic luxury all-inclusive ranch on top of Togwotee Pass. If you remember our visit this summer, which you can read here, we had a blast and couldn’t wait to get back up there for the winter season. When we got the invite, we dropped everything to make it happen!
While the winters and summers are strikingly different, they are both so magical in their own ways. In the winter, the only access to the ranch is by snow coach, snowmobile, or by cross country skis. The dirt road remains unplowed until the summer so the feeling of being totally remote really kicks in. Then add on the literal feet of snow blanketing the entire property and you feel like you are in a storybook! It was so peaceful to wake up with everything covered in snow looking up at the dramatic Pinnacle Buttes. The ranch is intimate, with only room to accomodate 28 guests per night, so we really felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. The staff is incredibly attentive and personable, we were assigned a staff member each day who was basically our own personal guide/concierge. Anything we wanted to do, they made it happen!
We signed up to do all of the things and had a blast. From snowmobiling, to sledding, to ice fishing, to getting one of the best massages I’ve ever had, we really took full advantage of all that Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa has to offer. We started with snowmobiling across the frozen Brooks Lake which was such a fun thing to do – don’t worry the ice is over 4 feet thick – and ended up on the other end of the lake to a seriously large sledding hill. I felt like a little kid again! Except it was honestly the largest hill ever so kind of extreme, ha! Afterwards we headed to the ice fishing yurt where we crushed it in the fishing department. Neither of us had done it before and with the help of our guide, we caught so many fish! We even kept one for the cook to prepare for us for dinner. Adamo continued on snowmobiling the rest of the day while I hit up the spa. The hot tub has the prettiest view ever and I had the entire spa to myself for the afternoon. I took full advantage and hit up the steam room and sat by the fire reading a book after my deep tissue full body and foot massage – which was divine. Tip: ask for the foot massage!
Now let’s talk about the food. Y’all, it’s amazing. They have a set all-inclusive fine dining menu for lunch and dinner with breakfast made to order. We tried almost everything and were so impressed with how fresh and delicious each dish was. Their chef is the sweetest and so talented! If you are looking to get crunk (and full), may I suggest the Bloody Brooks Lunch which consists of a massive bloody mary stacked high with chicken tenders, grilled cheese, a corndog, meat, cheese, and all the fixin’s.
If you are looking for total seclusion and privacy, and that feeling of living in a dream land, Brooks Lake Lodge has extended their winter season through March 21, 2023. I highly suggest you book a trip! It’s a little bit of rugged with a whole lot of luxury. Call them today as they can only host a small group each night and book a cabin if you can. After coming back for the second time, we really felt like we are part of the lodge family.