History of the Ranch

History of the Ranch

The history of Avalanche Ranch dates back to the 1880s, when the barn and four cabins were built and many of the apple trees were planted. The main red house was built in 1913 and remains a historic landmark in Redstone, Colorado. Today, it serves as the manager’s residence and office, while the original garage, now attached to the main house, houses the Antiques Shop.

Most of the rental cabins were built in the 1950s, preserving the rustic charm of a bygone era. Each cabin features its own unique décor, and some include wood stoves, clawfoot tubs, and lofts. Accommodations range from studios to one- and two-bedroom cabins. In 2008, the one-bedroom apartment known as the “Loft” was added. Sleeping up to six guests, it offers more contemporary amenities, including a TV, Wi-Fi, a dishwasher, and a king bed. The spacious three-bedroom Ranch House, added in the 1960s, accommodates up to eight guests.

Purchase of the Ranch & Start of the Family Business

Chuck and Meredith Ogilby purchased Avalanche Ranch June of 2006. They have owned the adjacent property, Hell Roaring Ranch since the late seventies. They ran a Bed & Breakfast there called the “Crystal River Inn” for about 20 years until the early nineties when they moved to the valley full-time from Vail. They have a long history of lodging experience, including the unique Shrine Mountain Inn on Vail Pass, part of the 10th Mountain Hut Division. Chuck is an avid fly fisherman, western water issues specialist, outdoorsman, accomplished swimmer, developer of fine log homes, and most recently, a developer of hot springs! Meredith is a photographer who has become regionally recognized through her books A Life Well Rooted: Women of the Roaring Fork Valley and Voices of the American West, which you can conveniently find in our shop! She is known to always have a dog at her heels and most often, you will find her on the trails or on her bike, burning some of her youthful energy. She is responsible for the incredible array of items found in the Antiques & Gift Shop. Stop by and take a look!

Timeline of Ranch Improvements and Events

Avalanche Ranch has a rich history dating back to the 1880s, with several changes in ownership along the way. Its transformation into a popular destination began in 1950, when the Parker family purchased the property and moved 12 cabins from Redstone to establish what was then known as Swiss Village Resort. It soon became a favorite summer retreat for families and a popular fall hunting camp, offering guided horseback trips.

Between the 1970s and 2006, the property changed hands twice, with each owner making significant improvements, including cabin renovations and upgrades to water, electrical, and gas infrastructure. When the Ogilby family purchased the property in 2006, they inherited a lasting legacy of returning guests, well-appointed cabins, and a charming antique store.

Despite its established appeal, winter remained a quiet season in the Crystal River Valley, when fewer visitors ventured to the area. This seasonal lull sparked the inspiration to create something new: a natural hot springs destination that would welcome guests year-round.

In 2009, the Ogilby family drilled a discovery well a quarter mile south of Avalanche Ranch, on the neighboring Hell Roaring Ranch property, and struck thermal water. The hot springs pools were built during the winter of 2010 and opened in the spring of 2011.

The addition of the hot springs transformed Avalanche Ranch into a year-round destination while preserving the charm of its origins: a small, family-run operation nestled in a quaint, rural setting.

1978
The Beginning
The Ogilby family purchased Hell Roaring Ranch, neighboring Avalanche Ranch. They discovered warm springs along the Crystal River, inspiring the dream of one day creating their own geothermal hot springs.
2006
A New Era
The ranch changed ownership to the Ogilby family. First improvements to the Ranch included: A new website, Wi-Fi for guests, trout were added to the pond, and the gift shop expanded its collection of antiques and local art.
2007
Growing the Ranch
Horse-friendly fencing was installed, along with new livestock including sheep, chickens, and seasonal pigs. Cabins #1 and #7 also received significant upgrades.
2008
Discovering the Hot Springs
A high school geology field trip, taught by Kayo Ogilby, uncovered hot vents beneath the highway, confirming the possibility of geothermal water nearby. Later that year, the family drilled a well and struck 96°F water with an excellent flow rate.

Additional improvements included a new septic system, the addition of a rentable shepherd’s wagon, and new amenities in the lodge.
2009
Testing Success
A two-week pump test confirmed the new geothermal well had no measurable impact on Penny Hot Springs or neighboring water rights, allowing the project to move forward.
2010 -
2011
Building the Hot Springs
A 3,020-foot insulated pipeline connected the well to Avalanche Ranch. Construction of the hot springs pools and geothermal heating infrastructure followed, creating one of the ranch’s signature attractions.
2012
New Gathering Space
The upper level of the barn was remodeled into a space for yoga, massages, meetings, and events.
2013
Unique Accommodations
A restored Covered Wagon and the new Gypsy Wagon were added above the hot springs, expanding the ranch’s lodging options.
2017 -
2018
Hot Springs Expansion
A second geothermal well was drilled, producing even hotter water and allowing the pools to be temperature balanced. The hot springs mechanical system was rebuilt, and major propane, septic, electrical, and building improvements were completed across the property.
2019
Modernizing the Ranch
Electrical upgrades were finished for all cabins. Cabin #4 and the Lodge were remodeled, including the addition of a bathroom and shower for wagon guests.
2020
Making the Most of the Shutdown
During the COVID-19 closure, the ranch completed numerous projects, including remodeling the Covered Wagon, adding the Chuck Wagon, repairing the hot springs pools, repainting much of the property, and installing new windows in the Lodge and Red House.
2021
Housing and Cabin Updates
Cabin #10 was upgraded, new carpet was installed in several cabins, and a yurt was added for staff housing.
2022
Continued Updates
Cabin #14’s bathroom was remodeled, additional staff housing was acquired, more fire mitigation was completed, and the Red House was repainted.
2023
Securing the Water Supply
The Ranch House and Cabin #2 were remodeled, roofing and skylight improvements were completed, and planning began for a new domestic water system in partnership with the neighboring community.
2024
Repairs and Renovations
The hot springs well was refurbished, bathrooms at the pools were remodeled, cabins received fresh paint and updates, and an employee house was renovated.
2025
Planning for the Future
New gas lines were connected to Cabins 1–11, and construction began on a new domestic water storage system to serve both Avalanche Ranch and the neighboring subdivision, with completion planned for 2027.