Two hundred thousand acres. A working cattle ranch near the border of Wyoming and Colorado, owned by St. Louis Cardinals co-owner David Pratt. The Three Forks Ranch puts the ‘X’ in extreme luxury.

The drive from Steamboat/Hayden airport to Three Forks Ranch took 75 minutes and by the time we hit the curvy, windy single lane part I was a wee bit carsick. Then, there it was and my stomach stopped dancing as my excitement climbed. I could have never imagined such elegance in the middle of nowhere until my hosts held open the brass and glass double doors to the $120 million mansion.

A three-night, all-inclusive stay costs more than $4k per person. But that includes roundtrip air, room, drinks, all spa treatments, the cat skiing, all other activities (snowmobiling, sledding, ice fishing, crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing, guides), meals, tax and gratuity. In the summer, the Lodge is a haven for elite hunters and flyfishermen. Now, in the winter, guests will have miles of snow-covered mountain terrain all to themselves for snowmobiling and snowcat skiing. Pratt made his money in pesticides before turning to this slice of heaven. In addition to building and owning the 35,000-square-foot Ranch and Spa, with its 15 palatial rooms, hand-carved European paneling, fireplaces, fresh orchids and mural-sized cowboy art, Pratt is the chairman and lead shareholder of Gander Mountain Co. an outdoor retail chain similar to Cabela’s.

My South Fork Suite for two nights comes with two large flatscreens and a fireplace.

I got in too late to ski but my appointment was ready for me in the spa. First, one of the most amazing massages I’ve ever had, followed by a facial with Phytomer products.

I had just enough time to shower and get upstairs for dinner by the fire with four other media types and our hosts from Fleishman-Hillard International Communications.

The lamb was everything you hope it will be and the bananas foster and ice cream added the exact touch of post-meal sweetness.

Coffee should arrive at my room by 6:30 a.m. so it’s time to curl up under my down comforter and say good night.