There is nothing better than a sleigh ride on your ski vacation to help you melt away the stress of your city life and put you into the holiday spirit. Now all you need to do is pick one. It's true, almost every ski town in North America offers a wide selection of unique sleigh riding experiences. So how do you choose? Know your options.
First things first. Do you want to speed through the forest on a sled behind a team of Siberian Huskies or mosey along behind a horse- or mule-drawn wooden rig?
Dogsledding
If you’re looking for a heart-pounding good time, go for dogsledding. At Good Times Adventures, right outside of Breckenridge, a spirited team of Huskies runs along a 6-mile trail through woods bordering the Swan River as you mush.
Guides typically show you how to work the sled, which you’ll stand on, while another person sits in the front, although some companies don't let you drive - so make sure and ask if this is important to you. Once you're ready to go, let your guide know if you want a more tame or wild ride, and they’ll deliver. But watch out — if you order the adrenaline-packed version, make sure you lean into the turns, lest you dump.
The only slight drawback to dogsledding is you have to take turns, which means you won’t be mushing or sitting in the sled for the full hour, although some companies are willing to just give you a ride for an allotted amount of time (which can be good for small children).
Each tour at Good Times Adventures accommodates six people, four of whom ride in a larger sled pulled by the guide driving a snowmobile. Everyone rotates, allowing time for each person to experience standing and sitting on the smaller dog-pulled sled. The upside is, it can be almost as fun to watch (and laugh at) your friends as they take the reins, and younger children who don’t want to drive the sled can stay in the larger, snowmobile-pulled sled. While some people think $70 ($35 for kids 8 and younger) is too pricey for just over an hour of dogsledding, it’s really an exhilarating experience not to be missed, especially if you’re a dog lover. Good Times Adventures (970) 453-7604.
Horse-drawn dinner sleigh rides
If dogsledding isn't your gig, or if you are looking for something at a slower pace, consider horse-drawn sleigh rides. They typicall range more in experience than dogsledding, so make sure to do your homework. You will typically find one to suit your specific priorities whether it's family friendly, affordable, or romantic. The area surrounding Breckenridge alone offers five sleigh ride adventures, and each has it’s own unique flavor. Here’s a cheat sheet (even if Breckenridge isn't your final destination, it's good to know the typical options):
- Least expensive, no frills - Copper Mountain delivers that magical mountain experience of 2,000-pound draft horses pulling groups across the base of the mountain, without an added dinner or show expense. Scenic sleigh rides depart at 5:30 p.m. and take you on a 30-minute loop through the Ten Mile Range valley. Adults pay $30, kids cost $25.
- Dessert only - Copper also sweetens the deal with a dessert ride at 6:15 p.m. This is a perfect option for families with younger kids who might get antsy at a full dinner sleigh ride. Horses sweep guests off to a warming tent, where they enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate and other tasty treats, accompanied by music and a toasty fire. Adults: $55, kids: $50. 866-416-9872.
- More romantic, sophisticated dinner - Breckenridge Sleigh Rides’ experience is less rustic, more upscale. After a 40-minute tour along the Breckenridge golf course (which has a different, more open, feel than other forested runs), guests sit at small, linen-covered tables, rather than communal tables, which other outfits provide. The buffet includes Caesar salad, strogenov, chicken cordon bleu, lasagna, vegetables, one complimentary beer or wine (full cash bar is available) and a sundae bar. Adults: $87.50, kids 4-12: $62.50. (970) 453-4405.
- Exclusive rides and gourmet drinks - Breckenridge Sleigh Rides also offers exclusive rides ($295 for a sleigh that seats four) for special occasions. Their hot-chocolate rides come with all the bells and whistles...and dessert goodies (from M&Ms to a gourmet chocolate bar, to Frangellico, Irish Cream, and Kahlua and Baileys for adults). Adults: $59.50, kids: $49.50. (970) 453-4405.
- Historic ride - Keystone Resort’s 40-minute round trip ride through Soda Creek Valley includes wranglers telling stories about the horses, the land and the history of settlers. Belgium draft horses haul wagons, rather than sleighs, through expanses of snow-covered fields accented by an awesome starlit sky. Guests dine at an authentic homestead, where live music enlivens the cabin. $85 adults, $45 kids 4-12. 800-354-4FUN.
- Soup and dessert only - Keystone also offers soup and biscuits, followed by dessert for $55 (kids 4-12 are $30). 800-354-4FUN.
- Time-tested, nature-approved - Two Below Zero Dinner Sleigh Rides in Frisco has been operating for 25 years; it’s Colorado’s longest continuously running sleigh ride, and with good reason. Founder Steve Lewis hand built the oak sleighs, which come complete with century-old fur lap robes, woven from horse hair or cattle hide. Mules pull guests from the Frisco Nordic Center through 1.25 miles of forested trail, to a heated dining tent. Inside, chefs prepare a homemade dinner consisting of hearty soup, artisan rolls, sirloin steaks, chicken breasts, baked potatoes and hot caramel apple pie. Acoustic music rounds out the evening. Adults: $84, kids 4-12: $55. Two Below also has a one-hour hot cocoa ride with musical entertainment for $55/$45. (970) 453-1520.
- Dinner and theater sleigh - If jingling through the woods to dinner isn’t enough for you, check out Nordic Sleigh Rides’ shows, which combine history and entertainment for a delightful evening. Guests can choose from three different family friendly shows. As guests enter the recreated 1860’s miners camp, ragtime piano music greets them. Dinner consists of steaks, barbecue chicken or baked salmon, followed by hot apple pie. Adults: $82, children 4-12, $60. (970) 453-2005.
Most importantly, no matter which adventure you choose, dress warmly, with gloves, hats, scarves or neck gators, goggles or sunglasses (particularly for dog sledding), and warm boots. Dress in layers for the horse-drawn sleigh rides, as it’s warm inside, where you eat.
