This week I had a bucket list experience…and honestly I didn’t even realize how much I would enjoy it!
The boys had planned a day of skiing on the mountain and because I don’t ski (it’s a long story…) I knew that I had the day to myself. So, I searched for activities to do in Summit county, CO. and I stumbled across a dog sledding place in Breckenridge (Good Time Adventures). They had one spot left and because I was feeling adventurous I went ahead and booked a solo trip.
Getting there was somewhat nerve-racking…the forecast was for partly cloudy skies, but it snowed like crazy during my entire 1.5 hour drive! Once I exited I-70 and pointed my rental car toward the snow covered dirt path up the mountain, the adventure really began! I honestly thought to myself “what have I done!” As the minutes ticked by the path became snowier and snowier until all I could see was white everywhere!
But driving slow and steady in my rented Toyota 4Runner allowed me to finally arrive safely. Upon reaching the kennels, I was ushered inside a small building for instructions and signing the obligatory safely waiver. Then it was out to meet the dogs!
We had a team of eight dogs and there were six of us in a group with a guide. Four of us newbies would ride in a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile, while the other two took turns mushing and riding with the dogs.
Our guide Sara was so fun and really did a great job educating us how to mush and ride. She also knew so much about the dogs and explained so much to us! It turns out that Good Time Adventures employs 156 dogs and they all take turns pulling the sled. Sara also explained how she determines the order of the dogs in the harness…the brain‘s are in the front and the muscles in the back! Apparently the lead dogs are smarter and more well trained to head instruction and state on the path, while the dogs in the back (closer to the sled) are not as well behaved, but are the stronger dogs in the pack.
The brains are in the front
and the muscle is in the back
Dogsled Guide Sara
Sara explained how each dog has its own personal kennel and it was easy to see how well they were taken care of and loved. They go so excited when it was time to get hitched up….you could tell that they loved their work! They were all healthy, friendly and loving, and they loved meeting new people!
During the ride we would stop about every 10 minutes to let the dogs rest and cool off. Sara said they were most comfortable in sub-zero temps, so the mid 20 degree temps our day was warm to them! They cooled themselves by burying in the snow and even eating it! Once they got closer to home they know it and run even faster! Since the dogs always get a good meal after a run they get excited once they pass they final turn in the trail.
As far as gear goes, I did not get cold at all. Again, the temps that day were in the mid 20’s and I wore a thick North Face Ski coat. I made sure to dress in layers with a fleece underneath, a toboggan, gloves, ski pants, wool socks, and snow boots. The only thing I wish I had done differently was take ski goggles instead of sunglasses because they fogged up constantly.
My time with the dogs was amazing…I could not recommend this experience or Good Time Adventures more! In fact, this definitely goes down as one of my top 5 adventures all time! I can’t wait to take Matt and Weston back to experience it… I tried to get them in later in the week, but they were all booked for the rest of the season. So, if you want to experience this amazing adventure for yourself and your family, make sure to book early!