There’s more to Outdoor Adventures than Skiing and Snowboarding
by Shauna Farnell
Perhaps you’re not into downhill pursuits (skiing or snowboarding), you didn’t reserve a day on the slopes or you’re simply in the mood for another sort of adventure. Don’t worry; winter thrills come in many forms around Colorado. We offer a ton of ideas that we share below:
Snowmobiling
Attention, motorheads. If you love the feeling of a powerful machine doing most of the work for you and steering its purring engine through pine forests, aspen groves, blanketed valley floors, powder fields, and ridgelines, snowmobiling is a must-do. In and around Breckenridge, Good Times Adventures offers two-hour guided tours through the Swan River Valley, over Georgia Pass, and the Continental Divide. Also, Breckenridge Snowmobile and Colorado Snowmobile rent rigs for unguided exploration on Vail Pass and surrounding areas and High Country Snowmobile has an in-town meeting point with tours on the north side of Summit County.
Sledding
A go-to favorite among families everywhere, the 2020-21 winter welcomes a brand new sledding hub – Runway Sledding Hill on the north end of the Airport Road parking lot. The place is not on many people’s radar just yet, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and send it. On the other side of town lies Breck’s core sledding hill, Carter Park, where dozens of sledders can always be found sailing down the park’s open hillside and across the soccer field below at potentially high speeds. The crowds can get thick here, so be sure to wear your face covering and mind the six-foot physical distancing guidelines. Yes, you have to slog up the hill on foot with your sled in order to come down, but the urge to one-up your last descent will power you for hours on either hill. Sleds can be purchased at City Market or Breckenridge Market and there’s usually a few left behind at the base of the hill for public use.
Ice Skating
On the south end of town, Stephen C. Ice Arena is home to many a nail-biting hockey game starring players of all ages, but throughout the day, the indoor and outdoor rinks present peaceful gliding grounds. Admission and skate rentals start around $10 for kids breckenridgerecreation.com.
Fat Biking
Bundle up and get ready to ramp up your heart rate, because pedaling on the snow with one of these big but surprising lightweight bikes brings a surge of adrenaline all its own. It’s no secret that Breckenridge is home to some of the world’s best bike trails and there’s no reason why snowpack should keep anyone from exploring on two wheels year-round. Several ski and bike shops in town rent fat bikes, including Alpine Sports, Avalanche Sports, and Ridden, the latter of which also offers guided fat bike tours. The best option for your first foray into fat biking is Gold Run Nordic Center, which rents fat bikes starting at $15 per hour and offers a variety of beautiful trails to explore. The groomed bike path between Breckenridge and Frisco is also a great option for newbies. Be sure to wear a helmet (a ski helmet works great) wherever you ride and be mindful of staying on designated fat bike routes, as the trails are also shared with Nordic skiers and snowshoers.
Dog Sledding
The experience of zipping across a winter wonderland pulled by a team of Siberian Huskies can only be described as otherworldly. Good Times Adventures offers six-mile tours through the striking, snow-covered expanses of the Swan River Valley. Guests get a chance to ride in the dogsled as well as actually run the dogs (the part where you get to yell, “Mush!”). What do you wear for this sort of thing, you’re wondering? Think Eskimo. Tours are $140 per person and must be booked in advance.
Snowshoeing
Simply imagine hiking with big shoes on. The beauty of snowshoeing, other than that it’s basically only slightly more challenging than walking, is that it can take you anywhere. The miles upon miles of trails in and around Breckenridge are fair game. Both the Breckenridge Nordic Center and Gold Run Nordic Center rent snowshoes of all sizes and are home to miles of snowshoe-specific routes. Several shops in town also rent snowshoes, including Carvers, Avalanche Sports, and Charter Sports.
Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides
You roll into town and your inner soundtrack is instantly filled with “Dashing Through the Snow.” We get it. Live the dream and line up a romantic, scenic, or big sleigh ride through the White River National Forest outside of Breck at Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides or head up around the ski resort with views of the twinkling town below with Breckenridge Stables.
Snowmobiling
Attention, motorheads. If you love the feeling of a powerful machine doing most of the work for you and steering its purring engine through pine forests, aspen groves, blanketed valley floors, powder fields, and ridgelines, snowmobiling is a must-do. In and around Breckenridge, Good Times Adventures offers two-hour guided tours through the Swan River Valley, over Georgia Pass, and the Continental Divide. Also, Breckenridge Snowmobile and Colorado Snowmobile rent rigs for unguided exploration on Vail Pass and surrounding areas and High Country Snowmobile has an in-town meeting point with tours on the north side of Summit County.
Nordic Skiing
BRECKENRIDGE NORDIC CENTER
Enjoy a fun cross-country skiing and snowshoeing day on their trail where experts can teach and guide you through the Breckenridge mountains. Ski rentals and multiple-day passes, allow you to save money. Their company even provides man-made snow for early-season skiing! breckenridgenordic.com
GOLDRUN NORDIC CENTER
Scenic vistas and friendly service just 3 miles north of Main Street. Explore groomed and natural ski, snowshoe, and fat bike trails serviced from a beautiful public clubhouse. goldrunnordic.com
And if none of this seems appealing maybe just grabbing a book and enjoying views of the great outdoors is another great way to enjoy a day off of the slopes too!
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