Sidetracked! Good Times Dog Sledding Tour
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side·track (sīd´trăk): n. 1. A diversion from the main course. 2. A detour taken with children that you would never, ever take without them.
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Who:
Travel Savvy Mom founder Jamie Pearson, her 10 and 7-year-old kids, another travel writer and her family, and Ryan Whaley, intrepid Communications Manager for Keystone Resort and all around good sport who gamely volunteered to drive the sled (and be thrown off) in the rollercoaster-y parts.
What:
An absolutely hilarious and exhilarating one-hour dog sledding tour through the Middle Fork of the Swan River with Good Times Adventures in Breckenridge, Colorado. Kids as young as three can drive! A guide drives a snowmobile towing a passenger sled. The dogs follow behind, pulling a sled that fits one driver and one passenger.
Why:
A press trip sponsored by Vail Resorts highlighting the family friendly attributes of Keystone Resort and the surrounding area.
The High Point:
The looks of unadulterated ecstasy on my children’s faces as they called out, “Mush!” to the dogs and gingerly took their size three feet off the brakes. Even though I was terrified every time we drove downhill into a sharp turn, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us.
The Low Point:
Definitely when my friend Kara’s son flew off the sled into a snowbank. He didn’t seem to mind, but I almost had a panic attack. Also, I accidentally groped Kara’s leg in the passenger sled when I was trying to get a better grip on my daughter.
The Kids’ Take:
My turn! My turn!
The Adults’ Take:
One of the best things we’ve ever done with our kids. Definitely the best thing we’ve ever done with our kids in sub-freezing weather.
The Bottom Line:
If you’re ever in Colorado anywhere near Keystone, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, or Vail with your family, run don’t walk to this exhilarating activity.
March 8th, 2010 | by Jamie Pearson 10 comments
1. Kara @ The Vacation Gals on March 8th, 2010
You succinctly captured our adventure perfectly!! Though I must give some props to my husband Q. Our guide (driving the snowmobile ahead of the dogsled to show the dogs where to go) tried to buck my husband off the sled — speeding around sharp turns. My super-amazing, snowmobile-driving-experienced husband did *not* get bucked off! Even our guide was duly impressed. (And I must say Q’s athletic prowess was quite the turn on.)
2. Jamie Pearson on March 8th, 2010
I’m not touching that one with a 257-foot pole. ;)
3. Charm@ Hands Free Pumping Bra on March 8th, 2010
Sorry for spoiling your great adventure but is it not dangerous? I’m a fun and outgoing mom to look for an adventure but this one somewhat scares me.
Maybe I’m not used to have this kind of adventure, so it feels not safe for me. BTW thanks for sharing.
4. Jamie Pearson on March 8th, 2010
@Charm Believe me, you could search far and wide and *never* find a more anxious mom than me! The guide dialed the speed and turns WAAAAAAY down when the kids were driving (when I was driving too, come to think of it). Also, there was lots and lots of natural padding (a.k.a. “snow”) on the ground.
It’s probably similar to skiing in terms of risk, which is to say: a helmet wouldn’t be a bad idea.
5. Theresa on March 8th, 2010
I think my kids would have a blast with this one. I’ll have to put it on my to do list!
6. Kimberly on March 9th, 2010
Great post! This looks like an amazing experience. I think the worst part would be trying to drag my kids away.
7. Lorraine on March 9th, 2010
OK, this is a whole new level of family travel. Makes me recall the story of Balto the Alaskan sled dog that the kids like so much. I can only imagine the thrills the kids had on this ride. Fun post! Or should I say, “Woof!”
8. Luciana Bordallo Misura on April 27th, 2010
I went dog sledding with my husband, parents and in laws in the Michigan Upper Peninsula, several years ago (didn’t have kids back then). It’s fun and it feels a lot safer than skiing (I don’t ski, tried a couple of times and was too nervous about falling and getting injured!). When our daughter is older we’ll definitely take her!
9. Morgan Parker on April 28th, 2010
I also suffer from panic attacks and i can manage it by deep and slow breathing. i also practice meditation.. “
10. Jamie Pearson on May 1st, 2010
Really? Does that work? I manage mine with anti-anxiety medication, but only on *severely* turbulent flights. ;)
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