Why Breckenridge is Perfect for First-Time Mushers: and Why Good Times Leads the Pack
There’s nothing quite like winter in Breckenridge—crisp mountain air, fresh snow, and trails winding through spruce and aspen. If you’ve never stood on a sled behind a team of huskies, you might wonder whether dog sledding is right for you. Spoiler alert: it totally is.
Breckenridge is one of the best places for first-time mushers—easy logistics, spectacular scenery, and beginner-friendly terrain. And at Good Times Adventures—the only outfitter operating tours in Breckenridge—we make your first dog sledding experience simple, safe, and unforgettable for ages 5 and up.
Why Breckenridge is the Ideal Place to Try Dog Sledding
Scenery without the stress. Breckenridge sits at nearly 10,000 feet, so the views are spectacular—snow-dusted peaks, quiet forests, and open meadows—but the trails are well-groomed and beginner-friendly. There’s no need to venture into remote backcountry or handle tricky terrain.
Family-friendly atmosphere. Kids as young as five can join a tour, and it’s just as exciting for teens, parents, and grandparents. Dog sledding is a shared experience everyone remembers.
Close to town. Good Times Adventures is just a short drive from Main Street Breckenridge. Roads are maintained all winter, so you don’t need a special vehicle or long transfer to reach us.
What Makes Good Times Different
For nearly 40 years, Good Times Adventures has introduced thousands of guests to the thrill of dog sledding—and we’ve built our tours with beginners in mind.
Our dogs are the stars. With over 150 Siberian huskies, we’re one of the largest kennels outside Alaska. Each dog is a trained athlete, but also a friendly face that’s eager to run.
Expert guides who love to teach. Our team will walk you through every step, from how to stand on the runners to giving commands. You’ll never feel rushed or left behind.
You get to mush. This isn’t just a passive ride—you’ll rotate through positions, including the driver’s spot, so you can actually stand on the sled and guide the team with your own hands. It’s an unforgettable, only-at-Good-Times experience.
Comfort and safety first. We provide full snowsuits and boots, so even if you don’t own ski gear, you’ll stay warm and dry.
Guest-friendly amenities. We offer on-site parking, a heated main building with running-water restrooms, and a snack and retail area stocked with essentials like hats, gloves, and hand warmers for anything you forgot to pack.
What to Expect on Your First Run
Here’s how a typical tour unfolds:
- Arrive early and gear up. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your tour time to check in and get fitted for snowsuits and boots. This also makes sure you’re ready for your closeup (next). See our info page for more on What to Wear in the mountains.
- Capture the memories. Before your tour departs, our on-site photographer—who’s been with us for decades—offers professional portraits of you and your team. It’s a unique memento and makes it easier to be fully present during the ride.
- Meet your team. The dogs gather at the runway near our main building. They’re friendly and love attention, but they’re also focused working athletes. Our knowledgeable staff will communicate when and how to interact with them.
- Learn the basics. Before you head out, your guide will explain simple commands and sled positions. You’ll also meet and learn the name of every dog on your team, so you can cheer them on by name.
- Hit the trail. Teams rotate so everyone gets a chance to mush, ride, and take in the scenery. Expect a mix of quiet glides and exhilarating sprints through the forest.
- Say thank you. When the tour wraps up, teams park back at the main building and guests have the chance to thank and say goodbye to the hardworking pups.
- Warm up and relive the ride. Step inside the heated lodge, grab a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace, and view your photos before heading off to your next adventure.
- Not ready to say goodbye? (Optional!) Some guests fall hard for our four-legged athletes. Ask us about our sled dog adoption program—you might just find a furry best friend who’s ready to trade the trail for a forever home.
More dogsledding information can also be found on our website.
Common First-Time Questions
Do I need to be athletic?
While a few sections require a bit more agility, our expert guides make sure everyone is mushing during the parts of the trail best suited to their comfort level. Guests rotate through positions, and most people are surprised by how easy and fun it feels. If you have specific concerns, talk to your guide before or during the tour—they’re happy to help.
What if it’s too cold or snowy?
While the weather can be tough for us humans, our dogs were built for the cold and actually love running in fresh snow. We run tours in all conditions and provide full snowsuits and boots to help keep you warm and dry. Check out our info page for more tips on how to dress.
How many people go out at a time?
Teams are designed for small groups so everyone gets time to ride and mush. We send out three teams at each tour time and each team can accommodate up to six guests—two on the dog sled and four in a passenger sleigh pulled by a guide on a snowmobile. Everyone will rotate throughout the tour, and your guide will keep the experience balanced and safe.
Can we pet the dogs?
Yes, and they love it—but remember, they’re working athletes. Our staff will show you the right time and place to give pets (which they love!) and let you know if any of the shy pups need a little extra space.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely! Guests are welcome to take photos before, during, and after the tour—the only exception is during the professional photo session. We’d also love to see your favorite moments which you can share by tagging us on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok!
What if my plans change?
We understand things come up! Please review our cancellation policy before booking. It has all the details on rescheduling or refunds so you know what to expect.
Why You’ll Want to Come Back
Most people arrive at Good Times Adventures excited for the thrill of the ride—but what stays with them long after is the connection with the dogs. You’ll learn their names, see their personalities shine, and feel their energy as they pull together as a team. It’s more than an adrenaline rush—it’s a bond.
Many families turn dog sledding into an annual tradition, coming back year after year to meet new dogs, see familiar furry faces, and enjoy the magic of the trails in every kind of winter weather. It’s the kind of experience that becomes a core memory for kids and parents alike.
And the best part? Dog sledding pairs perfectly with other activities in town—snowmobiling, tubing, skating, or simply enjoying time by the fire—making it the centerpiece of a Breckenridge getaway you’ll want to repeat again and again. Looking for inspiration? Check out our guide to Family-Friendly Things to Do in and Around Breckenridge for more ideas to round out your trip.
Ready to Mush?
Breckenridge is beautiful from every angle, but there’s nothing like seeing it from behind a team of Siberian huskies. Whether it’s your first time on the runners or your first family trip to the mountains, dog sledding at Good Times Adventures is an experience you’ll never forget.
When we run: Winter dog sledding tours typically run from mid-December through March, with exact dates depending on snow conditions. Reserve your dog sledding adventure today and get ready to meet the dogs and create memories you’ll want to relive year after year.
Pro tip: Tours fill quickly—especially on weekends and holidays—so it’s best to book early, even before your flights are confirmed.
Want to be the first to know? Things change quickly in the mountains and the best way to stay updated on early season openings and late-season extensions is to sign up for our newsletter.
And, as always, you can follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @goodtimesbreck for more mountain shenanigans!