How to Plan for your Family’s Best Vacation Yet

Spring Break in Breckenridge is equal parts sunshine, snow, and family chaos—in the best possible way. Bluebird ski days, busy sidewalks, melting mittens in the afternoon sun, and kids who somehow still have energy after a full day outside. The secret to enjoying it all? Knowing when to plan ahead, when to slow down, and where to find the moments your family will still be talking about long after the trip ends.

Whether you’re visiting for the week or staying local with kids out of school, a little planning goes a long way toward turning a packed schedule into a truly memorable one.

What Spring Break Feels Like in Breckenridge

Spring Break is one of the liveliest times of the season. Weekends are bustling, restaurants fill quickly, and lift lines stretch a little longer than usual—especially when the weather shows off with bright sun and fresh snow.

The upside? The entire town feels energized. Outdoor patios open up, families linger downtown, and there’s no shortage of ways to fill a day both on and off the mountain. Plus the days are longer and March is historically the snowiest month.

With a flexible plan—and a few well-timed reservations—you can enjoy the excitement without feeling rushed.

The Best Days to Book Adventures (Why Mid-Week Wins)

If there’s one insider tip we share every Spring Break, it’s this: weekends fill FAST.

Dogsledding tours and scenic snowmobile rides are often among the earliest experiences to book out, especially for visiting families planning around ski days. If your schedule allows, mid-week tours are typically easier to secure—especially for larger groups.

Explore Availability & Book Here

In addition to more availability, even small planning decisions—like skiing mid-week, buying tickets early, or mixing in non-ski adventures—can noticeably reduce the overall cost of a Spring Break trip.

PRO TIPS:

When demand is high, we may open additional 5:00 PM snowmobile tours based on availability and weather conditions. If you’ll be in town during Spring Break, it’s always worth checking current openings—and keeping an eye out as your travel dates get closer.

Lift Ticket Tips That Can Save You Money

While we strongly encourage travelers to take a break from the lift lines and come a little further into the wilderness, we understand skiing is a big highlight—and a big cost—for most families.

Lift pricing during Spring Break rewards planners.

A few simple rules of thumb:

• Buy early for the best rates
• Mid-week skiing is often less expensive than weekends
• Multi-day tickets reduce the per-day cost
• Afternoon or group options can sometimes provide added value

Checking options ahead of time can make a meaningful difference for families managing a full week of activities, rentals, and dining.

Off-Mountain Days Your Family Will Thank You For

Even the most dedicated skiers need a break. Spring Break is the perfect time to mix in experiences that everyone—kids, parents, and grandparents alike—can enjoy together.

Some favorite ways to spend a non-ski day in Breckenridge:

• Dogsledding through quiet snowy forests
• Scenic snowmobile tours with panoramic mountain views
• Sledding hills for pure, simple fun
• Gondola rides and downtown exploring
• Indoor swimming, skating, or movie afternoons

These are often the moments that become the highlight of the trip—the stories kids keep telling long after the snow melts.

If you’re looking for more inspiration for adventurers of all ages, check out our Family-Friendly Things To Do in and Around Breckenridge.

Getting Around Town (Transportation Tips)

Uber and Lyft are widely used in Breckenridge—and they’re a convenient way to reach restaurants, shops, and activities around town.

However, mountain travel comes with a few realities:

• Cell signal can be inconsistent in more remote areas
• Return rides may be limited during busy evenings
• Wait times can increase during peak travel days

For peace of mind, many visitors choose to pre-arrange transportation or coordinate return rides in advance. A little planning here can make the entire trip smoother.

You can review some trusted transportation providers on our website’s Info Page.

PRO TIP: If you’re staying right in town, take advantage of the Breckenridge Free Ride—a complementary shuttle servicing the Town of Breckenridge and Breckenridge Ski Resort. They even have an app!

Where to Eat with a Group

Breckenridge Distillery

Crêpes à la Cart

The Hearthstone

The Shifty Lifty

Feeding a Spring Break crowd takes a little strategy. Large families and multi-family trips usually do best with a mix of casual crowd-pleasers, celebratory sit-down dinners, and flexible kid-friendly options close to downtown or the slopes.

Here are a few standouts in each category:

Casual Crowd-Pleasers

• The Canteen Taphouse and Tavern
• Bird & Cow
• The Shifty Lifty

Celebratory Sit-Down (reservations highly recommended)

• Hearthstone — a longtime favorite, with bonus points from us for donating meat scraps to help feed our pups 🙂
• Blue River Bistro
• Briar Rose
• Breckenridge Distillery (see PRO TIP below)

Kid-Friendly & On-the-Go

• Daylight Donuts
• Crepes a la Cart
• Downstairs at Eric’s
• Fatty’s Pizzeria

No matter where you dine, Spring Break is one of the busiest periods of the season. Booking ahead—and planning a mix of casual lunches and reserved dinners—can make the entire week feel smoother and more relaxed.

PRO TIPS:

• If you have access to your own transportation and don’t mind a short drive, downtown Frisco offers a great mix of shops and restaurants with smaller crowds and easier parking.

• If you’ve got a large or impatient group and waiting for a table isn’t realistic, consider ordering takeout and bringing it back to your lodge or Airbnb. Sometimes the best meals are the ones enjoyed together without the crowds.

• Breckenridge Distillery offers a complimentary shuttle to and from their Airport Road location, making group transportation one less thing to worry about.

If You Book One Experience This Spring Break…

Make it something you’ll remember.

For many families, that moment is standing on a dogsled behind a team of eager huskies or gliding through quiet mountain scenery on a snowmobile—far from lift lines and crowds. These are the experiences kids talk about on the drive home… and the memories that last long after Spring Break ends.

If you’re planning to join us, we recommend booking early—especially for weekends—and considering a mid-week tour for the best availability and a more relaxed pace.

We can’t wait to share the trails with you!

Ready for an Unforgettable Adventure?

Whether you’re planning ahead or already in town and looking for something special, Good Times Adventures can offer memory-building experiences for you, your family, or your friend crew.

👉 Explore dogsledding and snowmobiling tours and check availability: https://goodtimesadventures.com/

👉 Follow along for behind-the-scenes moments with the dogs on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @goodtimesbreck

Read more about Your First Time Dogsledding and What to Know for Snowmobiling on the Adventure Blog

A personal winter adventure that’s exciting, immersive, and unforgettable

Dogsledding is often pictured as a shared experience — families bundled together, groups laughing as they head out on the trail. But there’s a version of this adventure many travelers don’t realize exists.

Dogsledding solo.

For non-skiers, travelers craving a reset, or anyone looking for a different way to experience winter in the mountains, going solo offers something rare in a ski town: a dogsledding experience that feels intentional, immersive, and genuinely memorable.

A Treat-Yourself Kind of Adventure

No syncing plans with the rest of your travel group.
No waiting around while others squeeze in one more run.
No feeling like your day is built around someone else’s agenda.

While solo guests are paired with a small group on tour, the experience still feels personal and focused. You’re free to engage fully — taking in the scenery, learning about the dogs, and enjoying the momentum of the ride without the background noise of a busy resort day.

Our dogsledding tours follow a relay-style format, which means guests take turns driving and riding throughout the experience. It’s an intentional structure that keeps the tour engaging, interactive, and easy to enjoy — whether you arrive solo or with a group.

If you’re curious how relay-style dogsledding works, we break it down here: How Relay-Style Dogsledding Works

It’s not about isolating yourself.
It’s about giving yourself space to be fully present for the experience — and letting the adventure meet you where you are.

The Perfect Break for Non-Skiers (and the Quiet Rebels of the Group)

Let’s be honest — not everyone wants to ski all day.

If you’re traveling with a crew of dedicated “hill rats,” dogsledding solo offers an equally exciting mountain experience without lift lines, crowded lodges, or long waits. You still get real winter terrain, hands-on adventure, and incredible views — just in a way that feels more grounded and intentional.

It’s not a backup plan.
It’s a different kind of highlight.

Many guests tell us it’s the story they end up sharing most when the trip is over.

Why Solo Spots Are Often Available — Even Last Minute

Dogsledding at Good Times Adventures often books out weeks in advance, especially for families and larger groups. But here’s the insider detail many travelers don’t realize:

Solo spots are often available with short notice — and sometimes even the day of.

Because sled teams are built around capacity, individual seats are sometimes the last to fill. That makes dogsledding solo a rare opportunity for travelers with flexible schedules, spontaneous planners, or those who decide after arriving that they want to add something truly special to their trip.

It’s also an experience that’s easy to work into your plans. Our location is just a short drive from Breckenridge and simple to reach without navigating resort traffic or lift-area congestion — making it a natural option for non-ski days, rest days, or last-minute inspiration.

If you’re curious about getting here, here’s everything you need to know: Location & Transportation

If your schedule has some flexibility, it’s always worth checking availability — even once you’re already in town.

A More Immersive Way to Experience Dogsledding

Going solo subtly changes the dynamic — in the best way.

You have more opportunity to:

• Connect with the dogs and learn their personalities
• Ask questions and engage with your guide
• Take in the trail, the terrain, and the movement of the team
• Stay fully tuned into the experience from start to finish

Many solo guests are surprised by how engaging and energizing the ride feels — focused, exciting, and deeply memorable without feeling rushed or overwhelming.

It’s dogsledding with room to breathe — and room to take it all in.

When You Need a Reset from the Slopes

Even for skiers, solo dogsledding can be the perfect way to round out a mountain trip.

If your legs need a break, or you’re looking for something different between ski days, dogsledding offers contrast without compromise. You’re still outside. Still in the mountains. Still part of a real winter adventure — just without the crowds.

It’s a change of pace that adds depth to the trip, not downtime.

Who Solo Dogsledding Is Perfect For

Solo dogsledding is especially well-suited for travelers who:

• Are visiting Breckenridge with skiers but don’t ski themselves
• Want a hands-on winter experience beyond the resort
• Are traveling solo or have flexibility in their plans
• Appreciate experiences that feel intentional and engaging
• Love having a great story to tell when the day is done

If any of this sounds up your alley, this experience was made for you.

And if this would be your first time dogsledding, we’ve put together a simple guide that walks through What To Expect Your First Time Dogsledding — from arrival to time on the trail.

A Quiet Secret Worth Knowing

Dogsledding solo is one of those experiences people often discover unexpectedly — and then recommend enthusiastically.

It’s exciting.
It’s grounding.
It’s unforgettable in a way that sneaks up on you.

And yes — it’s one of Breckenridge’s best-kept winter secrets!

Ready to Treat Yourself?

Whether you’re planning ahead or already in town and looking for something special, solo dogsledding might be exactly what your winter trip needs.

👉 Explore dogsledding tours and check availability: https://goodtimesadventures.com/dogsledding/

👉 Follow along for behind-the-scenes moments with the dogs on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @goodtimesbreck

Read more about Your First Time Dogsledding on the Adventure Blog

Not All Snowmobile Adventures Are Created Equal — and That’s a Good Thing

When people hear “snowmobile tour,” they often imagine the same thing: speed, steep terrain, and a high-adrenaline ride built for experienced thrill-seekers.

That is one version of snowmobiling — but it’s far from the only one.

The reality is, not all snowmobile tours are created equal, and that’s a good thing. Different approaches serve different travelers. At Good Times Adventures, we’ve intentionally designed our snowmobile tours around a different idea of adventure — one that prioritizes scenery, confidence, and shared experience, without sacrificing the excitement of being out in the mountains.

For many guests, that difference is exactly what makes the experience unforgettable.

What “Adrenaline” Snowmobile Tours Usually Mean

In many destinations, adrenaline-focused snowmobile tours are designed with experienced riders in mind. These tours often emphasize faster speeds, steeper and more technical terrain, and a pace that keeps everyone moving.

For the right audience, that can be an incredible experience. Riders who are already comfortable on a snowmobile and looking to push their limits often love this style of tour.

But for many visitors — especially first-time riders, families, couples, or mixed-experience groups — that approach can feel intimidating rather than exciting. When the focus is on speed or technical riding, it’s easy to miss the scenery, the quiet moments, and the simple joy of being out in the mountains.

That’s where intention matters.

Why We’ve Chosen a Different Approach

At Good Times Adventures, our goal isn’t to test limits — it’s to open the door to snowmobiling for more people.

We’ve designed our tours so that:

• First-time riders feel confident and supported
• Groups with different comfort levels can ride together
• Guests can focus on the landscape, not keeping up
• The experience feels exciting without feeling overwhelming

From the routes we choose to the pace we keep, everything is built to create an experience that feels approachable, rewarding, and genuinely fun — no prior experience required.

Adventure doesn’t have to be extreme to be meaningful.

It’s About Where You Go — Not How Fast You Get There

One of the biggest misconceptions about snowmobiling is that it’s just “driving around in circles.”

Our tours take guests deep into scenic mountain terrain, climbing in elevation and opening up expansive alpine views that most visitors never see. Along the way, we build in intentional stops — moments to take photos, soak in the quiet, and simply take in where you are.

For many guests, those pauses become the highlight of the day.

“Definitely an amazing time and a feast for the eyes. The trails through the snowy forest were absolutely gorgeous — and that word doesn’t even do it justice. Our guide, Maggie, brought so much warmth and personality to the experience and made it unforgettable for our entire family group of eleven.” —Nolan Myers, Google Review

This is snowmobiling as a journey, not a race.

Designed for the Moments That Matter

Many of our guests are here to do something memorable — something they’ll talk about long after the trip ends. They want the thrill of being out in the mountains, the satisfaction of trying something new, and the pride that comes with doing it successfully.

What they don’t want is unnecessary pressure or intimidation.

Our snowmobile tours are designed so guests can feel accomplished and excited — whether it’s their very first ride or a long-anticipated mountain adventure — without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

“Some of us were nervous beforehand — especially with a fear of heights — but we felt totally fine. The ride was smooth, the terrain felt comfortable, and any nerves disappeared quickly. It was pure fun, and we’d absolutely do it again.” —Amanda Meyers, Google Review

You still get the story. You still get the photos. You still get the sense of having done something real.
Just without the stress.

A Premium Experience, Start to Finish

The difference isn’t just on the trail — it’s in the details.

From modern, well-maintained snowmobiles to clear instruction and thoughtful pacing, we’ve built an experience that feels polished from start to finish. Guests arrive knowing what to expect, ride with guides who prioritize safety and enjoyment, and return with time to warm up, relax, and reflect.

It’s adventure delivered with intention — not rushed, not chaotic, and never one-size-fits-all.

If You’re Looking for Something More Advanced…

We’re always honest with our guests. If your goal is aggressive riding or highly technical terrain, there are outfitters who specialize in that style of snowmobiling located outside of Breckenridge — and they do it well.

But if you’re looking for scenic routes, confidence-building experiences, and a tour that feels inclusive and thoughtfully designed that’s located right in Breckenridge — you’re exactly who our snowmobile adventures are built for.

Choosing the right tour isn’t about finding “the best” option — it’s about finding the right fit.

Adventure Without Intimidation — and Without Compromise

Snowmobiling doesn’t have to be extreme to be exhilarating. It doesn’t have to be intimidating to be memorable. And it doesn’t have to move fast to leave a lasting impression.

Not all snowmobile tours are created equal — and when it comes to experiencing the mountains in a way that feels exciting, scenic, and genuinely rewarding, that difference matters.

Ready When You Are

If you’re ready to experience the mountains in a way that feels intentional, confidence-building, and unforgettable, our snowmobile tours are ready when you are.

And if your next trip is still on the horizon, you can follow along — seeing where we ride, what we experience, and how winter unfolds beyond the lift lines.

Whether you’re in the mountains or dreaming from afar, the adventure doesn’t stop.

👉 Explore snowmobile tours and book your adventure: https://goodtimesadventures.com/snowmobiling/

👉 Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @goodtimesbreck

Read more about Your First Time Snowmobiling on the Adventure Blog

CBS Colorado Visits for a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Dog Care, Training, and Transition

Winter in the mountains doesn’t follow a schedule — and this season has been a reminder of just how unpredictable it can be.

When snow coverage isn’t quite where it needs to be, tours may pause. But at Good Times Adventures, the work never stops. Our dogs still need daily movement, structure, and purpose — whether guests are on the trail or not.

Recently, we welcomed our friends from CBS Colorado to spend time at the kennel and learn what happens between tours — the quieter, behind-the-scenes work that keeps our dogs healthy, engaged, and ready when winter arrives.

Learn more about Why Snow Matters on the Adventure Blog

What “Between Tours” Really Looks Like

Even when we’re not taking guests out, our dogs maintain a regular routine. That includes training runs, conditioning, enrichment, and time with their handlers.

Consistency matters. These days keep dogs physically strong and mentally engaged, and they ensure that when conditions align, teams are ready to return to the trail safely and confidently.

As our Assistant Kennel Manager shared during the visit, waiting is hard — for guests and for our team. We spend all year preparing for a relatively short season, and when weather delays things, we feel it too. Still, we know winter will come in its own time — and when it does, we’ll be ready.

Passing the Torch on the Trail

These in-between training runs are especially meaningful for our older dogs.

After years of experience on the trail, seasoned leaders take on a new role: guiding younger pups, modeling calm behavior, and helping shape the next generation. It’s a natural transition — and one of the most rewarding parts of our work.

Watching confident, experienced dogs mentor younger teammates is a reminder that dogsledding is always a team effort, built on trust and continuity.

Why Adoption Is at the Heart of What We Do

That same transition is why our adoption program is so important to us.

Our retired sled dogs don’t “age out” — they move on. Into family homes, onto hiking trails, into couch naps and quieter routines that suit them perfectly. Every dog deserves a full, happy life beyond the trail, and we take great care in matching each one with the right home.

During the CBS visit, viewers may have spotted Thunder — one of our incredible dogs currently up for adoption. Confident, experienced, and full of personality, Thunder represents what makes these dogs so special well beyond their working years.

Ready When Winter Arrives

Weather may determine when we run tours, but it never changes how we care for our dogs.

Between tours, behind the scenes, and through every season, our focus remains the same: wellbeing, preparation, and honoring the dogs who make this work possible.

You can watch the full CBS Colorado segment and read the accompanying article here:
👉 https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/dog-sled-tours-colorado-mountain-community-delayed/

If adoption has been on your mind, we’d love for you to learn more about our retired sled dogs and the next chapters they’re ready to begin.

READ OUR ADOPTION BLOG    LEARN MORE

Interested in booking a tour? Follow the link below.

BOOK NOW

Want to learn more about dogsledding in the mountains? Check out the rest of the Adventure Blog.

As always, you can also follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @goodtimesbreck for weather updates, tour openings, and general mountain fun. And you can follow our adoptable pups and other kennel shenanigans at @goodtimessleddogs.

How We Determine When Tours Begin in Breckenridge

In the mountains, waiting on snow becomes a kind of winter ritual. We’re just as eager as you are for opening day: the first sled tracks on fresh powder, the dogs howling with excitement, snowmobiles humming through the trees. But we don’t open the minute the first storm hits — and the reason has everything to do with safety, trail depth, and how mountain snow actually works.

It might sound counterintuitive, but a safer trail actually makes for a more exciting ride. We’re pulling back the curtain on our decision-making process and sharing what we look for before the season officially begins.

Mountain Snow Isn’t the Same Everywhere

One of the biggest surprises for visitors is how dramatically snow changes from one part of town — or a trail — to another.

On any given storm cycle, we might see:

• 6 inches on the ridge,
• 3 inches in the open meadow, and
• bare ground in a shaded bend lined with trees.

From your view in town (or your friends’ posts on Instagram), everything looks ready. You see white ground, hear snow under your boots, and wonder why tours aren’t open yet.

But our routes cover miles of changing terrain — different elevations, exposures, wind zones, and forest density — all of which affect how much snow stays on the ground. Wind can strip one section bare while loading two feet of snow into a tree line 200 yards away. We can’t open part of a trail—every section needs to meet the same safety threshold from start to finish.

Why Dogsleds Need Deep, Compact Snow

Dogsleds are incredible machines — simple, durable, and designed for winter. But their safety systems rely on consistent snow depth.

A sled brake works by:

• biting into compact snow,
• creating friction, and
• helping the musher control speed.

A brake isn’t a backup plan — it’s the primary control system. That control only works when there’s enough compact snow beneath the sled. On dirt, grass, rocks, or thin snow, the brake can’t do its job. You might get traction in one stretch, then hit a bare patch 50 yards later and lose braking power exactly when you need it most.

In other words: for a sled to operate safely, the entire trail must have enough depth to support braking, steering, and momentum.

The excitement of the dogs is part of the magic — but it’s also why safety matters. When a team wants to run — and boy do they ever! — your brake is your confidence.

Why Snowmobiles Need Snow

Snowmobiles rely on snow in ways people don’t always realize.

Under the machine:

• the track grips the snow,
• the skis steer the front end, and
• the engine creates heat and needs cooling.

Snow isn’t just a surface to travel over — it provides:

• cooling,
• traction, and
• stability.

Every time a snowmobile passes over the same trail, it packs down snow and pushes some aside. That’s normal. But it means we don’t just need enough snow for one pass — we need enough for multiple tours every day without exposing dirt or rocks underneath.

Early opening isn’t just harder on the trail — it’s harder on safety. When coverage gets thin, control, cooling, and stopping power all disappear faster than snow can rebuild.

Why Ski Resorts Open Before We Do

This is a question we hear every year: “The ski hills are already open — why aren’t you?”

Short answer: ski resorts can make snow — we can’t. They start the season with a man-made snow base; we start with zero.

On a ski hill:

• snowmaking machines focus on a concentrated area,
• grooming equipment can rebuild the same slope every hour, and
• terrain is engineered to capture snow.

On our trails: we cover miles of natural forest terrain, through open fields, creek crossings, shaded corners, and windy ridges, with no access to snowmaking systems.

Even if one section looks perfect, it’s always the lowest, thinnest, or most exposed part of the trail that determines when we open.

Preparing the Trails: Behind the Scenes

While we wait for storms to build the base we need, we’re not sitting around hoping for a miracle. As soon as snow arrives, our teams:

Trail Work

• groom early snow to create a base
• pack low spots where snow settles unevenly
• hand-shovel snow into thin areas
• check known shallow sections

Trail Safety

• remove downed trees
• trim brush at low-snow height
• mark hazards
• reinforce bridge sections

By the time tours begin, everything feels effortless — we put in the work up front so each tour feels smooth, confident, and fun.

Depth Isn’t Everything—Snow Quality Matters Too

A snow report might show “12 inches,” but not all snow is equal.

Fresh powder has a lot of air in it. It looks deep, but:

• it compresses quickly,
• it can’t support repeated weight, and
• it doesn’t protect the ground underneath.

What we look for is base snow — layers that have:

• fallen,
• settled,
• been packed, and
• frozen together.

That’s what creates a surface that stays consistent over hills, curves, open meadows, and shaded corners.

Until the base exists, even a big storm can disappear in a day or two of sun.

Frozen Ground Is the Foundation

Snow depth tells part of the story. Ground temperature tells the other half.

Even with snow on top, warm ground melts from below. The first layer becomes slush, which can:

• collapse under the sleds,
• expose dirt on corners,
• create uneven braking, and
• break down the trail faster than storms can rebuild it.

When the ground is frozen, it’s a solid platform. That matters for:

• controlling sled speed,
• predictable turns, and
• and keeping the base intact during warm spells.

How We Decide Opening Day

There isn’t a single number that tells us when to start the season. Opening day is a pattern we recognize — not a single measurement.

We track trail coverage, base strength, safety controls, and weather patterns to answer one question: Is the full route safe — and fun — from start to finish?

Here’s what we look for:

• Deep, consistent coverage across the entire trail
• A compact snow base that holds overnight
• Frozen ground under the snow (not soft soil)
• Reliable braking surfaces on hills and corners
• Multiple storms building layers over time

When those line up—the season begins!

Final Thoughts

Snow in town is exciting — it means winter is here. But snow on the trail is what makes a tour happen.

Waiting for the right amount of snow builds:

• a safer trail,
• more consistent snow,
• better braking,
• a smoother ride, and
• an all around better experience for you, our guides, and our dogs.

We’re just as eager as you are — and when the mountains say “go,” we’ll be ready!

Staying in the Loop for the 2025/2026 Season

Tours are slated to begin December 17th. As you read above, this could change if we get enough snow ahead of that date. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for our Adventure Club newsletter.

Interested in booking a tour? Follow the link below.

BOOK NOW

Want to learn more about dogsledding and snowmobiling in the mountains? Check out the rest of the Adventure Blog.

As always, you can also follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @goodtimesbreck for weather updates, tour openings, and general mountain fun.