Colorado Explorer

By Linda DuVal

> Spotlight: Dog-sledding
> Statewide Activities
> Statewide Dining
> Statewide Lodging
> Statewide Shopping

Winter fun goes to the dogs

Courtesy of Mountain Mushers

You don’t have to ski or snowshoe to have a blast of frigid fun. Just bundle yourself into a comfy sled and rock along the landscape behind a team of high-spirited huskies. Dog-sledding has become increasingly popular in Colorado mountain towns and ski areas, and the state now has more than a dozen commercial outfitters to help you try it.

Krabloonik Kennels (970-923-4342) in Snowmass, near Aspen, is one of the state’s oldest dog-sledding operations. Since 1971, they’ve offered sled rides to visitors. With nearly 300 dogs, they can accommodate a lot of guests on any given day. They mostly offer two-hour rides and sleds can handle up to two adults and a child as passengers. Afterward, chow down on gourmet game dishes — trout, pheasant, wild boar and other treats — accompanied by a fine wine list.

Because Krabloonik uses freight sleds and navigates pretty technical courses (including down and across ski slopes), passengers usually aren’t allowed to drive. Don’t worry that the sport is hard on the dogs.

"They love it," says Nick Miller, Krabloonik kennel manager. "As soon as they realize they’re going out, they get excited, even if they’ve already been out that day."

Nova Guides (888-949-6682) of Beaver Creek offers dog-sled rides to see Camp Hale, which was home to the historic 10th Mountain Division. Soldiers trained here in World War II, but now it’s a recreational cross-country skiing area. A silent run through the Pando Valley will remind you of how tough this terrain can be. You’ll even get the chance to drive the dogs yourself, if you want.

In Vail, Mountain Mushers (970-653-7877) has access to 10,000 acres of private land for a grand view of the Rockies in winter. Their celebrity dogs were featured on “The Today Show” and The Learning Channel.

Check out some Colorado ghost towns when you ride with Good Times Adventures (800-477-0144) in Breckenridge. You can be the musher as you wind your way along the Swan River. The hour-long tour can accommodate up to six passengers.

A true backcountry sledding experience is yours when you hop on Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park (970-726-8326), located in Fraser. Knowledgeable guides on these 1½-2 hour tours will tell you about the animals, trees and terrain.

Lucky Cat Dog Farm (970-641-1636) near Gunnison tailors trips to the guest’s wishes. Rides last up to 3½ hours for an in-depth experience and include lunch on the trail. Their motto? "Great athletes train year round, perform under pressure, and scratch themselves in public."

Your dog-powered exploration of southwestern Colorado begins at the Durango Dog Ranch (970-259-0694) in Hesperus. They’ll give you mushing lessons if you want to drive your own team. Sleds accommodate two adult riders.

For any ride, dress warmly in layers, with warm boots, mittens, sunglasses and a hat. Wear sunscreen on any exposed body parts. Reservations are a must, and operators will fill you in on specific instructions and restrictions such as weight limits.

For more dog-sledding outfitters in Colorado, visit www.dogsledrides.com/colorado.

Statewide activities

Last year, Denver’s first “Night at the Museums” was so popular, the festive evening will be repeated on Nov. 7. About a dozen of the city’s top museums will stay open late, offering special events, music, food and fun — all for free. The event helps kick off Denver Arts Week, Nov. 6-14, a celebration of everything cultural in the Mile High City. 800-2-DENVER or www.DenverArtsWeek.com.

And speaking of art, don’t miss the “NASA/ART: 50 Years of Exploration” exhibit, opening Dec. 7 at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The Smithsonian exhibit, which runs through March 7, honors 50 years of space exploration and includes 65 paintings, photographs, sculptures and videos by such artists as Norman Rockwell, Annie Liebovitz and Andy Warhol. There are lectures and films, too. 719-634-5581 or www.csfineartscenter.org.

Plunge into the holiday season with Thanksgiving festivities at Copper Mountain ski resort. Start with the Leftover Yam and Jive Turkey Rail Jam on Nov. 27 (800-458-8386 or www.villageatcopper.com). Or enter the Gobbler Chase Snowshoe Race, Nov. 28. Also on the 28th, Santa and his elves skydive into the Village at Copper and light the tree. There’ll be a torchlight parade and fireworks. 970-968-2318, ext. 40906.

When Santa can’t take his sleigh, he rides the train. Catch the North Pole Express, aka the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, out of Alamosa or La Veta, weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Kids may wear their jammies for this hour-long sojourn with Santa. Be prepared to sing carols, eat cookies and drink hot cocoa. Each child receives a silver sleigh bell. 877-726-RAIL or www.riograndescenicrailroad.com.

Beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and Christmas collectibles will be on display at the annual Festival of Trees, Nov. 28–Dec. 5 in Greeley. Choirs and musicians also will perform, with face-painters and balloon artists for the kids. 970-356-5000.

Looking for a non-alcoholic way to celebrate New Year’s? Try First Night in Fort Collins. For $10, you get hours of family entertainment. Children 7 and younger get in free. 970-484-6500.

Statewide dining

Pueblo’s famous for its great Mexican and Italian food, but those seeking upscale cuisine also have an option at Restaurant Fifteen Twentyone. Such items as duck liver pate and steamed mussels in wine-garlic-butter sauce will whet your appetite for main courses that include Colorado lamb loin and bison steaks. 719-542-9999.

One of the latest additions to Vail’s fine dining scene is the Atwater on Gore Creek at the Vail Cascade hotel. The restaurant’s contemporary American cuisine focuses on farm-fresh organic foods from Colorado farms. 970-479-7014.

Statewide lodging

A new Starwood vacation ownership property, Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas, opened a few months ago with access to Beaver Creek’s ski area and dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains. This luxury project includes stone fireplaces, marble bathrooms, a full spa and gourmet restaurant.970-790-3030.

Celebrate Hanukkah at the Silvertree Hotel in Snowmass. The Festival of Lights begins Dec. 11 and the appropriate number of candles will be lit each night. A local rabbi will oversee the ceremony, which will be followed by cookies and hot drinks, as well as dreidels and gelt for the children. 970-923-8254.

Statewide shopping

Wreaths made of sagebrush, hand-quilted Christmas tree skirts, original stained glass and pottery can be found at the more than 75 booths included in the annual Sugar Plum Festival, Nov. 21 in Gunnison (970-641-6931). Or check out the Gunnison Arts Center’s annual Holiday Market, Dec. 1–23. There, you’ll find fabric art, jewelry, ceramics and more made by local artists. 970-641-4029.

The annual Holidazzle, a celebration of shopping in Durango, kicks off Nov. 27 and continues through Dec. 24 in the historic downtown area. Merchants will give away $8,000 in gift certificates and prizes to shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind gifts.
970-375-5065.

Linda DuVal is a freelance writer and former travel editor in Colorado Springs.

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