There are plenty of ways to dash through the snow. One of the most nostalgic involves horses and a sleigh.
Magical Sleigh Rides in Vail Valley
Dashing through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh ride in Vail is a magical experience for a romantic evening or a family-friendly activity. Vail’s nearby sleigh rides whisk you through glistening, snow-blanketed alpine forests, while you’re all bundled up with a cup of cocoa.
Say hello to the two massive horses that will lead you along snowy Vail Valley trails. You and your family are invited to tour these historic grounds via Horse and Sleigh while sipping on your favorite beverage.
Our knowledgeable team drivers will give you the history of the land and make your journey unforgettable. Bring your camera because you will want to take pictures of these majestic 2000 pound animals.
Breathe in the crisp mountain air at 4 Eagle Ranch, where a horse-drawn sleigh takes you on an authentic Western adventure to the historical Nelson Cabin. Dating back to 1890, the former sheep barn’s open-hearth fireplace and rustic decor create the perfect backdrop to dig into roasted chicken thighs and warm apple cobbler with sweet vanilla ice cream.
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The stunning silhouettes of the Rocky Mountains will wow you - but be sure to direct you gaze even higher to catch the celestial show above. On clear nights, the ranch’s distance from city lights reveals vivid constellations and shooting stars. Once you’ve gotten your fill of sparking skies, your sleigh pulls up to the cabin, where you’ll be welcomed by acoustic strums and Western tunes from their resident cowboy singer.
At Bearcat Stables, Rocky Mountain beauty meets fascinating history and mouthwatering meals. Grab a warm hot chocolate or a steaming hot totty, climb aboard and snuggle up in a fuzzy blanket. Then, glide across a true winter wonderland.
For a perfect end to a day of carving down Vail Mountain, choose the après-ski sleigh rides. They take place in early evening and include happy hour drink specials (you’ll definitely want to check out some local pours from their award-winning, 100-bottle wine list) and s’mores kits for the kiddos to roast up some gooey treats.
Meanwhile, the sleigh rides with dinner include an epic, four-course menu of Colorado cuisine - like juicy prime rib with tangy chimichurri sauce or a creamy chicken scallopini with mushrooms and capers (vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available by request!). End the night right with a fresh-baked double-chocolate brownie topped with a big scoop of vanilla.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides run late November through mid-March, conditions permitting. Dress in warm layers, with snow pants, jackets, gloves, warm boots, hats and neck gators/scarves. Advanced reservations are required.
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We are open Tuesday - Saturday. Making Memories Come enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride as we dash through secluded woods and meadows in our old fashioned sleighs! Snuggle under warm woolen blankets and relax to the sound of bells jingling as our team of gentle-giant draft horses carry your sleigh over historic glistening snow covered trails.
After the ride, warm up by the fire while sipping hot cocoa and roasting marshmallows while the kids play on the sledding hill! The whole family will enjoy the ride, the horses, refreshments, scenery and take home unforgettable memories of this sleigh ride. Bring the kids and the grandparents.
Last ride of the day is a 5pm departure and is typically in the dark. You are on the sleigh for approximately 45 minutes followed by hot cocoa and marshmallows by the fire.
Bearcat Stables in Vail, Colorado
A Western Adventure at National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides
Let National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides take you on an incredible adventure. When you climb into a horse drawn sleigh that takes you for a ride onto the National Elk Refuge, you will find yourself in the middle of a western adventure unlike any other. This century long tradition continues to be a one of a kind wildlife activity.
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It’s an amazing and exciting way to discover first hand new things about the area’s wildlife. As you climb onto your sleigh, you will meet your guide. They don’t just drive the horses. Guy or girl, your driver is a wealth of information and amazing facts. Come with questions and get ready for an interactive experience.
Learn about how the National Elk Refuge came to be and why it is important still today. Fascinating facts about the elk themselves are shared as you sit just feet away from these majestic animals. Questions you never thought about before suddenly become relevant.
How is the refuge managed today? How do the elk interact with the other animals on the National Elk Refuge? Antlers, life span, migration, baby elk (called calves), the rut, history, management pros and cons, etc. You name the topic or ask the question.
You are surrounded by some of Wyoming’s most scenic landscapes including the Grand Tetons. Each ride every day is unique with the unlimited combinations of things to see. As the snow comes the elk do, too.
Here in Jackson Hole, you will have the opportunity to see thousands of elk that make the National Elk Refuge their home for the winter season. You may also encounter other wildlife such as eagles, coyotes, foxes, badgers, bison, deer, wolves, as well as trumpeter swans, ducks, geese and a variety of other birds. Each ride is unique and you never know what you will see next.
Tickets are purchased in the parking lot of the National Elk Refuge Visitor Center at 532 N. Cache St. in Jackson from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm during sleigh ride season. Conditions permitting. To make a reservation please click here to reserve online or give us a call.
Reservations are available but not required. Please show up 30 minutes before scheduled ride time. Any group or individual cancelling their reservation within 48 hours of the original confirmed date will be charged the full price of the ticket(s). 532 N. We sell the tickets out of a white trailer in the visitor center parking lot. Please come check in there 30 minutes before your scheduled ride time.
National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides in Jackson Hole
Best Time to Visit for Elk Viewing
Depends on what you’re after. Typically, the warmest part of the day is between 11 am to 2 pm. As far as elk viewing goes, it varies each day, sometimes hourly. Often in the morning, the elk are up and grazing. In the early afternoon, they will lay down. In the evening, they will begin grazing again.
If they are being fed that day, they tend to group together to eat in the morning. Once the feed is gone, they will spread out throughout the day. However, they are wild animals. Every day can be different and there is no way to guarantee what they will be doing at any particular time.
The bulls will begin shedding their antlers the end of February, continuing throughout March. Elk begin coming on the National Elk Refuge throughout November in small numbers. More continue to come in December until the amount levels off throughout January and February.
When spring comes to the valley the elk begin leaving, usually beginning sometime in March/April. The elk come to the Refuge as the snow comes to the higher elevations. They follow the melting snow back up in the spring. The migration times can vary depending on the severity and length of the winter.
Important Information
- No dogs are allowed. Other animal scents can disturb the elk. If a dog barks, it would scare the elk causing them to run. Everything we do needs to be low impact on the elk.
- No food or drinks are allowed on the rides. Everything we do needs to be low impact on the elk.
- Parks Pass is not valid. The parks and refuge systems are two different organizations with different purposes. Therefore, a Parks Pass is not valid for a sleigh ride. Fish and Wildlife Service. not go to feeding.
Sleigh Ride and Dinner at 2 Below Zero in Breckenridge
Dinner Sleigh Ride - Two Below Zero
No Breckenridge ski vacation is complete without a sleigh ride and dinner at 2 Below Zero. Don’t miss your chance for a memorable experience at our location at the Frisco Nordic Center on the grounds of the Frisco Adventure Park. Our seating is limited, so make your reservations early by calling970-453-1520.
If you are looking for an experience you’ll never forget, why not enjoy a daytime sleigh ride with 2 Below Zero? Scenic Cocoa Sleigh Rides take guests on a one-hour round trip aboard our buckboard sleighs from the Frisco Adventure Park to our remote site.
There you will warm up with hot cocoa (we’ll add some Peppermint Schnapps to the adults’ mugs) and enjoy 15-minutes of live music while enjoying the views and firepits.
Your evening at 2 Below Zero begins with a quiet sleigh ride amidst snow-capped mountain views and starry night skies. Upon arrival at our back country camp, the old-fashioned fun continues inside a cozy, heated tent. Evening Dinner Sleigh Rides Depart from the Two Below Zero check-in tent at the Frisco Adventure Park.
Arrival for check-in for the evening dinner sleigh ride is 4:30 PM and departs at 5:00 PM. You’ll want to dress warmly since the area’s evening temperatures drop off steadily from those of the daytime hours. Warm blankets are provided to keep you cozy, but it’s still wise to bring along warm boots or shoes, gloves or mittens, a hat and a scarf. Please keep in mind that temperatures will be at or below those you’ll experience on the mountain during your ski day.
The guest tent is kept at a comfortable temperature by heaters so we encourage you to dress in layers that can be removed at the time of your dinner seating.
We will begin accepting reservations on September 1 for the next winter season. Pricing and menu information for the dinner sleigh rides are available here.
Dash through the snow from the comfort of a sleigh while taking in the mountain views. Two Below Zero’s Scenic Sleigh Ride is a one-hour (round-trip) experience complete with hot cocoa and homemade cookies (and schnapps for the adults).
Dinner sleigh rides take the experience to the next level. Two Below Zero’s Dinner sleigh ride begins with a quiet 20-minute journey amidst snow-capped mountains and starry night skies. Dinner takes place at their backcountry camp, where the old-fashioned fun begins inside a cozy lantern-lit, heated tent. Your evening includes a hearty three-course, home-cooked meal and musical entertainment.
Other Sleigh Ride Adventures in Breckenridge
Ride custom-built mountain sleighs up the beautiful ski slopes of Breckenridge Ski Resort with Breck Stables, complete with views of the Ten Mile Range. This sleigh ride leaves from the base of Peak 9 at about 9600′ elevation and goes up the mountain and reaches about 11,000′ elevation.
Golden Horseshoe Tours gives you the opportunity to take a sleigh ride back in time! The staff uses two mid-1800’s stoves - one to cook your choice of steak, barbecue chicken, salmon or vegetable lasagna - and one to make the cabin nice and toasty. Dinner (eaten off of tin plates) includes salad, corn on the cob, barbecue “miners’” beans, and hot apple pie.
During dinner, one of three shows begins. All companies offer private sleigh rides, perfect for a romantic evening or a little family bonding. It’s a perfect way to make an anniversary, proposal, birthday or other special occasions truly memorable.
Golden Horseshoe Tours offers a cherry-red scenic sleigh ride pulled by Belgian draft horses. Your wranglers will ensure you’re nestled under a cozy blanket before heading out through trails of powdery snow in the White River National Forest.
Scenic Cocoa Sleigh Rides take guests on a one-hour round trip aboard our buckboard sleighs from the Frisco Adventure Park to our remote site. There you will warm up with hot cocoa (we’ll add some Peppermint Schnapps to the adults’ mugs) and enjoy 15-minutes of live music while enjoying the views and firepits.
Tips for a Memorable Sleigh Ride
- Unless you want the memory of your sleigh ride to involve cold feet, leave flimsy footwear behind. Opt for a hardy pair of Sorels, UGGs or similar snow-boots. Hiking boots will do, but be sure to wear warm - preferably high performance - socks. For the rest of your attire, take a cue from the song “Let it Snow”: the weather outside may be frightful, but the fire (inside), so delightful.
- Cellphones lose their charge faster in the cold.
- Your going to have an amazing guide who makes you laugh until your sides hurt, educates you about local history, teaches you about gold mining and makes recommendations about other not-to-miss activities in Breckenridge. Trust us, you’ll want to tip your guide.
Experience a Dinner Theater Sleigh Ride
This Dinner Theater Sleigh Ride experience is now available for booking for the 2025/2026 Winter Season. Gold Discovered in Colorado! That’s the news that brought the flood of dreamers to the mining camps of the mountains around Breckenridge, in 1859. They planned to become prospectors, and strike it rich. And just like you, after a long winter’s day in the Colorado high country, they longed for a hot meal, some companionship and entertainment.
So they gathered in a dining hall, or saloon. In our mining camp dining hall, you will be welcomed by the warmth of our antique wood stoves. Waiting for you, on the hand-hewn log tables, will be yummy hot cocoa and cider to warm you up.
The Gold Fever of frontier mountain towns attracted all kinds of people. While you wait for your dinner to be prepared on our wood stove and grill, you will be entertained by one of the colorful Colorado characters that lived in this area in the days of the past. It might be a trapper, aka a mountain man, who roamed around here long before the gold boom. Or it could be a dance hall girl; one of the few females that came to the mountains to entertain the many young men, lonely for their sweethearts back home.
Enjoy a camp style hearty 3 course dinner on tin plates, and beverages in tin cups like the miners had. The meal consists of your choice of a grilled steak, BBQ chicken or salmon (vegetarian and vegan option also available upon request). Add to this a fresh tossed salad, guest favorite chili, hearty miner’s beans, corn on the cob, dinner rolls and plenty more. All this is finished off with our famous hot apple pie.