There is nothing more magical than riding in a one horse drawn sleigh in the falling snow while visiting Breckenridge, Colorado. The weather here can be temperamental (especially in the wintertime) and you never quite know what it will be like when you arrive. You may have weeks on end with perfect alpenglow and sunny bluebird days or constant snowfall and around the clock snow shoveling. It is always best to come prepared with several warm and breathable layers to keep you toasty while you explore the outdoors!

When it snows, you can watch as delicate white flakes fall silently like a blanket across the earth. Everything is still and reverent. These moments are some of my favorite to observe; when the world feels calm and peaceful, as though it is taking a rest. It is times like these that Breckenridge truly turns into a fantasy like winter wonderland. The town is lit up with twinkling lights and it feels warm and charming as people bustle about on their errands. The mountains watch curiously as both gondola’s and ski lifts ascend their slopes before skiers catapult themselves back down them. These peaks provide so much beauty, it is really no wonder that so many people adore the summit county area and flock here every winter.

While skiing and shopping may be on the forefront of most any vacationers mind, you actually have special plans up your sleeve this year. A proposal. Winter is such a perfect time to propose. The cold brings people inside and creates a feeling of closeness and intimacy. Families often gather together and spend time cozied up and reconnecting. It feels easy to reminisce and to plan for the future. This was all on the docket for Matthew when him and his girlfriend Julia, headed to the Rocky Mountains for their spring break vacation. Matthew researched and found Good Times Adventures who offered exactly what he needed for his desired proposal activities. Good Times Adventures is a multifaceted tour company hosting snowmobiling, dogsledding, and sleigh rides under the name Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides. It provides unique activities within summit county as the closest alternative dogsledding kennel is in Leadville, Colorado.

On arrival, Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides provided Matthew and Julia with thick warm blankets that they cuddled up with for the ride. Piping hot cocoa was steaming inside the canvas welcome tent and snow began falling as the beautiful Percheron horse snorted that it was ready to go. The horses tack jingled and soft falling snow created the most romantic atmosphere as we glided onto the trail in our one horse open sleigh. The trail system runs through Good Times Adventures private land before finding the White River National Forest of the Swan River Valley. It is essentially a serene backcountry mountain escape! This far out of town, you should plan to lose cell service. For some, this may feel a bit disconcerting, but I think it adds to the experience. Being out of range encourages guests to be completely present and focus on the moment at hand. This is especially helpful when you are about to propose to the love of your life!

The large draft horse wove in between wooded pine trees and winding trails. When openings appeared you caught glimpses of tranquil snow laden scenes. When we arrived to our turn around spot our guide encouraged Matthew and Julia to hop down and take in the scenery. We did not have snowshoes but the area surrounding us was hard snow pack and easy to walk on. The couple walked a little ways away from the sleigh and before we knew it, Matthew had kneeled down onto one knee and was asking Julia to marry him. She said, “Yes!”

Champagne was popped and the two celebrated their engagement in the most scenic of locations. Now fiancés, they spent time playing in the snow and taking photos with the mountain and forest backdrop. When we returned, we poured cups of the all too enticing hot chocolate and enjoyed a few last moments enjoying watching the drifting snow. I hope you enjoyed Matthew and Julia’s proposal story and that you will consider finding yourself in Breckenridge next winter, awaiting the jingling bells of your sauntering horse to arrive and whisk you away.