Christmas is here, it is finally time to pick out that perfect pine tree, hang those stockings and get ready for the holiday we’ve all been waiting for: its Christmas season!
As the lights go up around the trees, and the beautiful winter snow creates a new playground around the globe, tis the season to get out and enjoy all things Christmas. And, what better way to enjoy the winter snow, but alongside two beautiful and majestic draft horses to take you on the ride of your lifetime. Buddle up close to a loved with a hot chocolate in hand and hold on tight, as we take you through the best horse-drawn sleigh rides and carriages around the globe.
Breckenridge, Colardo, USA.
Breckenridge is home to one of the most decorated Christmas towns in the US, with celebratory tree lightings, town-wide sledding tournaments, endless treats and pastries to satisfy your wildest sweet tooth and so much more.
Tucked in at the base of the Rocky Mountain’s Ten Mile Range, throughout the most stunning land masses of colorful Colorado, “Brek”, as the locals call it, offers a year-round supply of fun. Deeply rooted in a rich Gold Rush history, this town is ready to meet any of your winter dreams. But the one activity you should be sure not miss is the outback sleigh ride throughout this beautiful little ski town. What better way to explore all this town brings to the table, then by a horse-drawn sleigh?
Starting during the later weeks of November through late April, sleigh rides are offered on a snow dependent basis to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck. Sit, back and relax as your assigned team of horses and drivers take you through the entrancing backcountry of Breckenridge county, with guaranteed sites of magical forestry, panoramic views of the town, and maybe even some native Coloradoan wildlife. Sleigh rides are perfect for the entire family, from fueling the youth’s vast imagination to creating the perfect mountain gateway for the adults. To ensure that everyone is satisfied, there are a few options to choose from.
If you prefer to simply relax as you soak up the charming and superb scenery, head on over to Two Below Zero for their one-hour long sleigh ride through the mountains behind town. They’ll be sure that you are well prepared for the cold with hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies in hand. For those of you hoping to treat your loved one to a romantic event under the stars, Two Below Zero also offers an elegant dinner sleigh ride. The night will begin with a lovely ride through the woods to the picturesque camp, where a three-course meal will be awaiting your arrival.
Are you craving a little more history, well why not try Golden Horseshoe Tours’ mining camp dinner with a show sleigh ride? You’ll be transported back to the Gold Rush days of the 1800s as you cozy up in the sleigh with an old-fashioned dinner all while enjoying a historical reenacting of the mining days.
For more information on booking, pricing check out the website here>> www.gobreck.com/seasons/winter-spring/breckenridge-sleigh-rides/
Blackcomb Sleigh Rides – Whistler, BC
Are you ready for a vacation that will make you feel like the main character in your favorite Christmas movie? Well then, the town of Whistler is calling your name. Backed up against the monumental mountain ranges of Whistler and Blackcomb, this chalet-style town will make you never want to leave.
The entire town is conveniently built so that wherever you may want to explore can be easily reached via a short yet charming walk. As you walk through the enchanting town, you will be exploring the wonders of the largest ski resort in North America, with a never-ending list of all-season activities to choose from. If that isn’t enough incentive to spend your next holiday here, how about the fact that Whistler was home to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics held at Olympic park? With so much to see and do, it can be hard to pin down the perfect winter activity. But why not see it all on a frosty horse-drawn sleigh ride through the town?
Exploring the winter wonderland of Whistler while aboard a horse-drawn sleigh is a true Canadian winter activity that can be enjoyed at any age. The sleighs themselves are built on metal runners that allow for smooth sailing through even the thickest of snow falls. Each sleigh is well equipped to meet your comfort needs with luxurious accoutrements such as canopies, padded benches, and ready-to-go blankets.
If you’re ready to meet some like-minded individuals, hop aboard the Scenic Mountain Sleigh ride starting at CA$72. The ride takes you through the snowy town as you sit back and enjoy the stars above. Perhaps your are feeling the need for some alone time with that special someone? Well, Blackcomb Sleigh Rides also offers a private mountain ride through the scenic ski mountain. Just in case you think it’ll be too cold, warm blankets will be provided as gaze down at the colorful lights in Whistler village.
To Discover more about the delights Whistler has to offer check out this website>>
https://blackcombsleighrides.com/ for more information.
HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGES AND HORSE-DRAWN SLEDGES – AUSTRIA
While snow vacations are commonly described as the perfect gateway, sometimes the crowds they attract can become gradually overwhelming. So, to avoid the larger populated winter villages, take your next winter vacation at the Katschberg Ski Resort in Austria. With only 16 lifts, you can skip the endless lines and overcrowded shops, without having to limit your daily activities.
As soon as you set foot into this tranquil village, you’ll feel as though you have stepped into your own personal high-profile country club, where the only thing you need to worry about is planning your next adventure. Take a stroll down main street and you’ll find yourself at a province crossroads between Carinthia and Salzburgerland running straight through town. Meet some new international friends as the town attracts a handful of visitors from Holland, Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Belgium and Britain.
The ski resort takes pride in being neighbors with the Alps, ensuring an entire winter of fresh snow for endless play. To further ensure that your days are filled with ceaseless snowy fun, the resort has an advanced snow-making system that covers the entire mountain when the natural powder needs some extra assistance. Needless to say, this resort is fully prepared to meet any and all of your winter wonderland expectations.
While many visitors come for the elite skiing and snowboarding opportunities, the best way to truly take in the views and tranquil nature of the town is through their horse-drawn sleigh rides. Head on over to the resort’s stables, Pritzhutte, for a peaceful and picturesque ride through the silvery village. Situated at the center of the Gontal natural reserve, you can be sure to catch some of the most spectacular views along your guided journey.
As a Guest you will climb aboard your sleigh at Pritzhutte stables and enjoy a peaceful yet seemingly magical journey through and around the Christmas-spirited town of Katschberg. As daytime temperatures drop form 1 degree C into the lower -7 degrees, guests will be provided with all the right necessities to stay cozy throughout the journey. Blankets are available on each sleigh for your outer warmth, and for the adults, schnapps for keeping your interior nice and toasty. If you prefer to have some privacy, the resort offers a private sleigh ride package for friends and family, and private events can be booked through their website. Children up to the age of three are free of charge for each ride, while they have the time of their life.
Ready to explore more about this Winter Wonderland? Visit https://www.hutter.at/en/feel-free-holidays/winter-activities/horse-sleigh-rides/ for more information.
Seiser Alm – Dolomites, Italy
For the most part, the thought of Italy sparks an immediate mind drift to artisanal wine accompanied with fresh baked bread while admiring the summer sunset over the horizon of a family-owned vineyard. But what about an Italian winter? Its time to enjoy the colder yet gorgeous months in Italy, as you soak up the mountain scenery with a warm beverage in hand. The best place to enjoy the winter months is at the Dolomites, where globally known landscapes will simply take your breath away. Located in South Tyrol, alongside the Northern Italian Alps, the Dolomite mountain range offers you an unforgettable winter adventure, considering being named Europe’s largest mountain plateau. During your stay, you are guaranteed to experience the spectacular views of intimidating vertical rock walls, sheer cliffs, and deep valleys that look as if they were paintings. While taking a ride aboard the local stable’s, horse-drawn sleighs, will ensure that all your wildest expectations are exceeded.
As you take in the sights, the sounds of prancing hoofs and jingling harness bells will revitalize your inner child-like imagination. Guests are pulled by Haflinger Draft Horses that are committed to making your journey a smooth one.
The trip will begin at the Seiser Alm mountain station and take you through valleys and rolling hills to capture the best views of the monumental mountain cascades. The Italian winters, although cold, are often accompanied by bright blue skies with the sun shining throughout the day. So, while you’ll be enjoying the winter season, your views will not be interrupted by overcast skies. But to ensure that you remain warm and cozy during your travels, blankets will be provided in each sleigh.
To Discover more about Your Italian Winter Adventure Visit the Webiste>>
www.seiseralm.it/en/winter-dolomites/other-activities/horse-drawn-sleighs.html
CENTRAL PARK CARRIAGE TOURS – NEW YORK CITY
New York City, or otherwise known as the Big Apple, is considered one of the most populous cities in the US, with well over 8.3 million people from all over the world. As the population continues to grow, so does the diverse lifestyle that this city attracts. Every day, life is emanating from this water-bound city, with a new door of opportunity opening every minute.
Life moves fast here, but it is a place that has inspired the lives of millions to make a difference in an ever-changing world. So, if you’re feeling the urge to get out and see a city come alive, New York is the place for you, especially when the winter holidays roll around. From the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting, to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Show, to the Elaborate 5th Avenue Window Displays, there’s no place that does Christmas like the Big Apple. Every Christmas holiday, the entire city lights up and commits the entire month of December to the seasonal festivities.
To truly see and experience this winter extravaganza, its best to hop on one of the multiple horse-drawn carriages that take you through the most decorated parts of the city. Central Park Carriage Tours offers a quick tour throughout Central Park, with beautiful views of the famous Carousel, the Chess and Checkers House, the Dairy, the Mall and the Zoo. You will then get to see the world famous Fifth Avenue, lit up by millions of Christmas lights that shine your way through the lavish shops. As a Guest you are guaranteed to get a breathtaking view of the Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree, which is colorfully decorated with over 48,000 LED lights with the famous Swarovski Crystal Star on the very top. At the end of the ride, you can choose to get dropped off by the free ice-skating rink in Central Park for a lively skate through the illuminating Christmas lights. This carriage rides ensure fun for the entire family.
To Discover More about Christmas in the Big Apple Go to >>
www.centralparkcarriagetours.com/chritmas-lights-carriage-rides/ for more details.
This Article by Jordan Bastian was originally published in the December 2020 Issue of Irish Sport Horse Magazine, all pictures were provided to illustrate the amazing Sleigh Rides around the Globe and have been credited to the individual sites.