Dog Sledding by Jared O’Neill
Jared O’Neill, Owner/Operator Snow Caps Sled Dogs PA
It seems so many of us, humans that is, feel a common bond with our furry counter-parts. This isn’t at all by coincidence. There’s no other animal on the planet with whom we mesh so well as our beloved dogs. They weren’t always the pint-sized, short-haired, take anywhere in your purse kind of companion we have today. No, in the beginning, dogs had a much more important role to play. Like all members of the family, dogs were expected to contribute, “pull their weight” if you will. They were there to haul a heavy load, help in the capture of game, keep wild animals at bay, even keep the children cozy and warm in their beds. Our connection to dogs dates back as far as our collective memories can take us.
Today, sports like dog-mushing seem to be more nostalgic than anything. A connection to the past, keeping the “romance” of Jack London and the Gold Rush alive. So many of today’s “racing” sled dogs are built for speed not compatibility to the elements. Fewer and fewer mushing outfits are running the traditional, thick furred, fuel efficient sled dogs of yester-year . Snow Caps has found it’s niche as a tour kennel, bridging people to their pasts while educating them about this timeless form of travel. We are dedicated to preserving our mushing heritage. As advocates for the Siberian Husky and Mushing as a sport, it’s our mission to show our guests that these magnificent creatures are alive and well, still happily doing what they’ve known for thousands of years.
Snow Caps Sled Dogs is based in Breckenridge, CO. where we currently operate the largest Siberian Kennel in the nation. For approximately 30 years, we 
have been offering a very unique twist to the dog sledding experience. After brief instruction, we allow our guests to actually try their hand at mushing the team. Implementing a snow-mobile and passenger sleigh, the guide is able to ensure safety at a distance, giving complete navigational control to the “musher”. Truly unique, enabling guests to enjoy the experience with friends or family. We pride ourselves on the dogs we raise, socialization being our main emphasis. Guests are encouraged to handle the dogs at every opportunity
Approaching our third winter season at Skytop Lodge, I pause to reflect on our journey of the past few years. My name is Jared O’Neill. I was once Head-Trainer and Senior guide at Snow Caps in Breckenridge. A “Jersey Boy” originally, I headed West as soon as age permitted. Never one for “settling”, life beckoned everything be tried, at least once. Through the years, I’ve always been involved with outdoor recreation on some level. Whether personally or professionally, the outdoors have always been a big part of my happiness. Dogs were always the other part. Since most of my spare time had always been spent in the wilderness with my own dogs, giving dog sledding a go was inevitable. If you love dogs, love snow, love being active, there’s just nothing else like it. And, that was that. I quickly found that I had a knack for training pups and before I knew it I’d raised close to a hundred sled dogs! I even moved in with my dogs for a spell. We spent three years living in a cabin at 10,000 ft, completely “off the grid”. (That’s no plumbing or electricity to you city folk) As time progressed, I had a longing to return to the green hills of my youth. Even growing up just an hour east of it’s location, I was completely unaware of Skytop Lodge. Upon my first arrival, I was completely taken by surprise. Never did I expect to find such a breath-taking, un-spoiled and vast tract of land with a history of dog sledding.
I think it’s safe to say, Snow Caps will be calling Skytop “home” for many years to come. Already, the dogs have become a favorite among Skytop guests. During the winter months, we have ample snow to provide the “traditional” mushing experience. During the rest of the year, Skytop’s extensive trail system is perfect for the exciting sport of “dry-land” dog sledding. Weather navigating a high-adventure dog-powered scooter, joining a guide on our large training cart, or attending a kennel-tour, there is always a fun and educational way to enjoy our lovable sled-dogs.
Snow Caps would like invite you to come meet our newest additions. We have three beautiful healthy pups. Sky, Penny and Red were born on September 22nd. As our family grows, guests become part of our dogs lives, watching them grow and learn, maybe one day mushing them on a team, or even giving them a warm home to spend their “golden years”. Come on out out and see whats got everybody “howling”!
