Updated for 2026 with current resort pet policies, lodging options, winter activity recommendations, and gear essentials for winter travel with your dog.

Dog-Friendly Ski Resorts: Winter Travel With Your Pup

Winter travel with a dog does not have to mean leaving the mountains behind. While your dog cannot join you on the ski lift, many of America’s best ski resorts sit in towns that are genuinely dog-friendly, with snowshoeing trails, winter hiking, dog-friendly restaurants and bars, and accommodations that welcome pets warmly.

My wife and I have been bringing our Bernese Mountain Dog, Aspen, to ski towns for five winters now. While one of us skis, the other explores the town and trails with Aspen. We swap at lunch. The result is a winter vacation that works for everyone, two humans who love skiing and a dog who was literally bred for the mountains.

The Reality of Ski Trips With Dogs

Let me set expectations clearly. Your dog cannot:

• Ride ski lifts or gondolas (with very rare exceptions for some summer-only gondolas)
• Go on ski runs
• Enter most on-mountain restaurants or lodges

Your dog can:

• Snowshoe and winter hike on designated trails
• Walk through ski town streets and shopping areas
• Visit dog-friendly restaurants, breweries, and bars (patios and sometimes indoors)
• Stay in pet-friendly lodging (many ski town hotels and vacation rentals welcome dogs)
• Play in the snow at parks and open spaces
• Accompany you on cross-country ski trails (some locations allow this)

The key to a successful ski trip with a dog is having activities planned for the dog when you are on the mountain, and ideally traveling with someone who can alternate ski time with dog time.

Best Dog-Friendly Ski Towns

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge is one of the most dog-friendly ski towns in the country. The town of Breckenridge actively promotes itself as dog-friendly, and the infrastructure reflects it.

Dog-friendly activities:

• Carter Park: Off-leash dog area with snow-covered fields in winter. Dogs love romping in deep powder here.
• Burro Trail: A moderate winter hike (snowshoes recommended) with mountain views. Dogs on leash.
• Blue River Pathway: A paved, plowed trail along the Blue River through town. Easy winter walk.
• Main Street: Walkable with many shops allowing dogs inside and restaurants with dog-friendly heated patios.

Dog-friendly dining and drinks:

• Breckenridge Brewery: Dog-friendly patio (heated in winter)
• Broken Compass Brewing: Dogs welcome on the patio
• Giampietro Pizza: Patio seating, dogs welcome
• Multiple restaurants on Main Street with heated outdoor seating

Lodging:

• Numerous pet-friendly vacation rentals (condos and houses)
• Several hotels accept pets (Best Western, DoubleTree)
• Many property management companies offer pet-friendly ski-in/ski-out condos

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride’s box canyon setting is breathtaking in winter. The free gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village allows dogs (confirm current policy) and provides stunning aerial views.

Dog-friendly activities:

• Bear Creek Trail: A beautiful winter hike to a frozen waterfall. Dogs on leash. Snowshoes or microspikes recommended.
• Town of Telluride: Compact, walkable, and very dog-friendly
• River Trail: Paved path along the San Miguel River, often plowed in winter

Lodging: The Hotel Telluride and several vacation rental companies welcome pets.

Park City, Utah

Park City offers world-class skiing and a charming Main Street that is welcoming to dogs.

Dog-friendly activities:

• Round Valley trails: Extensive trail system for winter hiking and snowshoeing with dogs on leash
• Rail Trail: A paved, often plowed multi-use trail
• Main Street: Boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, many dog-friendly
• Willow Creek Dog Park: Off-leash park, accessible year-round

Dog-friendly dining:

• Wasatch Brew Pub: Historic brewpub, dogs on patio
• Flanagan’s: Irish pub with a dog-friendly outdoor area
• Several Main Street restaurants with heated patios

Lodging: Kimpton Hotel (no pet fee), multiple vacation rentals.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Known for Champagne Powder and a western ranch town vibe. Steamboat is exceptionally dog-friendly.

Dog-friendly activities:

• Spring Creek Trail: Winter hiking and snowshoeing. Dogs on leash.
• Howelsen Hill area: Smaller ski area with surrounding paths accessible with dogs
• Yampa River Core Trail: Often plowed, good for winter walks
• Hot Sulphur Springs (day trip): Some hot springs in the region are dog-adjacent (dogs outside the pool areas)

Lodging: Sheraton Steamboat, Trailhead Lodge, numerous vacation rentals.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson is surrounded by national forest land with excellent winter trails for dogs.

Dog-friendly activities:

• Cache Creek Trail: Popular winter hiking trail right from town. Dogs on leash.
• Bridger-Teton National Forest: Extensive snowshoeing options with dogs
• Town of Jackson: The town square (with famous antler arches) is walkable. Many restaurants welcome dogs.
• National Elk Refuge (viewing): Drive through the refuge for wildlife viewing with your dog in the car

Important: Grand Teton National Park, visible from Jackson, does NOT allow dogs on trails. Stick to national forest land for hiking with your dog.

Lodging: Snow King Resort, The Wort Hotel (confirm pet policy), vacation rentals.

Stowe, Vermont

New England’s classic ski town. Stowe is charming, dog-friendly, and offers a different winter aesthetic than western ski towns.

Dog-friendly activities:

• Stowe Recreation Path: A 5.3-mile paved path from town to the resort area. Often groomed in winter for walking.
• Smugglers Notch State Park area: Winter hiking trails with dogs on leash
• Stowe Village: Walkable with shops and restaurants

Dining: The Bench, Harvest Market, Doc Ponds, all with dog-friendly options.

Lodging: Green Mountain Inn (dogs in select rooms), Trapp Family Lodge (confirm pet policy), vacation rentals.

Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky Resort is one of the largest ski areas in North America, and the surrounding area offers tremendous winter outdoor access.

Dog-friendly activities:

• Gallatin National Forest: Extensive winter trail access for snowshoeing with dogs
• Ousel Falls Trail: A short winter hike to a waterfall. Dogs on leash. Accessible with microspikes.
• Town Center: Small but growing with dog-friendly restaurants

Lodging: Several pet-friendly lodges and vacation rental properties.

Winter Gear for Your Dog

Winter conditions require specific gear to keep your dog safe and comfortable.

Essential Winter Dog Gear

Dog boots: Protecting paws from ice, salt, and cold is important, especially in ski towns where roads and sidewalks are treated with salt and de-icing chemicals.

• Ruffwear Polar Trex ($85-100): The best winter dog boot. Insulated, waterproof, and provides excellent traction on ice and snow. Vibram soles.
• Ruffwear Grip Trex ($80-100): Three-season boot that works well in snow. Not insulated, so better for moderate cold.
• Musher’s Secret paw wax ($15-20): A wax applied to paw pads that provides protection from salt, ice, and cold. Easier than boots for some dogs, but less protective.

Dog coats/jackets: Essential for short-haired breeds and recommended for most dogs in extreme cold.

• Ruffwear Cloud Chaser ($80-100): Soft-shell, insulated, weather-resistant. Excellent for active dogs in winter.
• Ruffwear Powder Hound ($100-120): The warmest option. Insulated with a waterproof shell. For extended outdoor time in extreme cold.
• Kurgo Loft Jacket ($40-60): Mid-range option with good insulation.

Visibility gear: Winter days are short. An LED collar light (Nite Ize SpotLit, $8-12) and reflective vest ensure visibility during early morning and evening walks.

Booties for snowshoeing: If your dog will be on long snowshoe outings, boots prevent ice ball formation between toes (a common and uncomfortable problem for dogs with longer fur between their pads).

Breeds and Cold Tolerance

Not all dogs handle cold equally:

Cold-weather champions (comfortable to 0F and below):

• Bernese Mountain Dog, Husky, Malamute, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Great Pyrenees, Samoyed

Moderate cold tolerance (comfortable to 20-30F):

• Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd

Cold-sensitive (need coats below 40F):

• Greyhound, Whippet, Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Boxer, Pit Bull, Doberman

Winter Safety

Hypothermia

Signs of hypothermia in dogs:

• Shivering (mild hypothermia)
• Lethargy and weakness
• Shallow breathing
• Fixed and dilated pupils (severe)

If your dog shows signs of hypothermia, get them inside immediately, wrap them in warm blankets, and seek veterinary care.

Frostbite

Dogs can get frostbite on ears, tails, and paw pads. Signs include:

• Pale or gray skin
• Skin that is cold and hard to the touch
• Pain when the area is touched
• Swelling as the area warms

Warm the affected area slowly with lukewarm (not hot) water or warm cloths. Seek veterinary care.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is commonly used in ski towns and is extremely toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can be fatal. Keep your dog away from puddles in parking lots and driveways, especially in areas where cars have been parked.

Avalanche Awareness

If snowshoeing or winter hiking in mountainous terrain, be aware of avalanche conditions. Check your local avalanche center’s forecast. Stay on designated trails and avoid steep, snow-loaded slopes. Dogs cannot trigger avalanches, but they can be caught in them.

Budget Planning

Category	Estimated Cost
Ski town lodging (pet-friendly, per night)	$150-500
Vacation rental (per night)	$150-400
Winter dog gear (boots, coat, lights)	$150-300 (one-time)
Snowshoe rental (for you)	$15-25 per day
Dining out	$30-70 per day
Apres-ski drinks	$15-30
Lift ticket (when you ski)	$100-250 per day

Planning Tips

Alternating Ski and Dog Time

If traveling as a couple or group:

• Morning session: Person A skis, Person B takes the dog on a snowshoe hike or town walk
• Lunch: Meet in town at a dog-friendly restaurant
• Afternoon session: Switch roles
• Evening: Apres-ski together with the dog at a brewery or restaurant

Solo Travel With a Dog

If you are solo with a dog:

• Some ski towns have doggy daycare services (check local options)
• Limit your ski time and alternate with dog activities throughout the day
• Consider morning skiing and afternoon dog adventures (or vice versa)
• Some vacation rentals allow dogs to stay alone for reasonable periods if they are calm and crate-trained

Booking Tips

• Book pet-friendly lodging early. Dog-friendly ski accommodations fill up fast, especially during holiday weeks and peak season.
• Ask about pet fees upfront. They can range from $0 (Kimpton) to $100+ per stay.
• Verify if there are size or breed restrictions.
• Ask about nearby dog-friendly trails and parks.

Cross-Country Skiing With Your Dog (Skijoring)

If you want to ski WITH your dog rather than alternating, cross-country skiing and skijoring (being pulled by your dog on skis) are exceptional options.

How Skijoring Works

Skijoring involves your dog wearing a pulling harness connected to a waist belt you wear on cross-country skis. Your dog pulls you while you provide additional propulsion with poles. It is a workout for both of you and an incredible bonding experience.

Gear needed:

• Cross-country or skate skis
• Skijoring harness for your dog (Non-stop Dogwear Freemotion, $50-80)
• Skijoring belt for you (Non-stop Dogwear Belt, $40-60)
• Bungee towline connecting the two ($30-50)

Where to skijor:

• Most cross-country ski centers allow dogs on specific trails
• Some resorts have designated dog-friendly Nordic trails
• National forest and BLM roads in winter provide groomed and ungroomed options
• Methow Valley, WA and Craftsbury Outdoor Center, VT are known for skijoring-friendly trails

Best breeds for skijoring: Huskies, Malamutes, German Shorthaired Pointers, and other athletic medium-to-large breeds with a natural pulling instinct.

Snowshoeing as an Alternative

Snowshoeing is the most accessible winter activity for dogs. You need snowshoes ($100-200 for a good pair), warm clothing, and a trail. Your dog walks alongside you, either on leash or in deep snow where they naturally stay close.

Top snowshoeing destinations for dogs:

• Breckenridge, CO: Numerous trails on national forest land
• Lake Tahoe, CA/NV: Snow-covered forest trails with lake views
• White Mountains, NH: Classic New England winter trails
• Methow Valley, WA: Extensive trail network

Apres-Ski With Your Dog

The apres-ski experience, the post-skiing socializing with food and drinks, is even better with a dog.

What to look for in apres-ski venues:

• Heated outdoor patios or fire pits
• Dog-friendly policy (most ski town breweries qualify)
• Proximity to lodging so you do not have to drive
• A relaxed atmosphere where a tired dog can settle in

Some of the best apres-ski-with-dog experiences I have had include Breckenridge Brewery’s heated patio after a morning of skiing and snowshoeing, The Mangy Moose in Jackson Hole where the outdoor fire pit area welcomes dogs, and Steamboat’s Mahogany Ridge Brewery where snow-covered dogs are a regular sight on the patio.

Final Thoughts

A ski trip with a dog requires compromise and planning, but the result is a winter vacation that includes your whole family. Watching Aspen bound through fresh powder, her Bernese Mountain Dog instincts fully activated, is one of my favorite sights in the world. The snowshoe hikes, the fireside evenings, the walks through snow-covered mountain towns, it all adds up to an experience that skiing alone cannot match.

The mountains in winter are spectacular, and sharing them with your dog makes them even more so.

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