Traveling with your dog, or dogs, is easier and more accessible than ever, and a ski vacation is no exception. Travelers will find a little bit of it all in America’s top dog-friendly ski destinations, from five-star canine concierges to plush beds to dog menus and much more. Let us help as you plan your next ski trip with your dog, or dogs, in tow.
Before we jump into the list of the best dog-friendly ski destinations, there are some things to consider, especially if it’s your first ski trip with your four-legged friend. In Park City, or “Bark City,” as it’s referred to, local licensed veterinarian Suzanne Zweigart, aka Dr. Z, has several recommendations for long-distance travel with your pet.
First, Dr. Z says to check with your dog’s doctor before traveling from sea level to high altitudes. “Dogs with preexisting conditions, such as asthma and lung disease, could feel the altitude more acutely, ” she says. “Even for healthy dogs, traveling above 8,000 feet in elevation will affect them, like causing dehydration or exercise intolerance.” Furthermore, Dr. Zweigart notes that pets often arrive exhausted and thirsty from plane and car travel. She recommends adding water to the dog’s food to help offset dehydration.
It may go without saying, but make sure you’re up to date on recommended vaccinations for your pet. Finally, while you may have remembered your own first aid kit, don’t forget a pet first aid kit, especially if you plan to bring your furry friend skiing in the backcountry.
So with these helpful pet travel tips in mind, use the following list to plan a ski trip with your dog this winter.
The Most Dog-Friendly Ski Destinations In The U.S.
Aspen, Colorado
You’ll encounter dogs just about everywhere you go in Aspen, from the airport to restaurant patios to retail stores. It’s not unlikely that when you take your dog into a pet-friendly shop, that they’ll have biscuits for it. Dogs are even allowed on part of Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Ski Area, including on the gondolas. Find out more info in this dog-friendly guide to Aspen.
Dogs, like their human owners, have it made at some of Aspen’s top hotels. For a five-star experience, The Little Nell is hard to beat. Dogs are greeted with homemade treats, a doggie bed prepped for arrival, and a Puppy Jet Lag Kit. There is even a special Epicurean pet menu with tempting meals like Wagyu beef and grilled salmon. The Little Nell allows pets on request only (pet fee is $25 per night with a $100 non-refundable deposit).
Canine amenities are also available at the St. Regis Aspen Resort and Hotel Jerome. The St. Regis Aspen welcomes two pets of any size for a $75 fee for the first night and $25 for each additional night. Hotel Jerome welcomes two pets of any size for a $100 fee. Finally, the Limelight Hotel has been a pet-friendly hotel for forty years. The hotel’s location, across from the dog-friendly Wagner Park, is perfect for Fido ($50 pet fee per night).
Park City, Utah
They don’t call it Bark City for nothing. Waldorf Astoria ($100 cleaning fee per stay, up to two dogs), the pet-friendly slopeside hotel on Park City Mountain, speaks dog fluently. Dogs receive a homemade treat, bowl, and toy on arrival. Guests who are skiing can book a dog sitter or walker upon request, while there’s even the option to take your energetic pup out on a local hike.
Another pet-friendly option is the Westgate Resort & Spa, the only hotel offering a complimentary on-call shuttle service around town ($150 cleaning pet cleaning fee and $150 non-refundable deposit). If you’re traveling with a small pup and want to stay close to the action, then Washington School House Hotel is an ideal choice ($150 non-refundable pet fee). This historic Aspen hotel, built as a school in 1859, allows dogs under 45 pounds. Located right off Main Street, it’s a short stroll to pet-friendly restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and nearby trails. After your day on the slopes, it’s time for your dog to play. Run-A-Muck, on Olympic Highway, is rated one of the top dog parks in the state, and is a great place for your dog to burn some energy.
Hugo Coffee Roasters, located at the Park City Visitors Center, is a can’t-miss pet-friendly spot that welcomes humans and their pets indoors. Hugo’s motto is, “Drink coffee, save animals,” as they donate a portion of every purchase to dog rescue organizations and animals in need.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride takes pride in the fact that their town “has gone to the dogs.” You are all but guaranteed to see canine companions while walking down Telluride’s Main Street, even in the heart of winter. A few Telluride shops specialize in pet items, including Alpen Schatz for unique doggie treasures from the Alps, and Side by Side, for local, holistic dog food. Even the free public transportation, The Galloping Goose, allows dogs to hop on the bus if they are leashed. While dogs aren’t allowed on trails or ski lifts during operating hours in the winter, dogs may ride in approved pet cabins on the Chondola. Well behaved dogs are welcome to accompany their owners after operating hours as long as they follow Telluride’s uphill policies.
You won’t have a problem finding dog-friendly accommodations in Telluride, as there are more than 150 hotels and accommodations in the area that welcome furry friends. Hotel Columbia, with a prime location in town, is particularly accommodating to dog owners. You can choose your room location on a dog-friendly floor or away from other pets at the Hotel Columbia. Stop by the concierge for the lowdown on dog sitters, groomers, pet shops, trails, and more. Hotel Columbia charges a $30 pet fee per night.
Other popular dog-friendly hotels in Telluride include The Hotel Telluride ($25 per day with 10% of all pet fees are donated to the Humane Society), Mountain Lodge Telluride ($50 per day), The Peaks Resort & Spa ($100 per stay), and Lumiere with Inspirato ($30 per day and $100 departure cleaning fee).
Stowe, Vermont
According to GoStowe.com, pets are treated like royalty in the historic town of Stowe. Dogs are welcome on the patios along Main Street, including the patios of Tres Amigos and Sushi Yoshi. Craft beer lovers rejoice, as Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall offers mountain views for you and your pup, while Idletyme Brewing Co. is another great patio spot. Several shops in Stowe, including Remarkable Things in Stowe Village, sell pet gifts.
Nestled on 120 acres at the foot of Stowe Mountain, Topnotch Resort rolls out the red carpet for dogs with a special pet turndown service, CBD treats, and doggie tea time ($100 per dog nightly). The Commodores Inn has a lakefront view and plenty of outdoor space for your dog to roam ($25 per night), while Stowe Cabins in the Woods offers a secluded, rustic stay, with a full kitchen ($10 per night).
Want to cross-country ski with your dog? Head to Craftsbury Outdoor Center, located 30 miles northeast of Stowe. It boasts a sprawling 105-kilometer network of groomed trails, including 20 kilometers of trails that are dog-friendly.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes understands that you can’t just leave your dog behind when the mountains call. Many of the hotels in and around Mammoth welcome dogs. The Sierra Nevada Resort and Spa, featuring three restaurants, an aprés-ski bar, fitness center, spa, and sauna, bills itself as the “ideal spot to rest your paws.” Dogs are welcome up to 100 pounds ($25 per dog per day, up to two dogs).
Westin Monarch Resort is minutes from the slopes and near miles of hiking trails. Pet amenities include the signature Westin Heavenly Dog Bed and a special doggie kit with treats and toys ($50 per night, up to two dogs). However, dogs cannot be left unattended, so a pet sitter or doggie daycare is required during a day of skiing. For a quintessential slopeside hotel, the ski-in, ski-out Mammoth Mountain Inn welcomes pets for a small fee. The hotel boasts fun mountainside activities and close proximity to skiing.
For those who want to take their dogs skiing or snowshoeing, Inyo National Forest is a great location for backcountry snowshoeing or cross-country skiing with your pup. However, there are some policies, which you can find on the national forest website. Many U.S. national forests are dog-friendly, but you’ll just want to check their policies before planning a trip. Make sure to bring extra water, a first aid kit, ID tags, and extra dog waste bags.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson Hole understands that families love a ski vacation, and that dogs are as important as any other part of the family. Many of Jackson Hole’s restaurants welcome dogs on patios with treats and water bowls. Hayden’s Post, Healthy Being Juicery, Bin22, Hatch Taqueria, The Bird, and Cowboy Coffee all have outdoor seating, while a number of Jackson Hole shops, including Mountain Mutts and Teton Tails, cater to dogs.
Many Jackson Hole hotels not only welcome your dog, but charge either a minimal pet fee or none at all. Elk Country Inn, Snow King Resort, and The Antler Inn are among the Jackson Hole hotels that don’t charge a pet fee. Teton Mountain Lodge charges a $50 pet fee per day for up to two dogs, but it’s worth it, considering that dogs are greeted with a Noble Paws Welcome Amenity. This includes a blanket, water bottle, treats, dog food, toys, and more.
Pets are not permitted in national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton but are welcome in nearby national forests. Gros Ventre, a great destination for cross-country skiing, is a favorite with dog owners.
Killington, Vermont
Paw House Inn, located just 15 minutes from Killington and Pico mountains, is practically made for dogs. Their motto: “Some hotels accept dogs. Other hotels tolerate dogs. We cater entirely to dogs.” Highlights include custom-made dog beds in every room, a waived pet fee for up to two dogs (no breed or size restrictions), and a doggie daycare, Mario’s Playhouse, which is included in the room rate at no extra charge. There’s also an off-leash area called Paw House Park. Guests just need to complete the Paw House dog guest profile form before arrival.
Killington Mountain Lodge is closer to Killington Resort, located on the 6th hole of the golf course. Its $75 pet fee covers a 4-night stay, and is good for up to two pets. The newly renovated boutique Mountain Inn sits at the base of Killington, making it one of the most convenient options for dog owners, and has a pet fee of just $35 per night. After a day at the slopes, hit the Killington Distillery, the first distillery in New England, which is located right inside the hotel.
Not all ski resorts advertise themselves as being pet-friendly. Killington, however, advertises itself as a pet-friendly ski resort. But you can’t just take your dog anywhere. Read Killington’s pet policies before taking your dog to the resort.
Camelback Mountain Resort, Pennsylvania
Pets are a natural part of the Camelback Resort experience in the Poconos. Camelback welcomes dogs in select rooms, has a designated outdoor pet area, and allows your pooch to join you on its restaurant patios. Each room also comes with a ‘Pets are Welcome’ sign on the door to give guests to your room a heads up. Pets are allowed up to 50 pounds with a non-refundable pet charge of $150 for each standard room.
Chateau Resort, just a five-minute walk from Camelback Resort, is another nearby dog-friendly property that is convenient for skiers and riders. The scenic, lakefront hotel is popular for weddings and events, and offers specific pet lodging for a $25 fee per night.
Many hotels and ski resorts give dogs the world-class treatment that they give their owner. While this list covers a few of the top ski destinations for traveling with dogs, it’s by no means an exhaustive list. We recommend doing your research ahead of time, and even calling resorts, since pet policies often change, before you book.
December 18, 2024
