Traveling with your dog is easier than ever, and a ski vacation is no exception. America’s top dog-friendly ski destinations offer a little bit of everything, from five-star canine concierges to plush beds to dedicated dog menus. Here’s how to plan your next ski trip with your four-legged friend (or friends) in tow.
Before we jump into the list of the best dog-friendly ski destinations, there are a few things to consider, especially if it’s your first ski trip with your dog. In Park City, or “Bark City,” as it’s known, 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 veterinarian 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.” Dr. Z also notes that pets often arrive exhausted and thirsty from plane and car travel, and she recommends adding water to your dog’s food to help offset dehydration.
It may go without saying, but make sure your pet is up to date on recommended vaccinations. And 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 into the backcountry.
With these 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. Walk into a pet-friendly shop and there’s a good chance a biscuit will be waiting. Dogs are even allowed on parts of Aspen Mountain and Snowmass, including on the gondolas (but not on the ski slopes). Find out more in this dog-friendly guide to Aspen.
Dogs, like their 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 their arrival, and a Puppy Jet Lag Kit. There’s even a special Epicurean pet menu with tempting meals like Wagyu beef and grilled salmon. The Little Nell allows pets on request only (the pet fee is $25 per night with a $125 non-refundable deposit).
Canine amenities are also available at The St. Regis Aspen Resort and Hotel Jerome. The St. Regis 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 pet-friendly for 40 years, and its location across from 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. The Waldorf Astoria, a pet-friendly slopeside hotel at Park City Mountain, speaks dog fluently ($100 cleaning fee per stay, up to two dogs). Dogs receive a homemade treat, a bowl, and a toy on arrival. Guests who are skiing can book a dog sitter or walker on request, and there’s even the option to take your energetic pup out on a local hike.
Another pet-friendly option is the Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, which offers a complimentary on-call shuttle around town ($150 pet cleaning fee and $150 non-refundable deposit). If you’re traveling with a small pup and want to stay close to the action, the Washington School House Hotel is an ideal choice ($150 non-refundable pet fee). This historic hotel, built as a schoolhouse in 1889, allows dogs under 45 pounds. Located just off Main Street, it’s a short stroll to pet-friendly restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and trails.
After your day on the slopes, it’s your dog’s turn to play. Run-A-Muck, on Olympic Parkway, is rated one of the top dog parks in the state and is a great place for your dog to burn off some energy.
Hugo Coffee Roasters, located at the Park City Visitor Center, is a can’t-miss stop that welcomes humans and their pets indoors. Hugo’s motto is “Drink coffee, save animals,” and the shop donates a portion of every purchase to dog rescue organizations and animals in need.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride takes pride in the fact that the town “has gone to the dogs.” You’re all but guaranteed to see canine companions while walking down Telluride’s main drag, 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 bus, The Galloping Goose, lets leashed dogs hop on board. While dogs aren’t allowed on ski trails or lifts during operating hours in the winter, they 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 trouble finding dog-friendly lodging in Telluride, as more than 150 hotels and accommodations in the area welcome furry friends. Hotel Columbia, with a prime location in town, is particularly accommodating to dog owners. You can choose a room on a dog-friendly floor or away from other pets, and the concierge can give you 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 donated to the Humane Society), Mountain Lodge Telluride ($50 per day), The Peaks Resort & Spa ($125 per stay), and Lumière with Inspirato ($30 per day and a $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 patios along Main Street, including those at Tres Amigos and Sushi Yoshi. Craft beer lovers, rejoice: Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall offers mountain views for you and your pup, and 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 ($20 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, about 30 miles northeast of Stowe. It boasts a sprawling 105-kilometer network of groomed trails, including 20 kilometers of dog-friendly trails.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes understands that you can’t just leave your dog behind when the mountains call, and many hotels in and around town welcome dogs. The Sierra Nevada Resort & Spa, featuring three restaurants, an après-ski bar, a fitness center, a spa, and a sauna, bills itself as the “ideal spot to rest your paws.” Dogs up to 100 pounds are welcome ($25 per dog per day, up to two dogs).
The Westin Monache Resort is minutes from the slopes and near miles of hiking trails. Pet amenities include the signature Westin Heavenly Dog Bed and a doggie kit with treats and toys ($50 per night, up to two dogs). Note that dogs can’t be left unattended, so you’ll need a pet sitter or doggie daycare on ski days. For a quintessential slopeside stay, the ski-in, ski-out Mammoth Mountain Inn welcomes pets for a fee and puts you steps from the lifts.
If you want to take your dog skiing or snowshoeing, Inyo National Forest is a great place for backcountry snowshoeing or cross-country skiing with your pup. Be sure to review the pet guidelines on the national forest website first. Many U.S. national forests are dog-friendly, but it’s always smart to check their policies before planning a trip. Bring extra water, a first aid kit, ID tags, and plenty of dog waste bags.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson Hole understands that families love a ski vacation, and that dogs are as important as any other member of the family. Many of the valley’s restaurants welcome dogs on their patios with treats and water bowls. Hayden’s Post, Healthy Being Juicery, Bin22, Hatch Taqueria, The Bird, and Cowboy Coffee all have outdoor seating, and a number of local shops, including Mountain Mutts and Teton Tails, cater to dogs.
Many Jackson Hole hotels not only welcome your dog but also charge a minimal pet fee or none at all. Elk Country Inn is among the hotels that charge a nominal pet fee ($25). Teton Mountain Lodge charges $50 per day for up to two dogs, but it’s worth it, since dogs are greeted with a Noble Paws Welcome Amenity that includes a blanket, water bottle, treats, dog food, toys, and more.
Pets are heavily restricted in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, where they’re kept to roads, parking areas, and campgrounds and aren’t allowed on trails, but they’re welcome in the surrounding national forests. The Gros Ventre area of Bridger-Teton National Forest is a great destination for cross-country skiing and a favorite with dog owners.
Killington, Vermont
Paw House Inn, just 15 minutes from Killington and Pico, is practically made for dogs. Its motto: “Some hotels accept dogs. Other hotels tolerate dogs. We cater entirely to dogs.” Highlights include custom-made dog beds in every room, no pet fee for up to two dogs (with no breed or size restrictions), and a doggie daycare, Mario’s Playhouse, that’s included in the room rate. 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.
Closer to Killington Resort, Killington Mountain Lodge sits on the sixth hole of the golf course. Its $75 pet fee covers up to two pets for a stay of up to four nights. The boutique Mountain Inn sits at the base of Killington, making it one of the most convenient options for dog owners, with a pet fee of just $35 per night. After a day on the slopes, stop by Killington Distillery, located right inside the hotel.
Unlike many ski resorts, Killington actively promotes itself as pet-friendly, but that doesn’t mean dogs can go anywhere. Read Killington’s pet policies before bringing your dog to the resort.
Camelback 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 pet-friendly room comes with a “Pets Are Welcome” sign on the door to give housekeeping and visitors a heads-up. Dogs up to 50 pounds are allowed, with a non-refundable pet charge of $150 per standard room.
Chateau Resort, just a five-minute walk from Camelback, is another dog-friendly property that’s convenient for skiers and riders. The scenic lakefront hotel is popular for weddings and events and offers designated pet lodging for a $25 fee per night.
Many hotels and ski resorts give dogs the same world-class treatment they give their owners. While this list covers a few of the top ski destinations for traveling with dogs, it’s by no means exhaustive. Pet policies and fees change often, so do your research and call ahead before you book.
Header image of Stowe, Vermont
