A Dog Lover’s Guide to Planning a Ski Vacation

Resorts are hopping across the country as winter takes over North America. This year, don’t worry about leaving your dog behind. Planning a ski vacation just got a lot easier for dog lovers.

dog-sled-team

Finding Pet-Friendly Lodgings
Most ski resorts do not allow pets in their lodges. Luckily for pet owners, there are other options. Many smaller inns and Bed and Breakfasts have pet-friendly policies, and some families who rent out their homes during ski seasons to skiers allow dogs. The Days Inn Clearfield in Utah, for example, offers pet-friendly suites conveniently located near several ski areas.

Pet travel websites are a good place to start your search. A simple internet search for “pet-friendly hotels near X Mountain,” for instance, also yields results.

Dog Daycare Centers
Leaving your dog alone in your hotel room is a bad idea. For starters, hotels don’t like it. Neither will your dog. Look for ski areas with conveniently located doggy day care centers. Let your dog play all day while you ski, and reunite at night over hot chocolate and a biscuit.

Dog-Friendly Ski Trails
A surprising number of resorts offer trails for you and your dog to walk, snowshoe, or cross-country ski together. Just make sure you always check with the resort before taking your dog on a trail. Keep your dog on a leash at all times to prevent accidents and pick up after your dog.

Featured Dog-Friendly Ski Resort: Sunday River
Sunday River, located in Maine, is a pet-friendly ski resort with great slopes. Not only does the resort offer multiple dog-friendly housing options, but nearby Bethel Maine is active in your dog’s new favorite winter sport: skijoring. Come and watch a dogsled race or learn how to ski-jor with your pooch, getting the most out of your family vacation.

Winter Dog Safety
Your pooch is better equipped than you at handling extreme temperatures. That doesn’t mean he is immune to cold. Always check your dog’s pads to prevent uncomfortable icy snowballs from forming. Dogs that spend hours in the snow benefit from doggy booties. Smaller dogs and dogs with short hair are less cold tolerant than their shaggy cousins. Dog jackets help your furry friend stay warm while he romps at your side.

 

Contact