Ski Resorts That Welcome Dogs in Winter

Posted by Erin Ballinger

If Fido enjoys romping in the snow, now’s the time to plan a winter getaway to a pet-friendly ski resort. Do you want to snuggle with your pup next to a roaring fire while you watch the snowfall and sip hot cocoa in the ski lodge? Or would you rather spend the day on backcountry trails cross-country skiing or snowshoeing with your dog before retreating to a rustic cottage for s’mores by the fire pit? Whichever your preference, these pet-friendly resorts have you covered.

Justin Trails Resort

Sparta, WI
Skijor with Fido at Justin Trails Resort. Photo by Joe Michl

With over 200 acres of open fields and forests, your pooch will have plenty of space for off-leash frolicking at Justin Trails Resort in Sparta, WI. Accommodations range from primitive campsites to deluxe cabins with full kitchens, offering a lodging option for any budget. Rates include most on-site activities and a hearty breakfast featuring scrambled eggs, French toast, homemade granola and other tasty treats. For Fido, there’s even a fenced dog park on the premises! Enjoy the brisk winter weather during a snowshoeing or skijoring adventure with your pup on the resort’s 10-mile trail system. Not sure how to skijor? The owners, Don and Donna Justin, can give your dog a private lesson. In less than an hour, he’ll be pulling you along the ¾-mile groomed Dog Loop on skis!

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Avon, CO
"Let's hit the slopes!" Photo by @ritzcarltonbachelorgulch

Centrally located in Vail Valley, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch offers a plethora of dog-friendly activities. Furry guests are presented with a dog packet at check-in and are given an overstuffed dog bed, logoed dog bowl, gourmet treats and a “Pet in Room” sign for use during their stay. The resort also provides luxurious services like in-room massages, dog-friendly guided snowshoe tours, and doggie room service with menu items like top sirloin with scrambled eggs and rice, chicken breast with rice and tomato, and German Shepherd's Pie made with ground lamb, peas and carrots. Pets are allowed in the resort lobby, guest rooms and the outdoor patios at WYLD and Buffalos. Keep your eyes peeled for Bachelor, the hotel’s resident canine mascot, a Saint Bernard named for the hotel. During your stay, learn how to skijor during a private lesson with Louisa Morrissey of High Country Dogs in nearby Vail.

Fireside Lodge Bed and Breakfast

South Lake Tahoe, CA
Welcome to my cabin. Photo by @hazelzworld

Dogs are welcome at Fireside Lodge Bed and Breakfast, a log-cabin-style inn located in South Lake Tahoe. Each room is decorated in a unique country mountain theme and comes equipped with a fireplace. The inn backs up to a national forest which has miles of hiking trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to McP's Taphouse, where dogs are allowed outside year-round on the heated patio for brews, burgers and live music. Head back to the hotel before 9 p.m. to enjoy a complimentary s’mores roast. In the morning, refuel at the Lodge’s ample breakfast bar, stocked with bagels, waffles and oatmeal.

Waldorf Astoria Park City

Park City, UT
Living his best life in Bark City! Photo by Waldorf Astoria Park City

Park City has long been established as a destination for dog lovers. From its pet-friendly culture to off-leash dog parks and dog-friendly bars, Fido is welcomed with open arms during all seasons! Waldorf Astoria “Bark” City is no exception. From specialty house-baked and local treats to plush dog beds and logoed bandanas, your pup will live his best life in this mountainside oasis. In addition to welcoming dogs at the resort, the hotel partners with Nuzzles & Co., a local private non-profit, no-kill pet rescue and adoption organization. In the winter and summer, they host the resort’s Snuggle Lounge with puppies available for adoption. Explore 30 miles of dog-friendly trails at Round Valley Ski Trails, some of which allow dogs off leash, or visit Run-A-Muk Dog Park to explore 43 acres of Alpine terrain leash free. Afterward, warm up at Hugo Coffee Shop inside the Park City Visitor Center. Your dog is welcome to join you inside while you enjoy breakfast and a cuppa Bonafido Dark Roast. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds from retail purchases benefit dogs in shelters.

Sunriver Resort

Sunriver, OR
No two snowflakes taste the same! Photo by Facebook.com/heartprintproductions

Located at the base of the Cascade Mountains in central Oregon, Sunriver is a 3,300-acre community that Fido is sure to love. When you check in at Sunriver Resort, your dog will receive a welcome package filled with treats, a water bowl and puppy pads. If you enjoy cross-country skiing with your pup, you’ll have hundreds of off-leash trails to choose from in the surrounding Deschutes National Forest. Or check out Wanoga Snow Play Area Sno-Park, which has pooch-friendly trails and a tubing hill nearby.

The Lodge at Spruce Peak

Stowe, VT
Chillin’ on the slopes. Photo by @ericaciaraldi

The small New England town of Stowe, VT is world-famous for its ski slopes. The Lodge at Spruce Peak, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel provides canine guests with a plush dog bed and chew toy at check-in. Hit the ski trails for the day and bring your dog along to wait at the base of the slopes with a family member while you carve the snow. Afterward, refresh at The Roost, located at nearby Topnotch Resort. Dogs are welcome to join you at outdoor tables under a pergola with fire pits, where you can enjoy tasty fare with a Vermont flair and a craft draft beer or creative cocktail.

Hyatt Place Keystone

Keystone, CO
Hanging by the hot tub après-ski at the Hyatt Place Keystone. Photo by @kristy_kritter

Hyatt Place Keystone is an ideal base for an outdoor adventure in Colorado. Fido is greeted with a treat and is welcome to lounge by the fireplace of the lobby bar while you enjoy a cocktail and nosh on bar bites. Ski and snowshoe with your canine at the Keystone Nordic Center, which has trails conveniently located behind the hotel. Leashed dogs can run on certain trails during operating hours. After spending time on the slopes, warm up with Fido at nearby Steep Brewing and Coffee Company.

Emerson Resort & Spa

Mount Tremper, NY
"I'm bullish on winter." Photo by Facebook.com/emersonresort

Scenic vistas, pristine trails and epic views await you and your pooch on a vacation to Emerson Resort & Spa. Located in Mount Tremper in the Catskills Mountains, the resort offers designated pet-friendly rooms at both the inn and the lodge. Share a snowy expedition on any hiking trail in the area, including Mount Tremper Trail. At just under six miles, this out-and-back hike is rated difficult and rewards perseverance with stunning views from the top. For off-leash fun, return to the resort and let Fido loose at Catamount Dog Park, a fenced-in area with a dog run, doggy shower and small dog section.

Savage River Lodge

Frostburg, MD
Sniff out some snow in Frostburg. Photo by Facebook.com/SavageRiverLodge

Spend some quality time with your furry friend on a winter getaway to Savage River Lodge in Frostburg, MD. From being treated to homemade dog biscuits each morning to indulging in the Bone Appetit menu that includes canine casserole and mutt meatballs, Savage River Lodge treats visiting pets like VIPs. Located within the 700-acre Savage River State Forest, the lodge provides a peaceful oasis from the distractions of daily life. Enjoy a winter escape on the cross-country ski trails or take a snowshoe expedition with Fido by your side. In the evening, snuggle up in one of the private, two-story cabins appointed with everything you both need to enjoy a comfortable night.

Yurts at Riverside Resort

Whistler, BC
"Yurts so good." Photo by @michellebellalifts

Take your best friend glamping this snow season at the Yurts at Riverside Resort. Without running water or electricity, these rustic abodes are a “pawfect” match for nature lovers who want to surround themselves with snow. During the day, head to nearby Whistler Lost Lake Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Trails, where just under four miles of pet-friendly powdery trails await you and your pooch. Warm up with a hot toddy next to a fire pit on the pup-friendly patio at Tapley's Neighbourhood Pub after you’re done on the trails. Then, spend the evening grilling out and staring fondly through the yurt’s skylight at the uninterrupted view of the night sky.