Guide to Planning a Dog-Friendly Ski Trip

My first time taking a dog on a ski trip was full of mishaps fit for a sitcom.  Last year’s ski trip was rewarding for both my family and my pet. Let me tell you the worst and best points of these two trips. Then read my top tips for taking a ski vacation with your dog.

Taking your dog along on a ski trip combines two of many people’s favorite things: skiing and spending quality time with your pup. A good trip is a win-win. Traveling with a furry companion can also turn into a stressful time for both of you. I've learned a lot the hard way over the years.

Let me tell you the worst and best points of these two trips. Then read my top tips for taking a ski vacation with your dog.

Rugby’s Ski Condo Misadventure

I had a yellow labrador retriever named Rugby. She was sweet and like most labs, eager to please. By age 5 she was mellow and would follow me most anywhere on her best behavior. When I had the opportunity to spend a week at a condo in Vermont, my fiancé suggested I bring her along.

Rugby, on a ski trip? I wasn’t sure about that. It seemed like a lot of work to pack for both of us for the week. I thought about it. She didn’t like when I went away. She made successful road trips with me to visit family members a number of times. Each time she did well in the car and in new settings.  This drive wasn’t much further and we’d be situated for a week. It would be nice to have her company before after skiing. I had even taken her for an afternoon to the ski area where I was a volunteer. She loved snow and meeting new people. I decided to bring her to Vermont. What could go wrong?

The drive went great. We checked into a cozy condo with older décor. It was situated within 30 minutes of several resorts and had everything we needed. Settling in the first night and I was so glad to have Rugby on the trip. She was my constant shadow and life was always better with my shadow at my side.  I got her plenty of exercise the first morning and left her sleeping in her bed, confined to one room of the condo while I went out to ski for a while. I had the best of both worlds – my dog and my favorite pastime.

When I returned from several hours of skiing, everything changed. I unlocked the door, but struggled to open it, finally pushing it ajar. Once inside, my jaw dropped. What on earth had happened?! I got Rugby out quickly for a walk then went back in to assess. “Oh Rugby, you didn’t!” The carpet was absolutely destroyed, shredded. It was as if the carpet behind the front door had gone through a paper shredder.  It was pretty torn up in areas near the window and the closet door as well.

My dog had not destroyed or even mildly chewed anything since she was a puppy. She took care of her toys and cared gingerly for anything I gave her. How could she trash the condo floor? Well, when your dog is a shadow, they likely have some level of separation anxiety. Leaving her alone at home in a familiar setting was not a problem. Leaving her at my sister’s home with their dog, proved nothing to worry about. But leaving her solo in a strange setting for several hours resulted in an anxiety attack that had her digging at the floor near any possible exit until I returned. Thankfully, I came back before the digging damaged the floors under the carpet. Thankfully, the décor was old and I doubted the owners would feel sad over the loss of a retro shag rug. I felt so bad for my dog though. I can’t imagine her stress.

Needless to say, the rest of the trip was not what I had planned. I thought about going home, but decided to stay and make things better. Part of the week was spent shopping for an installing a carpet. I wanted to leave the condo in better shape than I found it. Things did get much better for Rugby and I did get some ski runs in with the help of friends. I’ll spare you the details of the rest of this messy adventure so we can move on to several years and a dog later, after I learned from various travel mistakes.

Kona Recommends this Pet-Friendly Vermont Ski Trip

Meet Kona, a comical, half-blind Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. My family and I brought her along on a ski trip to Vermont last winter. We did plenty of advance planning, resulting in a trip everyone enjoyed.

We knew this was going to be a vacation with Kona, so we sought out dog-friendly places to visit in Vermont. Most I had been to before. I also called ahead to check if any of the dog policies changed since my last visit.

Magic Mountain Ski Area in Londonderry, Vermont is on the Indy Pass and open Thursday to Sunday, most holidays and powder days. Ski runs all filter down to one main base area and parking lot. Dogs are not allowed on runs or groomed surfaces when the lifts are open. But, just across the parking log is a dog-friendly haven.

The Upper Pass Lodge offers a variety of modest rooms, several of them pet- friendly. Kona definitely gives this place two paws up. A large water bowl and a friendly mailbox at the front reception make it clear that well-behaved canines are welcome here. The proximity of the Lodge to the Lifts at Magic meant our group could walk back and forth from skiing to our room to take breaks and walks with Kona. Evening activities with our family and friends always involved Kona.

The Lodge has a great room with a big stone fireplace where skiers can gather, play games in the evening, or enjoy a beverage from the bar. Well-behaved dogs can enjoy the great room with their owners. The Red Slate Restaurant on site is excellent and of course one spot your pet does not join you.  Kona was happy to go back to the room for a nap while we dined.

The surrounding area provided more dog-inclusive fun. We took a side trip, a scenic, 45-minute drive up to Bridgewater Corners to The Long Trail Brewery, for dinner. Make a reservation in their pet-friendly section ahead of time. Kona was thrilled to find her own designated dog bed, blanket and water bowl waiting at our table.

My husband also took Kona on an excursion into Manchester, VT. There are parks to visit and the Orvis Outlet welcomes good dogs of all sizes and shapes in their store.

Most of this trip went very smoothly. The only exception was the bitterly cold temps that foiled our plans to take our dog on some extended walks to keep her well-exercised and tired. It was too cold for her to walk long outside. We adjusted the schedule to allow for shorter, more frequent walks, resulting in a rewarding trip for humans and pups.  No matter how well you plan, always be ready to pivot when there's a canine in your travel party.

After several ski trips with pets and learning the hard way, here’s my

Top Tips for Planning a Ski Trip with Your Dog

1)      Research Dog-Friendly Options

Find out the areas where you can and cannot bring your dog at the mountain, lodging, restaurants, and more. When you find one dog-friendly spot, ask if they recommend any other locations to bring your pet nearby to add to your itinerary. You can use sites like Bring Fido for more location ideas. Always call the places you plan to stop and ask for their latest dog policy. Planning to use a doggy daycare near the ski area definitely requires reservations. If you are driving a distance to the mountain, don't forget to research places to stop and take a walk every few hours along your travel route.

2)      Know Your Dog

This is your pet's vacation too. What will make their trip good experience? How much exercise time do they need? What keeps your pup from getting bored? What excites them and will make the trip fun? Will they bark or whine, disturbing other travelers? If so, you might need standalone lodging without shared walls. Make a list of the behaviors and activities to plan for so that you both have fun and don't disrupt other travelers.

3)      Accept That You Never Fully Know Your Dog

I had no idea my dog Rugby would have such bad separation anxiety when I left alone in a new place. I thought I knew her well. You might discover an entirely different surprise like car sickness or fear of snowmobile sounds. Ease them into the trip. Leave only for short periods, especially at first where you can be nearby to listen for any whines or barks.

4)      Plan a Daily Schedule

Get your dog as much exercise and attention as they need. That comes first. The old saying is often true, "a tired dog is a good dog." Fit your ski day around your pet's needs. If you have multiple people in your group, take turns being the person to hang back with your pup. Keep your time together stimulating. Kona loved the mountain ride to the brewery and visiting with other dogs and restaurant guests.

5)      Pack Accordingly

Make a packing list of everything your dog needs. Include food, toys, leashes, cold-weather gear, a crate, bags, favorite toys and new toys, treats, bowls, water for along the drive, medications. The list goes on. Include a flashlight and good reflective gear for the two of you because many mountain towns don't have street lights for those late night walks. Bring some brand-new toys and treats for added stimulation. Don't forget to bring ID and medical records and your vet's phone number. Hopefully you will never need to visit a veterinarian on vacation. If you do, it helps to have proof of vaccines and medical history handy.

6)      Make Sure Others in Your Ski Group Know the Plan

If you are going to be skiing with friends, let them know what your plans are for your pup. If you're sharing accommodations, make sure everyone is comfortable with dogs. Hopefully some will be dog-lovers and want to share in spending time with your pet.

7)      Be Ready to Pivot

Stay flexible. You can't plan for the unexpected, but you can adapt.

8)      Keep a Happy Disposition and Enjoy

Pets pick up on our moods. If you have any travel stress, don't let it show. Do share your love of new places and new adventures. They pick up on our happiness too. Enjoy the time together. That's why you brought them along.

Is all this sounds too much for you, consider leaving your pooch or pedigree home with a sitter or at their favorite pet lodge. If you’re well-prepared, you can have great ski trip adventures shared with your four-legged family member.

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