Your four-legged friend wants to prove she can totally shred the gnar with the best of ‘em (and look cute while doing it). Colorado’s world-renowned, pup-ular skiing towns offer plenty of adventures with dog-friendly gondola rides, lodging, dining, and trails. Though it takes some creativity and planning to bring her, she’s sure to have a blast at one of these five dog-friendly Colorado ski resorts.
P.S. We verified COVID deets at the time of publication, but make reservations and check websites in advance for skiing conditions. Note that pups often aren’t allowed to hit the slopes during standard operating hours. We dug up locations that let pup stay unattended, or even arrange dogsitting, while you’re ripping the slopes.
1. Aspen Snowmass
Spoil pup like the celebrity he is by taking him to a classy dog-friendly hotel and checking out the pooch-friendly Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola and Snowmass Ski Area’s Elk Camp Gondola. Dogs are only allowed on-mountain for uphill access to skiing before and after operational hours at Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. You can also take your pup skijoring on the Aspen-Snowmass Nordic Trail System or hiking on the scenic Smuggler Mountain Road.
Aspen Snowmass Dog-Friendly Lodging
The Little Nell features a luxury experience for both humans and dogs. After checking in, dogs are greeted with Puppy Jet Lag kits that include a Little Nell souvenir leash, a large dog bed, silver dog bowls, and a dog menu with chef-made options like wagyu beef and grilled salmon. Concierge service is available for dog walking.
Conveniently located slopeside, Viceroy Snowmass is a fancy dog-friendly haven. Pups are given dog beds, a leash, Viceroy Bandana, and delicious I Luv Liver treats. Best of all, well-behaved woofs are allowed to stay in the room unattended. For an additional fee, dog walking is available by concierge.
For a more budget-friendly option, check out the Molly Gibson Lodge, which offers a heated pool and complimentary grab-and-go breakfasts. Crated well-behaved dogs are allowed to stay in the room while you shred.
2. Telluride Ski Resort
This upscale mountain resort town boasts more dogs than people, which tbh sounds like an absolute dream. Dogs are welcome on Telluride’s local bus system, the Galloping Goose, and the complimentary gondola to Mountain Village. Well-behaved woofs on leashes are only allowed on-mountain for uphill access from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. If pup likes skijoring, sniff out 8 miles of dog-friendly Nordic trails in Mountain Village.
Telluride Dog-Friendly Lodging
For fancy pups looking for a luxury getaway, the Hotel Telluride provides a perfect five-star option. Upon check-in, barks are treated to a welcome bag of Telluride pet info and homemade organic pet treats. Canines can be left unaccompanied in the room; just be sure to let the front desk know. Bonus: 10% of pet fees are donated to Second Chance Humane Society.
Ballin’ on a budget? Mountainside Inn features recently renovated rooms, a central location, and easy access to the Galloping Goose bus system. Plus, the front desk will spoil your fren with treats. Is your pup chillin’ in the room watching Love It Or List It reruns while you hit the slopes? Just make sure to tell the front desk.
3. Monarch Mountain
Wanna get away from the hustle and bustle of larger resorts? Check out Monarch Mountain near Salida, which offers shorter lift lines, more affordable prices, and fresh powder. During the day, dogs are welcome to hang in the parking lot, so long as they are leashed and attended by at least one hooman. Pups are only allowed to rove the mountain with their peeps for uphill access to skiing before and after operational hours. If your dog needs to blow off some steam, check out Loyal Duke’s Dog Park.
Monarch Mountain Dog-Friendly Lodging
Just a short 15-minute drive from Monarch Mountain, Loyal Duke Lodge offers gorgeous panoramic views of the Sawatch Range, recently renovated rooms, complimentary breakfast, a heated pool, and an affordable price. Four-legged friends are welcomed at check-in with a water bowl, dog bed, and treats. Crated dogs are permitted to be left unattended.
The Mountain Goat Lodge is a quaint B&B located on 20 acres of rolling pastures just outside Salida. Dogs welcome; bark to the owners if you’re planning to leave pooch unattended. Pup’ll meet goats, chickens, and llamas (which are all funny lookin’ dogs if ya ask us).
4. Winter Park Resort
Crowned the No. 1 ski resort in North America by USA Today, Winter Park Resort is well-suited for royalty (like your barkgeoisie canine). Make a donation to Grant County Pet Pals for a souvenir pet pass for your certified very good boy. Though the pet pass doesn’t grant lift access (we wish!), Winter Park offers uphill access for pups outside of operating hours.
If your doggo is beggin’ to hit the trails, give skiijoring a whirl at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. Need to unwind with a brew? Check out Hideaway Park Brewery. For great views of Byers Peak, we recommend the gorgeous hiking trails at the Fraser Experimental Forest.
Winter Park Dog-Friendly Lodging
Located within walking distance of Winter Park Ski Resort, The Vintage Hotel offers a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, library room, and its own on-site ski and snowboard rental shop. Dogs’ll be spoiled with treats from the front desk and may be left in the room unattended.
Winter Park Mountain Lodge provides a perfect mountain getaway snuggled at the base of the mountains just a mile from Winter Park Resort. The mountain lodge features a daily shuttle to the ski resort, on-site ski and snowboard rental, a heated pool, and complimentary breakfast. Well-behaved dogs may be left in the room unattended. The extra kibble: Front desk staff’ll pamper your pooch with treats.
5. Arapahoe Basin
For doggos who love a day trip from Denver, Arapahoe Basin is a stellar choice. They boast the longest ski and ride season in Colorado. Doggo can join you for uphill skiing access outside operating hours. Explore nearby Keystone fur the gorgeous trails around Keystone Lake.
Arapahoe Basin Dog-Friendly Lodging
A locally-owned option, Georgetown Mountain Inn is a short drive from Araphaoe Basin. The inn offers a heated pool, complimentary breakfast, and dog-friendly digs. Call them for deets about leaving your dog during the day.
Ten minutes from A-Basin, Keystone Lodge and Spa welcomes dogs with treats and pet-friendly info. Humans can soak in the heated pool and hot tub. Well-behaved fluffs can be left unattended in the room; they want the bed and remote all to themselves anyway.
What dog-friendly Colorado ski resorts make your doggo go mutts? Let us know in the comments and pittie please tag @SidewalkDog in your snow adventures.
Featured photo: @hettyvanderzanden
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