The magic of a snowy winter escape is best enjoyed with friends and family, especially your dog. From skijoring and snowshoeing to sledding and deep-snow play, the novel experiences of a seasonal vacation provide dog owners with exciting chances to build their bond and share lifelong memories. Plan the perfect trip by checking out these seven dog-friendly winter vacation locations to get away to.

The 7 Dog-Friendly Winter Vacations Locations to Getaway to

1. Aspen, CO

Featuring four famous ski resorts, the luxurious snowbound town of Aspen is a skier’s paradise with plenty of accommodations to suit their four-legged friends. The Little Nell, a 5-star ski-in hotel, is the consensus spot to stay with dogs in tow. The dog-friendly winter getaway provides unique upscale perks, including a special pet menu served in dog bowls and dog-sitting services.

Although the gondolas and hiking trails are only accessible to dogs in the summer, there are still plenty of ways to take in the culture, cuisine, and outdoor recreation during the colder months.

Try Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fat-biking, and strolling with your dog on the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System. Enjoy fine dining at pet-friendly restaurants like Element 47, or grab a brew and mingle with other dog owners at the Highlands Alehouse. No matter your tastes, there’s something for everyone (and their pets).

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2. Lake Placid, NY

Lake Placid is a hidden treasure. As the site of two Olympic Winter Games, the small mountain city holds a special place in history thanks to its inspiring landscapes and limitless wintertime possibilities. Dogs enjoy pet-friendly perks at the Golden Arrow and High Peaks Resorts, while owners can take in the rustic yet refined Adirondack vibes that make the mountain haven a world-class retreat.

There’s plenty of pristine wilderness to explore and wide-open expanses for your dog to play in Lake Placid. You’ll find numerous dog-friendly winter hiking opportunities, including:

Here, you’ll find spots for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-biking at every turn. Nearby Whiteface Mountain offers Olympic-level snowboarding and skiing. In town, you can treat yourself to assorted spas, restaurants, shops, and wintertime sports events.

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3. Jackson Hole, WY

Another snow-covered playground, Jackson Hole, should be on any winter adventurer’s bucket list. The dog-friendly vacation spot features Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, one of the country’s top destinations for snowboarders and skiers.

For outdoor excursions with your dog, the groomed Cache Creek trail allows for on-leash exercise as you ski, bike, or snowshoe. In the winter, Grand Teton National Park Road and other unplowed roads open for hikers and their pets.

Dog-friendly dining is more limited in winter, as outdoor patios close down for the season. But if you want to hit the slopes or take in the village on a date night, finding a doggy daycare or sitter to entertain your pup for a few hours is never out of the question.

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4. Sun Valley, ID

Are you looking for the best Nordic skiing and snowshoeing activities to share with your dog? Pet-friendly Sun Valley is well worth a look. It is one of the nation’s original skiing destinations, offering endless trails ($5 for a doggy day pass) and scenic views to enjoy with your four-legged friend.

You can stay at charming resorts and hotels like Knob Hill Inn and Limelight Hotel, where your dog can receive unique pet perks. Sun Valley hosts a slew of fun family activities, ranging from ice skating and winter wagon rides to downtown shopping. Meanwhile, ski bums can get their fix at the renowned Bald and Dollar Mountains.

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5. Bend, OR

Who could leave DogTown USA off the list of hot (or, rather, cold) winter vacation destinations for their pups? With off-leash parks and pet-friendly businesses, breweries, and restaurants, Bend caters to dogs and their owners anywhere they go.

For hiking with your dog, you’ll enjoy a variety of trails, including the Deschutes River Trail, Rimrock Trail, and the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, where volcanic activity gave the low, sandy fields their form.

Three dog-friendly snow parks offer even more freedom, with Nordic trails and expansive wooded land providing snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling opportunities.

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6. Park City, UT

Only 20 minutes from Salt Lake City, Park City is Utah’s most dog-friendly winter getaway. Bark City’s canine-loving culture has everything for your dog, including off-leash dog parks featuring miles-long walking trails and hikes up Iron Mountain that reward splendid views.

Meanwhile, Round Valley has hundreds of acres for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat-biking while your dog plays off-leash. Exploring downtown Park City is easy with your dog since most shops welcome pets, and some provide special treats in many cases.

Finding a doggy daycare to watch your pup is a cinch if you want to hit the nearly 10,000 acres of ski slopes at Deer Valley and Park City Mountain.

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7. Lake Tahoe, CA

The air is as crisp and clean as the namesake waters at Lake Tahoe, a snow-laden and extremely dog-friendly vacation destination in the Sierra Nevadas. It’s a 72-mile drive around the lake, with numerous stopping points to explore.

South Lake Tahoe is the perfect point to settle in. You’ll be only a few minutes from Heavenly Ski Resort and Echo Lake Sno-Park, where you can snowshoe, snowmobile, ski, bike, and play to your heart’s content.

More hiking is available nearby at Fallen Leaf Lake and Van Sickle Bi-State Park. After adventuring, relax with a drink at one of the town’s dog-friendly tap houses.

Preparing for a Winter Vacation With Your Dog

Frolicking in the snow is a rare opportunity for many dogs. But as fun as it can be, a winter vacation also requires unique prep work. You’ll have to gauge your dog’s fitness for the cold weather to create a fun and safe plan.

While a Husky is born for this climate, an American Hairless will have a horrendous time trying to keep warm. And if you have a decent snowfall to enjoy, smaller dogs may risk getting lost in the powder if you stray from the beaten path.

Even dogs with fluffy layers of fur deserve extra care to keep them safe and satisfied while you explore.

Update Vaccinations and Microchip

Updating your dog’s vaccinations, preventatives, and microchip information will give you complete peace of mind while you’re playing in the snow far from home. With so many off-leash places to adventure in these winter vacation locations, dogs should always have updated collar tags and microchip ID contact information in case they become separated.

Vaccinations keep your dog safe and your options flexible. If a people-only activity catches your interest, you’ll need to look for a pet sitter or doggy daycare, many of which require up-to-date records. Schedule a vet appointment a few weeks before leaving if needed so you can keep everything on your itinerary.

Conclusion

Grab your leash, boots, and jacket—this winter is the time for fun in the snow with your furry best friend. A dog-friendly winter vacation is an enchanting change of pace, offering unforgettable sights and activities that’ll have you aching for more. Fortunately, since many of these vacation destinations provide all-new experiences in the summer, you’ll have plenty of reasons to plan a return trip when the snow melts!

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Featured Image Credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock