Shared Adventures & A Shift in Perspective: Backcountry Skiing With Dogs
Disclaimer: Ruffwear does not recommend taking your dog into avalanche terrain. When skiing with your dog, it's important to ensure your dog receives appropriate training for avoiding ski edges and other potential hazards, and you should always carry a dog-specific first aid kit on your outdoor adventures.
I started skiing as a toddler, and it quickly turned into a full-blown obsession. My whole life revolved around skiing — first chair to last chair, full days at the resort, and endless backcountry runs — until I got my first dog. Suddenly, something new took the front seat. I could no longer ski the full days I was used to; I had a puppy to care for. And as much as I wanted to take him skiing, I didn’t know how that might work in the backcountry terrain.
Since getting my first dog, Alberto, and now my second, Shakira, the way I approach skiing has shifted significantly. I’ve had to tailor my relationship with the sport to accommodate my two furry buddies, but it hasn’t been a burden; instead, it’s brought new meaning to the sport I love. Now, sharing my passion with my pups, Alberto and Shakira, has turned every ski outing into an adventure shared with my best friends.
The Learning Curve
When I started skiing with Alberto, he was just one year old. I had skied with friends’ dogs before, but I’d never thought about the protocols. Is it recommended for a dog to run on snow? Would he even enjoy it? After a little research and a fair amount of trial and error, Alberto and I quickly became best ski partners.
Alberto is an Aussiedoodle with curly hair that snow loves to stick to, especially between his paws. For him, snow booties are essential to keep him comfortable and protected from icy buildup. I tried Musher’s Wax, which helps a bit, but I found that reapplying it throughout the day was tricky on longer outings. Booties were a better fit for him, so now I make sure he’s suited up before we hit the snow. Together, Alberto and I figured out what types of terrain he’s comfortable on and learned to respect his limits. If he hesitates about a run, we skip it. Bottomless powder is fantastic for me but can be tough on pups’ joints, so I’m always mindful to keep our outings enjoyable for him.
When Shakira joined the pack two years ago, she introduced her own challenges. It was a long journey and took a lot of patience, but with consistent, short outings and positive reinforcement, she gradually got accustomed to it. Shakira also has less fur on her belly than Alberto, so finding a coat that covered her underside and kept that specific area warm was essential. Now, Shakira loves the snow and skiing almost as much as her brother.
It’s a more relaxed version of skiing than I used to do, but sharing it with my dogs makes it so much more rewarding. We may not be doing epic full days in the backcountry or hitting steep chutes as often, but I wouldn’t trade these adventures with them for anything. I love watching their eyes light up at the sight of fresh snow, and the sound of their paws pattering alongside my skis always brings a smile to my face.
Tips for Backcountry Skiing With Dogs
Skiing with your dog adds a layer of adventure and responsibility. Above all, it’s crucial that your dog feels and is genuinely safe. Start small: don’t plan a huge backcountry outing for your first excursion. Begin with something manageable, like bringing your dog to the resort parking lot (if allowed) to play in the snow, then maybe go on a short walk or a mellow tour before working up to more challenging terrain.
I always make sure my dogs are fit enough for the terrain and that they’re comfortable with the pace. It's important to make informed choices about each outing, putting their comfort and security above all else.
First Aid & Emergency Preparation
Having a solid first aid kit is a must for any backcountry skier, and that includes essentials for your dog. My backcountry dog kit always includes a splint, Vetrap (self-adhesive bandaging), sterile dressings, Vaseline, and a cravat in case I need to muzzle them. I always bring extra layers and a warm pad they can lie on when we take breaks. I learned a lot of this from Dr. Bronwyn Fullagar in a piece she wrote for Ruffwear.
Cold weather safety isn’t something you want to learn on the fly. I educated myself on dog-specific first aid before we started our adventures. When we’re out in snowy terrain, I keep an eye on Alberto and Shakira’s energy and body language. If either of them is showing any signs of shivering, lethargy, or reluctance to go on, I call it a day.
Additional Tips & Tricks
Keeping dogs comfortable in cold, snowy conditions takes preparation and the right gear. I dress my dogs in booties to protect their paws and add jackets to keep them warm on extra cold days. Finding dog jackets that keep them cozy without limiting their mobility took a few tries, but it’s been well worth it for our long days on the mountain.
To keep them hydrated, I bring a thermos with warm water — letting them rely on eating snow isn’t ideal, as it can upset their stomachs and cool them down too quickly. I also carry a lightweight, insulated pad in my backpack for them to sit on during snack breaks. And depending on the duration and difficulty of our tour, I pack a few high-calorie treats for an energy boost
Obedience training is essential in the backcountry. Both dogs know basic commands, but I’ve taught them a few specialized cues for skiing, like “heel” for narrow trails or “whoa” when we’re stopping at the top of a hill. These commands help especially in tricky conditions.
And lastly, make sure you follow the Leave No Trace principles and choose to play in areas that welcome dogs. Some areas, unfortunately, do not allow dogs during wintertime. Make sure you've checked the local rules for your winter playground of choice and remember to carry pick-up bags.
Wrapping it All Up
Backcountry skiing with my dogs has given me a new perspective on the sport I thought I already knew so well. While I used to chase the thrill of big lines and bottomless power, now I have the company of Alberto and Shakira, who have transformed my relationship with the sport in a really lovely way. Whether we’re in fresh powder or cruising through packed snow, the love and excitement we share in the snow make every ski day unforgettable.
It’s true that our days may be shorter, and our runs a little mellower than they used to be, but being able to share these moments with my best friends makes every adventure that much more meaningful. So if you’re thinking about taking your own pup out for a day in the backcountry, remember that safety and comfort come first. Take it slow, respect their limits, and enjoy the ride. There’s nothing like skiing with your best friends by your side, paws and all.
