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What Is Better Than A Weekend Trip to the Mountains? A Weekend Trip to the Mountains with Your Dog

7-16-20   Eric Berry photographer Nesta the rottweiler
Purgatory Resort 

As a dog owner myself, I understand the frustrations you face when you are trying to plan a weekend getaway but have to find accommodations for your fluffy friend first. You know this, dogs are such great companions, why can’t they go everywhere?! Well, thankfully Colorado is very dog-friendly and many ski areas across the state are also very dog friendly. 

Have you ever heard of Avy Dogs? These dogs that are trained to save your life in dangerous avalanche situations are part of ski culture so it goes without saying that dogs are more than welcome on the slopes. 

Here’s a quick guide on where dogs are allowed across Colorado

Arapahoe Basin 

Arapahoe Basin is a great place to bring your pups. Well-behaved doggos are welcome on any of the hiking trails, the disc golf course, and the outdoor decks of 6th Alley Bar and Grill and the Black Mountain Lodge Deck. The only caveat is that dogs must be leashed and you must clean up after them. There are dog poo bag stations set up in the base area and in the parking lots to make it easy for you to clean up any messes. 

Aspen Snowmass and Aspen Mountain

If you have ever been to Aspen, you know that there is no shortage of furry friends around. Dogs are very welcome in the mountains that operate during the summer. Dogs are so welcome that they are allowed on the Aspen Snowmass gondola and the Aspen Mountain Gondola and on top of that, they’re allowed at all of the Aspen hotels. The Limelight in Aspen, Snowmass and Ketchum and the Little Nell all accept dogs for overnight stays. Similar rules apply here, just be sure to have your dogs leashed and clean up after them. 

Copper Mountain 

Copper Mountain is another area where dogs are more than welcome to join along in the fun outdoor activities you are planning on having. Not only do many of the lodging options at Copper accept Fido’s of all shapes and sizes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who are just as dog-friendly as you are. Don’t forget to clean up after your pet! 

Powderhorn

During the summer, Powderhorn welcomes four-legged companions, with a few ground rules. Dogs are not permitted on lifts or bike trails – including service dogs. Dogs are also not permitted in the lodge, on deck, or at SlopeSide (excluding service dogs). Dogs must be leashed at all times.

Purgatory 

If you are heading to southwest Colorado this summer, bring your dog! Much like the other ski areas, Purgatory is very open to having your furry creatures join along in any of your daily endeavors. The Lodge at Purgatory has specific rooms that are dog-friendly so be sure to reserve ahead of time to ensure you get a spot. Dogs are permitted in the base area and around the resort as long as they are leashed. If you are planning on shopping, dining or doing any kind of activities (i.e. mountain biking, alpine slide or mountain coaster, etc). Be sure to always clean up after your pet so that Purgatory can stay as pretty as we all expect it. 

Steamboat Resort 

This one is easy. Steamboat Springs was named Dog Town USA in 2013 by Dog Fancy magazine proving there is no shortage of activities that include fun for Fido which makes it an easy decision whether or not you want to have your best friend join along. There are plenty of lodging options that are pet-friendly and many restaurants have outdoor seating where you can

Sunlight Mountain Resort 

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on Sunlight Mountain at any time. 

Telluride Ski Resort 

Dogs are welcome at Telluride Ski Resort on any designated trail. You must keep your dog leashed at all times and clean up after your pet as well. Hiking up and down Telluride offers great exercise for you and your fluffer so don’t miss out on exploring the San Juans with your extended family. 

Winter Park Resort 

Your dogs are more than welcome at Winter Park Resort. In fact, they encourage you to bring them. There is no cost to bring your dog to the resort but if you’d like to buy them a little memento and a pass that has their picture on it, you can buy one online. 100% of proceeds from every pup pass go to Grand County Pet Pals. Dogs are allowed on the gondolas but they are not allowed on mountain biking trails. As always, your pet must be leashed and you must pick up after them. 

Overall, there is no reason to leave your four-legged friend behind. There are ample opportunities to unwind and exert some energy while having a companion close by.