The 7 Best Dog-Friendly Ski Resorts in North America

1. Palisades Tahoe, California

Recommend Dog-Friendly Hotel: PlumpJack Inn, Olympic Valley, California

Palisades Tahoe is featured near the top of many best-of lists due to it's impressive size, reliable snowfall, and legendary terrain, but one aspect of this historic resort is overlooked– its love of dogs!

Like most resorts, Palisades Tahoe has a policy that dogs must remain on leash in The Village and in parking lots. A quick stroll through the Palisades Tahoe Village between the hours of 4 pm and 7 pm, however, will prove that this rule isn't strictly enforced. The result is what I've declared is 'skiing's biggest and friendliest dog park.'

Whether you want to enjoy après in the small yet inviting Slot Bar or outside with hundreds of friends at Le Chamois, your pup will be more than welcome. The latter establishment, which is called the 'The Chammy' by many locals, has a large flat area of groomed snow in front of it that regularly turns into a puppy playground.

Palisades Tahoe's Alpine side does not allow dogs within its lodge, but your best friend is more than welcome to romp and play in a large area of snow adjacent to the parking lot. Pack the tailgating setup, open a chair, and enjoy après with your dog and soon-to-be new friends.

2. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Recommend Dog-Friendly Hotel: Sheraton Park City, Park City, Utah

They don't call it Bark City for nothing. While Park City Mountain Resort doesn't allow pets in any of its on-mountain lodging options, the town of Park City is one of the most dog-friendly places in the world.

Not only will you see dozens of four-legged friends strolling the streets of downtown Park City on any given day, but many of the town's restaurants, stores, and hotels allow pets. If you want to get your best friend some exercise after you finish up on the mountain, the Town of Park City has numerous off-leash dog parks and wilderness areas to explore.

With a plethora of lodging options and access to over a dozen world-class ski areas within an hour's drive, Park City is a fantastic destination for skiers who don't want to leave their pets behind.

3. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado

Recommend Dog-Friendly Hotel: The PAD, Silverthorne, Colorado

Arapahoe Basin and dogs go together like a light beer after a long day of skiing. Some things are just meant to be.

The ski area allows leashed dogs in its parking lots, in its base village, and at outdoor seating at The 6th Alley Bar & Grill. Arapahoe Basin's parking spots along 'The Beach' are a desired commodity that require a paid reservation in-advance. If you're lucky to snag one, bring the dog (with a leash of course) and enjoy one of the best tailgating/après scenes in the world.

Arapahoe Basin allows for uphill access to skiers and riders who purchase an uphill pass. The ski area does not allow dogs to uphill travel during operational hours, but uphill pass holders may bring their pets before and after operational hours.

4. Mt. Bachelor, Oregon

Recommend Dog-Friendly Hotel: Riverhouse Lodge, Bend, Oregon

Of all the ski resorts on this list, Mt. Bachelor is the only one to have a dedicated off-leash dog park attached to its parking lot.

The aptly-named Mt. Bachelor Dog Park is located adjacent to the West Village parking area, and is supplied with dog waste bags and trash cans. Pets can run free of leashes in this groomed snow-play area. Leashes are required in Mt. Bachelor's parking lots and other base areas.

Mt. Bachelor is one of a few resorts that still allows overnight camping in its parking lots. Spots are limited, require a reservation, and run between $49–$89/night. If you're traveling and camping across the West with your pup in tow, consider spending a night or two at Mt. Bachelor.

5. Killington Resort, Vermont

Recommend Dog-Friendly Hotel: Days Inn by Wyndham, Rutland, Vermont

While Killington has a rather lengthy list of places pets can't go, the resort gladly welcomes "quiet, non-aggressive pets who are well groomed and up to date on shots and vaccinations." Skiers can hang with their pets for après in one of Killington's lively parking lot scenes or stroll around the village.

Killington allows for overnight camping in its Skyeship parking lot, including with your pets, but does not have power hookups like Mt. Bachelor or potable water.

6. Aspen, Colorado

Recommend Dog-Friendly Hotel: Limelight Hotel, Aspen, Colorado

Dogs are treated like royalty in Aspen, Colorado. If money isn't a problem, consider ignoring every other resort on this list and book a trip to Aspen ASAP.

From a dedicated dog menu at the world-famous Little Nell to dog treat room service at the Viceroy Snowmass, your four-legged friend can be pampered like the king or queen they are while you ski Aspen Snowmass' four world-class resorts.

Aspen Snowmass allows dogs at most of its outdoor dining seating areas and states online that many restaurants "offer water bowls to four-legged patrons." The town of Aspen follows suit. Aspen Snowmass recommends walking around town with your pet as they are likely to be offered biscuits "at many businesses, especially banks and retail stores."

7. Timberline Lodge, Oregon

Recommend Dog-Friendly Hotel: Timberline Lodge, Government Camp, Oregon

The historic hallways and towering ceilings of Timberline Lodge are largely unfriendly to dogs, but guests who book a pet-friendly room at the Lodge are welcomed to bring their furry friend.

There are only 10 pet-friendly rooms in the entire lodge, so make sure to confirm your booking well in advance. If you score a reservation, your best friend will receive a Timberline Lodge bandana and treats. The room is fitted with a dog bed, dog bowl, and a supply of dog waste bags.

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