If you’re planning a dog-friendly Colorado vacation this winter, Vail is going to be your happy place. As the founder of Vail Mountain’s avalanche-dog program — and caretaker to Vail’s first (and very beloved) avalanche-rescue dog, Henry — Director of Ski Patrol Chris Reeder knows the ins and outs of exploring our snowy mountain community with your furry best friend in tow. That’s why we spoke with Reeder to get his expert insights on spending some winter quality time with your pup.
Read on to learn about Henry and how to meet Vail’s newest avalanche-rescue dogs who help keep everyone safe on the mountain. Plus, you’ll get tips for exploring with your Colorado adventure dog this winter.
Who was Henry and what did he mean to you? Please tell us about Henry’s legacy as Vail Ski Patrol’s first avalanche dog.
Reeder: Henry was the perfect dog to serve as our first. He was incredibly smart and could adapt to different training methods while we were figuring out what was going to work best for our mountain. He was terrific with guests and loved going around to our local schools to talk about ski safety. Throughout his career here, we would get guests coming from all parts of the world — and some even claimed to book their trip to be able to come and say “hi” to Henry. One of the best side effects of Vail Mountain’s avalanche-dog program is the improved approachability for our staff and a better connection with our guests.
Discover Vail Insider Tip: You can watch a video about Henry’s touching story here.
Where’s the best place in Vail to bring an adventure dog for playtime with other furry pals during the winter months?
Reeder: Both Donovan Park and Stephens Park are awesome places for dogs to socialize and play in the snow.
Discover Vail Insider Tip: Dogs at Donovan Park must be leashed at all times, while Stephens Park — and another pup-friendly spot, Bighorn Park — both have off-leash sections. Vail has many playgrounds and parks to explore. Take a peek at all of them.
Where’s your favorite place to bring a dog for a winter hike in Vail?
Reeder: The North Trail usually gets tracked out pretty quick and can be accessed from lots of places on the north side of the highway.
Discover Vail Insider Tip: Leashed dogs are welcome on North Trail. Don’t forget to pack out any dog waste. Check out more scenic and special Vail hikes.
If a friend were traveling with their dog this winter, which of Vail’s pet-friendly hotels would you recommend?
Reeder: You can’t beat The Arrabelle at Vail Square in Lionshead Village. It’s a pet-friendly hotel and there is a great dog-friendly park across the footbridge over Gore Creek.
Discover Vail Insider Tip: Find more hotel ideas for your dog-friendly Colorado vacation.
Did Henry have any favorite Vail spots, like shops or parks or trails?
Reeder: Henry loved playing in Gore Creek next to the International Bridge in Vail Village.
Discover Vail Insider Tip: Go on a scavenger hunt in the villages, your friendly pup in tow, to see our special places, parks and photo-worthy gems.
What are your top tips for adventuring outdoors in Vail with a furry friend when it’s snowy?
Reeder: To have the best Vail vacation experience, it pays to respect this beautiful place by being prepared to clean up after your pet and have them under leash control. If your dog isn’t used to the cold, there are lots of options to provide them with an insulating layer. Snow in the paws is always an issue, so some things to try would be dog boots or a balm like Musher’s Secret to rub on their paws. Once our Vail avalanche-rescue dogs’ feet get toughened up, we typically just need to keep the fur on their feet trimmed up.
Discover Vail Insider Tip: Heading into the wintry great outdoors? Follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
Do you have any favorite pup-friendly après-ski haunts that are fun for everyone?
Reeder: The Vail Brewing Company has a tasting room in Vail Village that includes a great dog-friendly deck.
Discover Vail Insider Tip: Leashed dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio. You can find more welcoming dog-friendly patio options here.
Where’s the best place in Vail for a pup-cup or a treat?
Reeder: The Pet Boutique of Vail under The Lodge at Vail has lots of treats and toys — and it’s the only pet store located in the heart of Vail Village.
Discover Vail Insider Tip: Dig into more ideas for pup-cup stops.
How do dogs become Vail avalanche-rescue dogs?
Reeder: Dogs begin training when they are pups, and it begins with exposure to different noises, modes of travel and their new “pack,” which are a bunch of ski patrollers and other dogs. Training then progresses to job-specific drills where they begin to learn the game of finding people buried under the snow. This game progressively gets harder, using multiple “victims” mixed with articles of clothing and progressively harder areas to get in and out of, that vary in location and size. After about two years, they are getting ready to test for validation as a bonafide avalanche-rescue dog. Handlers usually train every day with their dogs to get to and maintain this validation.
Discover Vail Insider Tip: You can become avalanche aware (and savvy!) with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
Who are the current members of Vail Ski Patrol’s avalanche-dog program? Are there any opportunities for visitors to meet them while in Vail?
Reeder: Currently, we have seven avalanche dogs ranging from retired to “in training.” Their names are Mookie, Rocky, Jake, Fred, Pepper, Moxie and Ullr. While they work at multiple outposts on the hill, Vail Ski Patrol headquarters at the top of the mountain is usually a great place to catch one on any given day.
Discover Vail Insider Tip: The Dine With the Dogs at Henry’s Hut program means you can meet Vail Mountain’s avy dogs in person — and the patrollers who love them — all winter long on Sundays.
Want More Colorado Travel Tips From Vail Experts?
- Get ideas for planning a very hygge (or cozy) Vail vacation
- Learn about fly-fishing in Vail from a local guide
- Find favorite haunts and places to ski from a Vail concierge pro
Hero photo (top) courtesy Madison Miller | Vail Resorts
