Curbed Ski has already mapped the best hotels for dogs in ski towns across North America, but now we turn to an even bigger question: which town is Fido's favorite to live in, vacation, or just spend the day? Based on reader nominations, we've narrowed the field to six finalists and the list is pretty sweet. Below, we break down why all the dogs love North Lake Tahoe, Telluride, Aspen, Stowe, Whistler, and Mammoth, then it's time for you to vote and tell us which pup paradise should be crowned king.
↑ North Lake Tahoe: Whether you want to frolic with Fido on the beach or take him to a festival, North Lake is a sure bet. High-end hotels like the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe (one of our 38 Essential Ski Hotels) allow pets, and check out dog-friendly beaches like Thunderbird, Chimney, Coon Street, and Watermans Landing. Dogs will love hiking water-filled trails like Marlette Lake and Shirley Canyon, but the most unique puppy adventure is rafting the Truckee River with your best friend. This mellow float is fairly shallow so dogs can hop on and off at their leisure. Afterwards, hit up the Peaks & Paws festival at Squaw Valley on August 23 for a full day of pet friendly activities and booze for the owners, of course.
↑ Aspen: A little place called Asssspen might be one of the fanciest ski towns around, but that doesn't mean your dog is neglected. There are plenty of pet friendly hotels, including some of our top picks. Try the Limelight Hotel, the St. Regis Aspen Resort, the Hotel Jerome, or the Little Nell, which even has a Puppy Jet Lag Kit for altitude adjustment. Most of the Aspen area hiking trails are pet-friendly (abide by the leash laws, though), so check out the nearby Smuggler Mountain Road/Hunter Creek trails, American Lake or the Ute Trail. And even if you leave Fido at home, the Aspen Animal Shelter has a program where those pining for some puppy love can loan a dog for a day. How cool is that?
↑ Telluride: This gorgeous ski town just might be paradise for man's best friend (and here's a video to prove it). Top dog-friendly hotels like the Lumière, the Hotel Madeline, and the Inn at Lost Creek all offer loads of pet amenities (think dog beds, treats, and special watering bowls) and there are several dog shops in town that cater to our four-legged pals. Beyond the amazing trails and rivers that are perfect for Fido to run, leashed dogs are even allowed in select cabins of the free gondola that runs between Telluride and Mountain Village. The historic downtown also has "puppy parking" spots that let dogs chill for up to 30 minutes while owners pop into nearby shops.
↑ Whistler: The numerous lakes and rivers in British Colombia make Whistler a top choice for water-loving hounds. And we love that high-end resorts like the Fairmont Chateau, the Four Seasons, and the Nita Lake Lodge all offer pet friendly accommodations. In town, keep Fido leashed, but at Alta Lake, Lost Lake, and Alpha Lake, there are designated off leash areas so dogs can cool of too. And while some trails are off limits to pups, check out the Whistler Valley Trail, the Sea to Sky Trail, or the Nairn Falls for dog friendly hikes.
↑ Stowe: We just can't get enough of our favorite New England ski town, and we love even more that Stowe is such a dog friendly place. Bring your dog to Topnotch Resort and enjoy their On the Road With Rover program. Topnotch will provide dog sitters, special turn-down amenities and spa treatments, all for your best friend! If Fido needs to run, check out the Stowe Quiet Path for an easy stroll or take your dog on Stowe Mountain Resort's gondola and hike the highest peak in Vermont, Mount Mansfield. Cool off in the waters of the dog-friendly West Branch River or Bingham Falls.
↑ Mammoth: In the know Californians head to Mammoth Lakes when they want a vacation with dogs in tow, and we can't blame them. At the Westin Monache Resort, dogs are welcomed with open arms, think fancy bowls, a plush dog bed, treats, and a recommended Dog Activity guide. Dogs are also welcome on the Mammoth Mountain gondola, so our advice is to take it up the hill and enjoy a huge number of hikes. Your four-legged friend is sure to love the beautiful views too.
· UPDATED! Top Dog Friendly Hotels in Ski Country [Curbed Ski]
· Mapping Ski Country's Eight Best Dog Parks [Curbed Ski]
· Get Your Four-Legged-Holiday-Fix By Renting A Pet in Aspen [Curbed Ski]
· All Outdoors Week Coverage [Curbed Ski]
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