Ski patrol rescue dogs are key players in making sure anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in an avalanche has the best chance of making it out alive. And because they're furry and adorable instead of bearded and surly, they're often some of our favorite members of ski patrol. We're kidding on that last point, but getting people interested in safety messages is probably easier with a cute dog around. Ski patrol dogs often start training as puppies, are required to pass exams to start work and continue to attend ongoing learning seminars throughout their careers. That's a lot of work, and Curbed Ski wants to make sure they get the recognition they deserve. Here are the 10 of the coolest ski patrol dogs.
OK, we lied. All ski patrol dogs are the coolest, and this list has more than 10 dogs. In no particular order, meet some of the coolest ski patrollers around.
Jake, Vail
Monty and the whole Alyeska crew
Riggins, Squaw Alpine
Ruckus, Northstar
The whole Heavenly crew
Ruby, Tamarack Resort
Buster, Sugar Bowl
Lief, Stevens Pass
Penny, Keystone
Bo, Loveland
· Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association [Official site]
· Mapping Ski Country's Eight Best Dog Parks [Curbed Ski]
· Whistler Wins Title Of Most Dog-Friendly Ski Town [Curbed Ski]
· Meet Conga, the Skiing Dog Who Relishes Life in the Mountains [Curbed Ski]
· Get Your Four-Legged-Holiday-Fix By Renting A Pet in Aspen [Curbed Ski]