Winter might make you want to hibernate, but your dog still expects adventures- snow, cold paws, zoomies and all. Instead of pacing the living room for the next three months, why not plan a dog-friendly winter vacation where you can embrace the season together?

From snowy mountain towns and Nordic ski trails to cozy villages built for winter wandering, these destinations prove that cold weather doesn’t mean staying home. Whether you want to go all-in on snowshoeing and skijoring or just enjoy scenic walks and dog-welcoming lodging, these best winter vacations to take with your dog offer outdoor fun, festive charm, and plenty of tail-wagging moments.

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Dog Skijoring

Best Dog-Friendly Winter Vacations in the U.S.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is unapologetically dog-loving and winter is when it truly shines. The city hosts winter festivals, groomed trails, and even skijoring events where dogs literally pull their humans across the snow (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds).

Dog-Friendly Things to Do

Skijoring or snowshoeing at Theodore Wirth Regional Park

Walk through Minnehaha Park to see the frozen waterfall, then let your dog run free at the off-leash dog park

Explore downtown with a Let’s Roam Minneapolis Scavenger Hunt

Dog-Friendly Hotels

Hotel Indigo Minneapolis–Downtown – They have treats, souvenir bowls, and pet perks.

Courtyard Minneapolis–Downtown – Here they start you off with treats and a staff that remembers your dog’s name – extra credit.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont

If a Hallmark winter movie had a dog, it would live here. Snow-covered mountains, walkable villages, and endless outdoor options make Stowe a classic New England winter getaway with dogs.

Dog-Friendly Things To Do

Snowshoeing and winter hiking on dog-friendly trails

Cross-country skiing on designated pet-friendly routes

Strolling through town with dog-welcoming shops and patios (weather permitting)

Dog-Friendly Hotels

Trapp Family Lodge- Offers designated dog-friendly rooms and welcomes well-behaved dogs.

Field Guide Lodge- A boutique hotel with a dog-friendly policy and comfy rooms.

Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid, New York

Olympic history meets Adirondack wilderness and dogs fit right in.

Dog-Friendly Things to Do

Winter hiking and snowshoeing in the Adirondacks

Watching or participating in dog sledding experiences

Scenic walks around frozen lakes and forest trails

Dog-Friendly Hotels

Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa- Comfy rooms near a hiking trail by the lake.

High Peaks Resort- Dogs-only amenities include a High Peaks Resort or Lake House bandana, mat and food and water bowls, and a cushioned dog bed.

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort – Not only do they offer a variety of pet friendly rooms but 10% of pet fees collected are donated annually to the local Humane Society or a pet charity chosen by guests that traveled with their animal that year.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen, Colorado

Luxury, powder, and paws- Aspen proves dogs belong in ski towns too.

Dog-Friendly Things to Do

Snowshoeing and winter hiking with Rocky Mountain views

Cross-country skiing on approved dog-friendly trails

Exploring Snowmass base areas and surrounding paths

Dog-Friendly Hotels

The Little Nell – A luxury hotel that welcomes dogs. Your pup will enjoy dog bowls and cozy bed prepped before your arrival. You will get house made peanut butter treats upon arrival. There is also a special dog menu for room service. Pets are pampered here!

Hotel Jerome Auberge Collection – Treats, pet beds and bowls are available, and there is a park behind the hotel for pet use.

Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah

A ski town that doesn’t forget about dogs.

Dog-Friendly Things to Do

Snowshoeing and winter hikes in the Wasatch Mountains

Off-leash dog parks around town

Wandering historic Main Street, one of the most dog-friendly ski town centers

Dog-Friendly Hotels

Montage Deer Valley – This hotel welcomes your pup and provides gluten-free jerky and organic treats.

St. Regis Deer Valley – They welcome pets with a bed and ceramic bowl.

Dogs playing in Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon

Cold-weather adventure with a laid-back, dog-loving culture.

Dog-Friendly Things to Do

Winter hiking and snowshoeing near the Cascades

Dog parks for off-leash play

Brewery patios that still welcome pups (yes, even in winter)

Dog-Friendly Hotels

Oxford Hotel Bend – They provide a pet bed, two feeding bowls (one is a gift), dog treats, and maps of pet-friendly walking trails.

Riverhouse on the Deschutes – Offers cozy accommodations and a treat at check-in.

Jackson Hole, WY

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Big scenery, wild snow, and surprisingly good dog access.

Dog-Friendly Things To Do

On-leash winter outings on Cache Creek Trail

Snowy hikes on unplowed roads in Grand Teton National Park

Village exploring while your pup enjoys doggy daycare if you hit the slopes

Dog-Friendly Hotels

Elk Country Inn – Offers treats at check-n and a grassy area for walks.

Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa – Upon arrival you will receive a blanket, water bottle, toy with logo, treat, food & water bowl with logo and comfy dog bed.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley, Idaho

A Nordic skiing paradise that welcomes dogs. Miles of groomed trails, affordable dog passes, and uncrowded winter charm.

Dog-Friendly Things to Do

Nordic skiing and snowshoeing on pet-friendly trails

Ice skating, winter wagon rides, and downtown exploring

Dog-Friendly Hotels

Knob Hill Inn –  Cozy accommodation for your pup and you.

Limelight Hotel – Designated pet rooms with a pet kit available that has a frisbee, bandana, waste bags, and treats. There is a park next to the hotel for a walk with your pup.

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe, California

Snowy mountains, crystal-clear air, and year-round dog-friendly energy.

Dog-Friendly Things to Do

Snowshoeing at Echo Lake Sno-Park

Winter hiking near Fallen Leaf Lake and Van Sickle Bi-State Park

Dog-friendly taprooms after a day in the snow

Dog-Friendly Hotels

Desolation Hotel – Offers pet-friendly rooms with space for walks.

Beach Retreat & Lodge – Comfy rooms and a pet gift bag is provided at check-in, and there are green spaces with pet stations on the property.

Having Fun

Tips for Traveling with Your Dog in Winter

Pack insulated coats, booties, and paw wax. Paw wax helps keep your dog’s feet protected and warm. You can get it here.

Watch for signs of hypothermia: shivering, lethargy, and weakness.

Pro Tip: Prepare a list of vets and emergency vet clinics before you go.

Keep dogs leashed in snowy or wildlife-heavy areas. We like using a 16-ft. retractable leash because it gives our pups some freedom, but we can also pull them close quickly if need. We got ours on Amazon.

Stay hydrated -cold weather still causes dehydration. For short hikes we take this water bottle for our dogs. It’s easy for them to drink from and we can bring a couple treats.

Always check trail and the park’s pet regulations.

Consider your dog’s breed and cold tolerance. Consider temperature especially if you have an older dog as they can’t tolerate heat or cold as well as younger dogs.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to mean cabin fever, especially when you’ve got a dog ready to sprint through fresh snow. A dog-friendly winter vacation offers a refreshing change of pace, unforgettable scenery, and the kind of shared adventures that make the cold totally worth it. Choose the right destination, prep smart, and you’ll both come home happy, tired, and already dreaming about the next trip.

We love sharing tips and information we learn along the way to help make your next trip easier and more prepared. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.

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