At some ski resort hotels, the best welcome isn’t a powder-covered peak — it’s a friendly face waiting on four legs. We're talking wagging tails, a playful nuzzle and even a gentle alpaca hum, and the kind of warm, fuzzy feeling that instantly makes you feel at home. Some of Ski.com’s favorite ski resort hotels have taken hospitality to a new level by making animals a part of the experience, from a lovable Saint Bernard named Bachelor who doubles as the check-in host, to resident alpacas greeting guests slopeside at Hotel and Chalet Aurelio. These mascots don't just add warmth and personality to a property; they have job titles, birthday parties and in some cases, their own Instagram accounts.
For travelers who can't bear to leave their four-legged family members behind, you’re in luck. More ski resorts are rolling out the welcome mat (and the dog bowl), offering everything from cozy slopeside cabins to full-service lodges with special pet amenities. In this guide, we’re rounding up ski resort hotels that go all-in on animal charm — whether that means unforgettable mascots, pet-friendly stays or both — so your entire crew can experience the mountains together.
Murphy loves meeting all the Montage guests (because it usually involves belly rubs). l Image: Montage Deer Valley
Ever since Montage Deer Valley opened in 2010, they've had a canine ambassador program. Today, that ambassador is Murphy, a Bernese Mountain dog who visits the lobby daily for belly rubs. Murphy took over when his brothers, Jonas and Monty, retired in 2023. Bernese Mountain dogs were bred as working dogs in alpine regions, and they’re known for their thick, weather-resistant double coats that thrive in snowy conditions (so these dogs feel right at home in Deer Valley). When Murphy clocks in, he receives hugs and pats and poses for selfies. His favorite activity? Playing in the snow.
Beyond its four-legged ambassador, Montage Deer Valley delivers a quintessential luxury ski-in ski-out experience on the slopes of Deer Valley Resort. The property blends mountain elegance with family-friendly comfort, offering an on-site bar, restaurant, bowling alley, arcade, ski storage and complimentary shuttle rides into Park City’s Main Street and Old Town Transit Center. Outside, guests can unwind in a pool with sweeping mountain views, while the 35,000-square-foot spa features a menu of treatments alongside saunas and steam rooms. Don’t miss the hotel’s nightly s’more and hot cocoa at the fire pit, and be sure to grab a glass of Champagne and enjoy the live music every afternoon at the Après Lounge and Beach Club.
The Hotel and Chalet Aurelio in Lech, Austria, has an unexpected claim to fame: three resident alpacas named Hiero, Domingo and Yaki. The hotel's manager, Axel Pfefferkorn, loves to tell guests about how they almost gave up on the trio because the alpacas had a habit of spitting at him and anyone who came too close. But don't worry, alpacas are surprisingly trainable, and these three have become one of the hotel's most famous attractions. Guests can visit their pen, walk with them and yes, pet them without getting spit on.
Chalet Aurelio is a luxury boutique hotel with a touch of nature, thanks to its surrounding garden areas (and three fluffy ambassadors to prove it). The Chalet sits in a coveted ski-in ski-out location in Lech, one of Austria's most celebrated alpine villages and a favorite among serious skiers for its vast terrain. By day, soak in the breathtaking views from the expansive sun terrace; by night, settle in for live music by the fireside at the Licca Lounge. Hotel amenities include a private spa with an indoor swimming pool, cold plunge pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, along with a gourmet restaurant and a children's playroom.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is home to the big, friendly Saint Bernard aptly named Bachelor, and he’s easily the hotel's favorite employee. Bachelor is the newest addition to the hotel's dog ambassador program, which started over 20 years ago with a Labrador, followed by Scout, a Bernese Mountain dog. Each morning, Bachelor joins the hotel's resident naturalist and early-rising guests on hikes up the ski slopes, and in the afternoons, you'll find him living his best après life, curled up by the fire.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is the essence of mountain luxury, with expansive, beautifully appointed rooms, sweeping views from nearly every angle and true ski-in ski-out access to the Bachelor Gulch chairlift at Beaver Creek. Across the property, guests will find a wide range of dining, lounge and après-ski experiences, along with a world-class spa featuring treatment rooms, a Himalayan salt wall dry sauna, steam room, hot tubs and a cold plunge. Known for its pet-friendly and family-friendly vibes, the resort also has a Ritz Kids program with a variety of activities, plus whimsical in-room camping setups complete with tents, blankets and toys. Be sure to enjoy a drink paired with live music and slopeside views on the Mountainview Terrace.
Your dog will get absolutely spoiled at Viceroy Snowmass. l Image: Aspen SnowmassWhen you check in to the Viceroy Snowmass, you’ll be greeted by Vi, a friendly 5-year-old Bernese Mountain dog. Vi’s days are filled with what can only be described as dream dog duties: leading guided hikes, hosting the signature “Yappy Hour” on The Nest’s dining patio and championing Viceroy’s VIP (Very Important Pups) program. Viceroy has long been a pet-friendly luxury lodge, welcoming every dog guest with a leash, doggie bags and homemade organic dog treats. Other VIP amenities include dog room service, chew toys and a rotating take-home keepsake. (Dog beds, bowls and dog-walking services are available on request.)
Set in the heart of Snowmass Village, Viceroy Snowmass is a ski-in ski-out luxury resort in Aspen Snowmass, offering a sleek, contemporary alpine escape. Guests can enjoy modern suites, elevated on-site dining and après-ski spaces, a nature-inspired wellness spa, a year-round pool terrace and café, plus complimentary airport transportation for a stress-free arrival. In the summer, the entire mountain is dog-friendly: dogs are welcome to ride the gondolas up both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Ski Area free of charge, making it arguably the best ski town in the country for four-legged travelers.
Archie loves making new friends! l Image: Fairmont Chateau Whistler FacebookArchie, a golden Labrador, happily joined the Fairmont Chateau Whistler team in 2023 and has been stealing the spotlight ever since. His work responsibilities include greeting guests in the lobby, showing off his tricks and tagging along on outdoor excursions with Whistler Experience Guides. Archie loves making new friends, and guests are encouraged to schedule a special meet-and-greet to make sure they get their quality time with him.
Voted the #1 resort in Canada by Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler sits right at the base of Whistler Blackcomb with ski-in ski-out access to the Blackcomb Gondola, putting everything you need within walking distance (plus a complimentary shuttle to all Whistler Villages). The Fairmont welcomes four-legged visitors with an amenity package, including a comfy dog bed, dog bowls and locally made kibble. Guests love the modern, elegant rooms and suites featuring stunning views of Whistler Valley, the surrounding woodlands and mountain peaks. On-site amenities include plenty of dining options ranging from fine dining to casual eats, a bar and lounge, a full-service spa and a Health Facility complete with fitness classes, hot tub, heated pool, saunas, steam rooms and more.
For more than a decade, a charming alpaca family has been living in the gardens of the Dolomit Boutique Hotel in Alta Badia, Italy. Coco, Jil, Miu, Gucci and Fendi are cute, curious creatures, often greeting guests with excited hums and happily joining leisurely strolls around the property. Guests are encouraged to spend as much time with them as they like, and for a closer encounter, alpaca walks can be arranged through the front desk. Those staying four nights or more are guaranteed a photo-op with the whole fluffy gang.
Tucked in the center of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomit Boutique Hotel showcases easy access to the Alta Badia Resort and the legendary Sellaronda circuit. Family-run for generations, the hotel's warmth shows up in all the right places: thoughtful hospitality, a children's playground in the garden, ski storage with boot warmers and a complimentary breakfast to start each morning. Additional amenities include a sauna, fitness center, bar, lounge and on-site restaurants celebrating the rich flavors of Ladin, South Tyrolean and Italian cuisine.
The St. Regis Aspen's star employee (and first official hotel dog) is Kitty, a Bernese Mountain dog named after the beloved pet of St. Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV. But don't let the name fool you: Kitty is all dog. Kitty is often spotted greeting guests in the lobby, accompanying room service deliveries and doing what Bernese Mountain dogs do best — bounding through fresh snow. His schedule is surprisingly full: he’s known to make appearances at the resort’s Barks and Brews fundraiser, celebrate his own well-attended birthday parties and take part in the iconic daily St. Regis champagne sabering ritual.
True to form, the St. Regis Aspen is just as welcoming to visiting pets, offering all four-legged guests dog beds and bowls upon arrival. Set in the center of downtown Aspen, the resort is steps from world-class dining and shopping and is a short ride from the slopes via a complimentary shuttle. Inside, sophisticated furnishings and contemporary style give the hotel a modern take on mountain luxury. After an epic day on the slopes, unwind at the award-winning RAKxa Wellness Spa, soak in the heated outdoor pool and hot tubs overlooking Aspen Mountain and settle in for classic mountain cuisine and a handcrafted cocktail at the on-site bar and restaurant.
Related Reading: Meet the Avalanche Dogs: Ski Patrol’s Best Friends
These ski towns and hotels may not have memorable mascots, but they are super pet-friendly, welcoming dogs almost everywhere.
Aspen Snowmass is a true dog-loving mountain town, where furry visitors are welcomed just about everywhere. Many local restaurants invite pups to relax alongside their humans on outdoor patios (often with water bowls ready and waiting). Stroll through Aspen or Snowmass Village, and don’t be surprised if your dog is treated like a VIP, with treats offered at shops and local businesses along the way.
Vail has earned a reputation as one of the most dog-friendly mountain towns around. Pups are welcome on nearly every patio, and many breweries, shops and coffee spots even invite them inside (often with treats waiting at the counter).
Ready to hit the slopes with your whole crew (paws included)? Our Mountain Travel Experts are here to help you find the perfect pet-friendly stay, while unlocking exclusive savings on lodging, lift tickets, rentals, transportation and more.
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