Snowbird avalanche rescue dogs

🐾 Working like a dog.

Paw-some Workers.

Snowbird's Avalanche Rescue Dog Program plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of our guests and employees. Trained with precision and care, these dogs and their handlers work tirelessly to be ready to respond in the event of an avalanche. Learn more about these remarkable dogs who are much more than pets—they're lifesavers.

Canine Heroes

Get to know Snowbird's elite team of Avalanche Rescue Dogs. Each profile provides a glimpse into the life of these incredible dogs, on and off the mountain. Learn about their breeds, certifications, quirky traits and more, then keep your eyes peeled for a chance to see them at work.

avalanche dog and ski patroler at Snowbird

Training & Certification

Training an Avalanche Rescue Dog is a demanding and ongoing process that begins when they are just puppies. Our program focuses on developing skills like search and rescue, obedience and agility through a structured regimen that includes:

Basic Obedience: Dogs learn the basics like "sit," "stay," and other commands that most puppies learn during their first year of their life.
Search Techniques: Training in both visual and scent-driven search strategies.
Avalanche Simulation Drills: Practical exercises in mock avalanche and rescue scenarios.
Helicopter Familiarization: Acclimation to flights for rapid deployment.

Subaru Loves Pets

Snowbird is proud to partner with Subaru through their Subaru Loves Pets initiative, which significantly supports our Avalanche Rescue Dog Program. This invaluable support helps cover expenses for attending Avalanche Dog School, food, training, equipment, toys and medical care, ensuring our dogs are healthy, happy and ready to respond. Subaru’s commitment not only enhances our program but also highlights the importance of canine welfare and the critical roles these dogs play in mountain safety.

FAQ About Avalanche Dogs

Two avalanche rescue dogs at Hidden Peak at Snowbird

Avalanche Rescue Dogs must be able to move efficiently through snow and possess highly trainable personalities, so typically herding and hunting breeds are common. Here at Snowbird, we primarily have Labrador Retrievers, as well as Border Collies and, in the past, German Shepherds.

Avalanche Dog on a chairlift

Avalanche Rescue Dogs go through multiple rounds of certification through Wasatch Backcountry Rescue (WBR). To reach the highest level of certification—WBR Level A—dogs must pass a test where they clear a search site of 100 meters x 100 meters in 20 minutes. Learn about Snowbird Avalanche Dogs' training in the blog, Frankie Goes to School.

Avalanche Dog meeting guests in summer

Yes, but guests must remember that our dogs are first and foremost working while they're at Snowbird. For information on interacting with Avalanche Rescue Dogs, check out this blog on 5 Things to Do When Seeing an Avalanche Rescue Dog.

Retired Avalanche Dog at Snowbird

After they retire, our Avalanche Rescue Dogs continue living with their primary handler, enjoying their favorite activities—like swimming, watching football and playing fetch. They continue to receive support in the form of toys, medical expenses and more from Snowbird and Subaru to help them live a paw-some life in retirement.

Wasatch Backcountry Rescue Training at Snowbird

Showing our dogs respect while they're working is one of the best things you can do. You can also support Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, which facilitates and implements rapid incident response, as well as organizes training and collaboration activities for Avalanche Rescue Dogs across the Wasatch.