11/27/2024
It is the biggest joy to ski with Vigo bounding along with me in the snow. Sharing a backcountry day is just the best!
That said he doesn't come with me every time because there are days where bringing him with me is just not appropriate. Perhaps its too cold, too deep, too long a day, in terrain that is not appropriate for dogs or an area that is closed to dogs.
While things can go wrong in the backcountry no matter how well prepared we are, it is critical to do all we can to prevent, yes injury to our dog and ourselves, but also stress on search and rescue systems and hazards to other backcountry users. Your dog does not know a terrain trap, they do know know where wind slab is and they cannot look at the forecast and decide whether it is a day they want to spend out in the snow or would rather curl up at home by the heater.
If you are going to ski with your dog be sure you are properly evaluating them, the conditions and the day you have planned so that you, your dog, and all backcountry users can continue to have many a fun day in the snow.
