ASPEN IN WINTER

A Snow Dog’s Delight.

If you and your dog love romping in the snow, enjoy winter sports and relaxing by a roaring fire,

the dog loving people of Aspen welcome you to a community where almost everyone seems to be walking around town with a furry friend. In fact, an entire field in the heart of the town has been turned into an off-leash play area where dogs all sizes play in the snow with their people.

Of course, we’ve all seen dogs playing in dog parks, but dozens of dogs chasing balls, chasing each other and having a marvelous time paw-deep in snow is a sight to behold.

While many Aspen hotels welcome pets, The Limelight Hotel Aspen comes right out and says, “We love dogs.” And they mean what they say. Pet friendly rooms have complimentary mats, bowls and beds. Furry guests receive Limelight bandanas at check-in. And with the exception of the bar and Lounge area when food is being served, dogs are welcome everywhere in the hotel to relax with their people, including by the fireplace in the lobby.

The Limelight makes a great home base, because just a few steps away is Aspen Mountain. This mecca for skiers is right in the center of downtown Aspen. While dogs are not allowed on the ski trails, you can ride the gondola to the top for skiing, snowboarding or to visit the famous Hero Avi Dogs (with an appointment). When not engaged in rescue work, the legendary Avalanche Dogs of Snowmass help educate children and skiers on safety and provide demonstrations on how the dogs rescue skiers trapped under the snow.

Although dogs aren’t allowed on Aspen Mountain in winter for their safety, there’s lots of adventures you and your furry family can share. There are many cross country ski and snowshoe trails in Aspen where you dog can run happily along the trail with you. And, if you and your dog are willing to take lessons, it’s not hard to learn how to skijor. Skijoring is a sport where your dog pulls you on skis. It requires cooperation between you and your dog, and one person and his dog who are experts are Seth Sachson and his Huskey. Seth runs the Aspen Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter self- supported entirely by a pet boutique, grooming salon and boarding kennel located within the shelter.

After all this outdoor activity, it’s time to check out the Aspen Brewing Company for a craft beer and pizza and to meet Moose, the Brewing Company’s mascot and furry kid of the Company’s founder. Moose is a lovable, large St. Bernard. If you are lucky enough to meet him, he will bathe you in sloppy kisses.

To find put more about pet friendly Aspen, visit aspenchamber.org