Avalanche Dog Duke at Mammoth Mountain, CA. Image: Mammoth Mountain
Avalanche dogs are the unsung heroes of the backcountry, the frontcountry, the sidecountry, anywhere that humans are buried in avalanches. Since the last week of September each year is designated as National Dog Week, it’s got us thinking about them. Next time you’re on the mountain, make sure to thank a patroller/avalanche dog for helping to keep you safe.
The Swiss St. Bernard is the original avalanche dog. Image: Zematt, Switzerland Facebook Page
The Swiss St. Bernard is the original avalanche rescue dog. They are also referred to as the Alpine Mountain Dog. They were originally bred for rescue on the Great St. Bernard Pass on the border between Italy and Switzerland. The earliest written records of these dogs being used for avalanche rescues was in 1707.
Our Favorite Photos of Avalanche Dogs:
Jake the avalanche dog at Vail, CO. Image: Vail Facebook PageAvalanche dog in training at Keystone Resort, CO. Image: Keystone Resort Facebook PageSnowbasin Resort, UT Avalanche Dog. Image: Snowbasin Resort Facebook PageAvalanche dogs at Keystone Resort, CO. Image: Keystone Resort Facebook PageAvalanche dog at Banff Sunshine Village. Image: Banff Sunshine Village Facebook PageAvalanche dog at Mt. Cheeseman Ski Area, New Zealand. Image: Mt. Cheeseman Facebook PageAvalanche dogs at Telluride Resort, CO. Image: Telluride Avalanche Dogs Facebook PageAvalanche dogs at Heavenly Mountain Resort, CA. Image: Heavenly Avalanche Rescue Dogs Facebook PageDonner Summit, CA avalanche dogs. Image: Donner Summit Avalanche Dogs Facebook Page
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