Ski holidays with your dog in Austria: how to plan relaxed winter days

A ski holiday in Austria can include your dog, too. Choose suitable accommodation, arrange dog care and make time for winter walks together.
​​​​This blog was written by Bjorn Schwarte, co-founder of Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu.

In winter, the alpine meadows transform into a snowy playground. While a winter sports holiday with your dog requires a little more planning, it can be just as enjoyable. Imagine cosy chalets, winter walks through fresh snow, and evenings together in front of the fireplace.  
​​​​​​​Important: choose dog-friendly winter accommodation. The advantage of a chalet or flat right by the slopes is that you can easily visit your dog between runs.

You can find all dog-friendly accommodation in Austria under Holiday homes with dog.

1. Plan your skiing days around your dog’s needs, too

While you are skiing, your dog needs someone to look after them. Discuss how you want to organise your days before you travel.
Are you travelling with family or friends? You could take turns. While one person heads to the slopes, another takes the dog for a walk. Someone in your group might prefer a quiet morning walk followed by lunch together.
If everyone wants to ski at the same time, arrange suitable dog care or a dog sitter in advance. Check availability during your stay, any requirements and whether the opening hours fit your plans.

Keep your dog’s usual routine in mind as well. A walk before skiing, a longer outing in the afternoon and plenty of rest in between can help create a comfortable daily rhythm.

2. Choose accommodation that suits you

A holiday home, chalet or apartment gives you the freedom to follow your own routine. You can eat when it suits you, find a place for your dog’s belongings and relax together after a walk. Before booking, check whether your dog is welcome, how many dogs are permitted and which charges and house rules apply.

​​​​​​​Staying beside the slopes can be convenient if you want to return during the day. However, check the actual route. A slopeside location does not necessarily mean you can reach your accommodation easily at any time. If you stay higher up the mountain, also check where you can walk with your dog. Browse holiday homes and other accommodation in Austria where dogs are welcome and choose a place that suits your daily plans.

3. A familiar place to rest in your accommodation

Give your dog time to settle into the new surroundings when you arrive. Their own bed or blanket can help create a familiar space. Choose a quiet corner where your dog can sleep undisturbed after a walk.

Bring your dog’s familiar crate
If your dog is accustomed to relaxing in a crate at home, you can bring it along. Leave it open and accessible so your dog can use it as a familiar retreat. Try to maintain your usual feeding, walking and resting times as much as possible. A recognisable routine can help your dog feel comfortable, even when your holiday days differ from life at home.

4. Exploring together: winter walks and dog-friendly cross-country trails

Many Austrian ski resorts offer opportunities to enjoy the snow without putting on skis. Choose a designated winter walking trail and match the distance, elevation changes and terrain to your dog’s abilities.

A groomed trail in the valley may be more comfortable than a route through deep snow. Moving through deep snow takes considerable energy, especially for small dogs. Before setting out, check current conditions, any closures and local lead requirements. These destinations offer options for outings together.

Seefeld: winter walks and a dedicated dog-friendly trail
The Seefeld region has several winter walking routes. A walk towards the Triendlsäge is one option for enjoying the snowy surroundings with your dog. For cross-country skiers, the dedicated A3 Torfstich dog-friendly trail is located in Wildmoos. Check whether it is open and how to reach the starting point before you go.

Saalbach: walking along the Saalach
The Glemmtal Promenade follows the Saalach from Hinterglemm towards Jausern. You can choose a section that suits your dog’s fitness and the time you have available. It is an option for a winter walk together while other members of your group go skiing. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

Pertisau: cross-country skiing with your dog at Lake Achensee
Pertisau at Lake Achensee has a dedicated dog-friendly cross-country trail of approximately two kilometres, suitable for both classic skiing and skating. If you would like to ski here with your dog, check the opening status and rules beforehand. Adjust your pace to your dog and be considerate of other trail users.

Can your dog join you on a cross-country ski trail?
Standard cross-country ski trails do not automatically allow dogs. Use only trails where dogs are explicitly permitted and check the local rules. A dog-friendly cross-country trail is not automatically a walking path either. If you are exploring on foot with your dog, choose a designated winter walking trail.

For more advice on choosing a suitable route, read our blog “Hiking in Austria with your dog: what should you consider?”

Can you take your dog onto the ski slopes?
Do not ski downhill with your dog or use the ski slopes as walking routes. A dog among skiers can create dangerous situations for both the animal and other slope users.
​​​​​​​In Sölden, for example, dogs are not permitted on the pistes, although they may travel on certain mountain lifts. Permission to use a lift therefore does not mean your dog is welcome on the slopes. Ground beside a piste is not automatically suitable for walking either. Choose an open, marked winter walking trail.

5. Can your dog come with you on the ski lift or gondola?

In many cases, the answer is yes — your dog can come up the mountain with you! Most gondolas and cable cars in Austria allow leashed dogs, and a muzzle is often mandatory or recommended here too. Occasionally, a small fee is charged. Ask at the valley station about the rules for that particular lift. Sometimes your dog can travel for free as a 'passenger', while at other times you will need to pay a small fee.  Make sure your dog is used to boarding and can handle the vertigo-inducing wobble of the cabins. In enclosed gondolas, this is usually not a problem – many dogs enjoy the view once they're floating above the tree line!

Open chairlifts
With open chairlifts, it varies by area. Some allow dogs if they are small enough to sit on your lap or are very quiet. However, keep in mind that such an open lift can be exciting for an animal – safety first!  Alternatively, you can often go up by gondola or hiking trail. Popular hiking areas often have special 'dog gondolas' or rules. For example, dogs are allowed in the gondola to the Dachstein Krippenstein in Salzkammergut, provided they are on a lead and wearing a muzzle. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views and hiking trails together.

6. Your dog is not allowed on the skis

Good to know: Although your dog can accompany you on the way up, it is not permitted to descend on skis with your dog. Dogs are not permitted to walk or run on prepared ski slopes – this is logical, as it is dangerous for both dogs and skiers.  If you want to take your dog up into the mountains in winter to walk in the snow, for example, take the lift and follow the winter hiking trails or go to the quiet areas next to the slopes at the top. Many ski resorts have marked winter hiking trails that are separate from the busy runs.

7. Winter care tips for your dog

The cold and snowy weather requires you to take a few extra precautions with your four-legged friend. Here are some practical tips to help keep your dog happy and healthy in winter:

Protect their paws: Snow can clump and freeze between the pads on the bottom of their feet, which is very unpleasant for them. Cut the hairs between the toes short to reduce snow adhesion. You could also consider applying paw wax or Vaseline to the soles before going out, as this protects against snow and road salt. After the walk, rinse the paws with lukewarm water to remove any salt residue.

Watch out for road salt and stones:
Roads and pavements are gritted in winter sports villages. Salt can irritate the soles of the feet, and small gravel can get stuck between the toes. Keep walks in heavily gritted areas short, and try to walk in the fresh snow next to it instead. Afterwards, check the paws for cracks or redness.

Do not let your dog eat snow:
Dogs like to run through the snow with their mouths open, but eating large amounts of snow can upset their stomachs. Try to prevent your dog from eating large chunks of snow. If necessary, take some kibble with you to distract them if they keep trying to eat snow.

Provide warmth for small dogs and short-haired dogs:
Not every dog is suited to spending hours in the cold. Small breeds and short-haired dogs can get cold quickly. A dog coat or jumper can help, or you can wrap your dog in a blanket if you take a break outside in the cold. Inside, provide a warm place (e.g. a basket near the heater) where your dog can dry off and warm up after playing in the snow. It is important that your dog drinks plenty in between playing, even if it is cold – he is just as likely to dehydrate in winter mountain air as in summer. Make sure you give them lukewarm water so it is not too cold.

8. What should you pack for your dog?

Familiar belongings can make the stay more comfortable for your dog. Remember to bring:

• Their usual food, plus food and water bowls.
• Their own bed or blanket.
• Familiar crate, if they are accustomed to it and enjoy resting there.
• A lead, a well-fitting harness and waste bags.
• A muzzle for places and mountain lifts where one is required.
• Towels for drying their coat and paws.
• A dog coat or suitable paw protection if needed.
• Any medication and the necessary travel documents.

Before travelling, check the current requirements for bringing your dog into Austria. Save the telephone number of a vet near your accommodation so you have it readily available.

Get ready for a winter holiday together

An enjoyable ski holiday with your dog starts with a daily routine that works for both of you. Arrange care while you ski, choose suitable winter walking trails and provide a familiar place to rest.

Compare accommodation in Austria where dogs are welcome, considering access to the ski area, nearby walking opportunities and the conditions for bringing your dog. These preparations provide a good foundation for relaxed winter days together.

Frequently asked questions about ski holidays with dogs in Austria

Can my dog run alongside me on a cross-country ski trail?
Only where dogs are explicitly permitted. Dedicated dog-friendly trails are available in places such as Seefeld and Pertisau. If you want to walk, use a winter walking trail.

Can my dog travel in a gondola?
Dogs are permitted on various mountain lifts, but conditions differ between lifts. Check beforehand whether your dog is allowed and whether a dog ticket, lead and muzzle are required.