I imagine the cold mountain air. I feel it fill my lungs. I glide down a slope covered in white snow. My best friend trots right beside me. His tail wags with joy. This is the dream of a winter holiday in Italy. Many people think skiing is only for humans. That is not true. Italy offers some of the best skiing resorts where your dog is just as welcome as you are. I have spent a lot of time exploring these peaks. I want to share my journey with you.
First of all, I must answer a big question. Is Italy dog friendly? Yes. It is very friendly. Italians love animals. You will see dogs in restaurants, on mountain lifts, and even in some high-end hotels. However, you must plan well. You cannot just show up. You need to know the rules. You need the right gear. Plus, you need to find the dog friendly ski slopes where your pup can actually have fun.
The Legal Bits and Health Preparation
I start my journey with paperwork. It is not the most fun part. It is the most important part. You cannot enter the country without a valid EU pet passport. This document must show that your dog has a valid rabies vaccine. If you come from outside the European Union, you might need an International Health Certificate. My dog has a microchip. This is a must. A clearly readable tattoo from before 2011 is also okay.
I always check the dates. A primary rabies vaccine must be done at least 21 days before you arrive. If it is a booster shot, it is valid on the day the vet gives it. Do not forget this. The microchip number must appear on the vaccine certificate. On top of that, the Health Certificate is only good for ten days from the day your vet signs it. I learned this the hard way once. Timing is everything.
A Stay at Hotel Cirelle Suite & Spa in Val di Fassa
I found a gem in Val di Fassa. It is called Hotel Cirelle Suite & Spa. The Family Dantone runs it with a lot of love. It is located in Alba di Canazei. This place is perfect for italy ski resorts for family trips. They have a special Pet Kit. It comes with two steel bowls, a soft kennel or a big pillow, and a cotton sheet. My dog felt at home right away.
The hotel charges a daily extra fee of Euro 20,00 for pets. This does not include food. They are very clean. They use special products to meet the standards of the Val di Fassa Pet Friendly Hotel Club. However, there are rules. I keep my dog on a lead in common areas. I do not let him on the beds or sofas. He cannot go into the breakfast room. That is fair.
Additionally, the location is amazing. The hotel is just a few steps from a promenade along the river. It is lit up at night. It is a pleasant walk in both summer and winter. I also love the breakfast. They serve it from 7:30 am until 10:00 am. They have eggs, bacon, and even gluten-free options.
Later, I hit the spa. It is called Èga Pura. It is huge. More than 450 square metres of relaxation. I tried the Bio Sauna made of pine wood. I also used the Dolomites Sky View HydroPool. The water is heated to 36 degrees. I sat in the water and looked at the Gran Vernel and the Sassolungo peaks. Simply breathtaking.
Exploring the Slopes and Lifts
I need to get to the top of the mountains. I use the lifts. In Val di Fassa, the lifts are only 300 metres away. The Alba-Col dei Rossi lift takes me to the start of the Sellaronda. For the lifts, a muzzle is mandatory. I always carry one in my pocket.
Different resorts have different rules for dog friendly ski resorts italy. In Paganella, dogs travel for free on the lifts. They even have an Agility Dog park. It is 1800 square metres of play space. You get there by the gondola from Andalo. My dog loves to run there. It is his favorite part.
Similarly, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, dogs are welcome on many lifts. On the Faloria and Tofana lifts, dogs of any size travel for free. However, the Lagazuoi cable car is a bit different. Small dogs that fit in your arms (within 50×30 cm) are free. Large dogs need a special ticket. The staff might ask you to muzzle your friend to help other passengers feel safe. I always cooperate. It makes the trip better for everyone.
Therefore, I always check the specific lift rules before I go. Some chairlifts are not safe for dogs. I prefer gondolas and cable cars. They are enclosed. My dog feels safer inside them.
Safety on the Piste
I must be careful on the slopes. Dogs are generally not allowed on groomed ski runs in the winter. This is for safety. A skier could hit the dog. Or the dog could get scared. Vialattea rules say pets are forbidden on cableways meant only for skiers.
However, there are exceptions. I found that the “Cesana – Ski Lodge” and “Sestriere – Fraiteve” gondolas allow pets. In some places like Megève in France, dogs can sometimes join you on leisurely runs. But in Italy, I stick to the walking trails. Monte Rosa has great pisted walking tracks and snow-shoe trails. I ask at the Tourist Information to find safe spots.
On top of that, I follow the Skier’s Code of Conduct. I respect others. I control my speed. I stop only at the edge of the slope. This keeps the mountain safe for humans and animals.
Après Ski Fun with Pets
Après ski is the best part of the day. It is the ‘after skiing’ fun. I found many pet friendly ski resorts near me that have great bars. In Bardonecchia, I go to Harald’s. It is at the base of the Colomion lifts. It has a great terrace and a DJ set.
In Bormio, everyone goes to Bewhite. You can even stay in your ski boots there. If I want to go high up, I visit Ciuk on the slopes. In Courmayeur, the SuperG is the place to be. It is very trendy. For a quieter time, I walk down Via Roma in the town. Bars like Caffè Roma are perfect for a drink with friends.
In Madonna di Campiglio, the LAB après ski is the spot. It is an open-air bar at 1650 metres. I sit in a deckchair and catch the last sun. My dog rests at my feet. We both enjoy the music.
Keeping Your Dog Warm and Healthy
I need to keep my dog cozy. The mountains are very cold. I bought him a dog jumper. It keeps the snow out. It keeps his heat in. Shorthaired dogs really need this extra layer.
I also watch his paws. Salt and antifreeze on the roads are toxic. I never let him drink from puddles. I use a paw balm like Musher’s Secret to protect his pads. I also trim the fur between his pads. This stops ice balls from forming. If ice does build up, I soak it off with lukewarm water. I make sure he is completely dry before we go back outside.
Additionally, altitude is dehydrating. I always carry fresh water. My dog cannot get enough water by eating snow. I stop for frequent water breaks. I also bring nutritious snacks to keep his energy high.
If he gets sick, I know where to go. Val di Fassa has a Veterinary Clinic in Pozza di Fassa. They are available 24 hours a day. In the Aosta Valley, Dr Roberto Pelizzaro speaks English. Having these numbers in my phone gives me peace of mind.
Where to Stay: Top Dog Friendly Hotels
I have researched many places. Here are some of the best dog friendly ski resorts italy options:
- Bellevue Hotel & SPA in Cogne. It has a 9.5 rating. They offer dog sitting services.
- Hotel La Perla in Corvara. It is very close to the Dolomiti Superski. They have a dog play area.
- QC Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi in Bormio. This place has over 30 free wellness services. It is a luxury choice for you and your pet.
- Hotel Rodella in Selva di Val Gardena. Another top-rated spot with a 9.5 score.
- Goldene Rose Karthaus in Val Senales. It welcomes pets with open arms.
- Tonzhaus Hotel. It is at 1500 metres altitude. The rooms have balconies with panoramic views.
Finally, I recommend booking early. Many of these places fill up fast. This is especially true during the Winter Olympics in February 2026. Crowds will be everywhere from Milan to Cortina.
Essential Gear List for Your Dog
I never leave home without these items:
- EU Pet Passport and vaccine records.
- Lead and Muzzle. These are mandatory on public transport.
- Dog Jumper or Onesie for the cold.
- Paw Balm and a towel for drying.
- First Aid Kit with tweezers and tick tools.
- Collar with a tag showing my phone number.
- Special Poo Bags. You must pick up after your dog in Italy. It is the law.
FAQ
Can you take a dog to a ski resort?
Yes, many resorts in Italy, such as Val Senales, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Paganella, are dog-friendly and offer specific accommodations and activities for pets.
How to go skiing when you have a dog?
You can book hotels that offer dog-sitting services or travel with a group so a non-skier can watch the pet. Additionally, some hotels provide “Pet Kits” with bowls and kennels to assist your stay.
Are the Alps dog friendly?
Yes, the Alps are described as a “perfect playground” for pets, offering extensive mountain walks and slope-side activities.
Is Italy very dog-friendly?
Italy is known for its “warm atmosphere” regarding pets; for example, most restaurants are generally dog-friendly as long as the animal is well-behaved.
Where to go in Italy with a dog?
Top locations include Val Senales, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val di Fassa, Paganella, Livigno, and the Monte Rosa valleys.
Is it mandatory to walk your dog in Italy?
They emphasize that it is obligatory to carry a muzzle and use a leash on public transport and in many public areas.
What is skiing with a dog called?
Though they mention that Nordic (Ski de Fond) pistes and snowshoe trails are ideal for dogs. This is often referred to as “skijoring”, but you may wish to verify this independently.
Can I take my dog to high altitude?
Yes, dogs can be taken on several high-altitude cable cars, such as those at Mt. Lagazuoi. However, be aware that high altitudes can be dehydrating for pets.
Can dogs go on ski slopes?
Generally, dogs are forbidden from groomed ski slopes for safety reasons. Instead, they are encouraged to use dedicated pedestrian tracks and snowshoe trails.
Concluding words
Italy is a premier destination for winter getaways with pets, offering a wide array of dog-friendly ski resorts like Val Senales and Cortina d’Ampezzo. While dogs are typically restricted from active ski slopes for safety, they are welcome on many mountain lifts and extensive snowshoe trails if kept on a leash and muzzled where required.
Many accommodations enhance the experience by providing dog-sitting services, pet kits, and specialized cleaning standards, ensuring a comfortable stay for both owners and their canine companions.
