Heroes on the Slopes: Meet Schweitzer Mountain’s Avalanche Rescue Dogs
Imagine being buried in the snow after an avalanche, with no way to call for help. Schweitzer’s avalanche rescue dogs can make all the difference when every second counts. With their incredible sense of smell—500 times stronger than a human’s—they can locate buried victims much faster than human searchers, even in extreme conditions. Five dedicated avalanche rescue dogs are essential ski patrol members at Schweitzer Mountain. These highly trained canines and their handlers work tirelessly to keep skiers and snowboarders safe. Meet Schweitzer’s Avalanche Rescue Dogs & Their Handlers Choosing the Right Dog Not every dog is suited for avalanche rescue work. Breeds most commonly chosen are Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds due to their high energy, confidence, strong work ethic, and intelligence. A rescue dog must be confident, obedient, and driven to work in harsh winter conditions. Obedience and Socialization Puppies are brought to the mountain at two months
