How to Prepare Your Dog for Winter & Ski Season Boarding in Vermont

Tails On Trails Pet Resort · Wilmington, VT | Your Dog’s Home Base for Ski Getaways

Winter in Vermont is magical — fresh powder, cozy lodges, fireplace dinners, and long days on the mountain. But while humans eagerly anticipate ski season, many dogs struggle with the sudden changes that winter travel brings.

Boarding during ski season isn’t like boarding at any other time of year. Weather, schedules, lodging restrictions, and the rhythm of mountain life create unique stressors for dogs — and preparation makes all the difference.

At Tails On Trails Pet Resort in Wilmington, Vermont, we help dogs acclimate, settle, and thrive during winter and ski-season stays–especially near Mount Snow and Stratton! Here’s exactly how to prepare your dog for a successful, comfortable, and joyful experience.

Why Ski Season Boarding Is Different

Southern Vermont’s ski corridor — Mount Snow, Stratton, Magic Mountain, Bromley, Okemo, Dover, and Wilmington — runs on long days, unpredictable weather, and tight turnaround times. For dogs, that means:

❄️ early departures

🎿 long periods without their humans

🚗 noisy lodging environments

⚠️ cold temperatures and icy surfaces

🏠 unfamiliar vacation rentals or condos

Preparation turns this from a shock to a smooth transition.

1. Start With Dog Daycare Before Dog Boarding

A dog who knows the environment walks in confident — not confused.

Daycare helps your dog:

✔️ recognize the space

✔️ trust the humans

✔️ participate in playgroups comfortably

✔️ sleep better on Night One

Think of it as orientation before school — not optional, foundational.

2. Maintain Your Dog’s Routine Leading Up to the Stay

Dogs depend on patterns. Disrupting them right before boarding increases stress.

In the week before drop-off:

✨ keep feeding consistent

✨ avoid sudden schedule changes

✨ maintain normal exercise windows

✨ reduce pre-trip chaos and overstimulation

A predictable home rhythm makes the boarding rhythm feel familiar.

3. Pack Comfort Items That Smell Like Home

Scent is a dog’s emotional anchor.

Bring:

🧺 a blanket or towel from home

🧸 a safe, familiar toy

💛 a soft item that carries your scent

These are not “extras.”They are transitional objects that calm the nervous system.

4. Protect Paws From Winter Stress

Icy sidewalks, salt, and snow buildup can create pain and anxiety.

If your dog will be outdoors at all:

🐾 trim paw hair to reduce snowballs

🧴 use paw balm for protection

💦 rinse salt after walks

🧊 avoid freezing surfaces

Comfortable paws = confident movement.

5. Update Vaccinations and Health Notes Ahead of Time

Winter is a high-volume boarding season — don’t wait until the last minute.

Provide:

✔️ vaccination records

✔️ dietary requirements

✔️ medication schedules

✔️ behavioral notes

The more we know,the better we personalize their stay.

6. Prepare Emotionally for Separation

Dogs feel our energy.

Avoid dramatic goodbyes and emotional overload. Instead:

😊 stay calm

🚶‍♂️ keep it short

💛 trust the process

Dogs mirror us. Confidence in you becomes confidence in them.

7. Book Early — Ski Season Sells Out

Between:

🎿 holiday weekends

🏂 storm-chasing skiers

🛏 fully booked rentals

🎒 last-minute trip plans

boarding spots fill fast.

Planning ahead guarantees:

✨ proper acclimation

✨ daycare before boarding

✨ the right sleeping environment

Luxury experiences can’t be rushed —they’re reserved.

Why Vermont Dogs Thrive With Us in Winter

Winter boarding at Tails On Trails includes:

🌡️ climate-controlled comfort

🛏 structured rest and sleep cycles

🐾 curated playgroups

🧠 enrichment that reduces anxiety

💛 caregivers who understand canine behavior

🎿 proximity to Mount Snow and regional ski destinations

Your dog experiences their own version of a ski vacation —just without the chairlift.

Final Thoughts

Winter travel shouldn’t create worry for dog parents — or stress for dogs.

Preparation transforms boarding from:

❌ “I hope this goes well”

into

✨ “They’re going to love this.”

With the right rhythm, familiarity, and comfort cues, your dog doesn’t just tolerate winter boarding —they thrive in it.

At Tails On Trails Pet Resort in Wilmington, Vermont, we make ski season better for everyone:

🏔️ you ski longer

🏔️ you snowboard longer

🐕 your dog stays calmer 🏡 both return home happy