avalanche dogs | Lifted by Ikon Pass

The Bark is Back The Bark Bracket has returned for 2025, and the stakes have never been higher, cuter, or fluffier. Bark-worthy news; this year, we’re elevating the bracket with an exclusive sponsorship by Maev dog food. These four-legged legends are more than just good boys and girls — they’re the hardworking, tail-wagging, snow-sniffing pups who keep Ikon Pass destinations safe and friendly. Now, they’re stepping into the spotlight for a little canine competition. Sixteen doggos are ready to dig in, zoomie ahead, and paw their way towards the top. But only one will sit, stay, and fetch the title of Pinnacle of Pooch.Chase the Pack & Vote The Bark Bracket follows a classic knockout-style tournament. Each matchup will feature two mountain dogs, and your vote helps determine which pup advances to the next round. Vote on the Ikon Pass Instagram Stories every other day by clicking on one dog in each matchup. Votes roll in, and dogs roll over, in real time with results announced the day after they're tallied. The contest runs from March 24 – April 2, moving through the following rounds: March 24 – Snow's Best Snouts (16) March 26 – Elite Litter (8) March 28 – Final Fur (4) March 31 – Fetching Finals Championship (2) April 2 – Pinnacle of Pooch (Champion Announced) Here’s how to get in the game: 1. Follow Ikon Pass on Instagram 2. Check Stories every other day to cast your vote 3. Watch as the top dogs advance round by round 4. Each vote brings us one step closer to crowning this year’s Pinnacle of Pooch Watch all the Bark Bracket highlights on Instagram. Paw-Some Prizes This year’s Bark Bracket is presented by Maev Dog Food, bringing even more rewards to the pack. While only one pup will take the title of Pinnacle of Pooch, every contestant is a winner. Here’s what’s on the leash: Grand Prize: The 2025 Pinnacle of Pooch will earn top-dog bragging rights and a $1,000 donation to their human teammate’s chosen animal rescue or shelter – courtesy of Ikon Pass & Maev. Top 4 Pups: The Final Fur contestants will receive a 3-month subscription to Maev for Raw Food, Supplement Bars, and Freeze Dried Treats. All 16 Bark Bracket competitors will take home custom Bark Bracket swag, because every dog deserves a treat. Exclusive for Voters: Maev is offering a special code for Bark Bracket voters to try their fresh dog food. Enter IKON20 to receive 20% your first order. The Canine Contestants The pack is stacked with avalanche rescue dogs, ski patrol pups, and shop hounds, and they’re all ready to bring the stoke. Get to know this year’s lineup and make your picks before casting your votes in Instagram Stories. The chase for the Pinnacle of Pooch starts now. Stay tuned, follow along, and help crown this year’s top dog. Stormy - Certified Avalanche Rescue Dog Home Mountain: Alyeska Age: 3 Breed: Golden Retriever Favorite Treat: Hot dogs, turkey, cheese Social Tag: @stormypowdog Stormy is as dedicated as they come. This 3-year-old avalanche rescue dog at Alyeska doesn’t just work on the mountain—she believes she is part of the ski patrol team. When she’s not helping keep the slopes safe, she’s securing the best seat in the house and waiting for someone to drop a hot dog. Forget to give her a treat and that’s her worst nightmare. Echo - Avalanche Search Dog in Training Home Mountain: Arapahoe Basin Age: 1.5 Breed: Golden Retriever Biggest Fear: Santa. Big nope. She hates to see him coming. Handler Social Tag: @emily.adrian Echo is small but mighty, and possibly part Chewbacca. As an avalanche search dog in training at Arapahoe Basin, she’s learning how to save lives under the snow while hoarding socks and making some of the strangest noises known to dogs. When she’s not riding snowmobiles or sporting her signature purple Doggles, she’s on high alert for the sound of a freezer opening—because nothing beats an ice cube snack. Cache - Avalanche Dog in Training Home Mountain: Aspen Highlands Age: 1 Breed: Australian Shepherd/Border Collie Favorite Hobby: Horseback riding Handler Social Tag: @instadang Cache is a work in progress, but already a standout. As a 1-year-old avalanche dog in training at Aspen Highlands, he’s learning fast, staying close to his humans, and somehow, also mastering horseback riding. When he’s not bounding through the snow, he’s waiting for someone to drop popcorn—because no snack gets left behind. Jibboo - Copper's Friendliest Ambassador Home Mountain: Copper Mountain Age: 7 Breed: Chocolate (Lavender) Labradoodle Favorite Hobby: Hiking Colorado’s 14ers Resort Social Tag: @coppermtn Jibboo takes his role as Copper’s Best Ambassador seriously. At 7 years old, this Chocolate (Lavender) Labradoodle walks the resort like he owns the place, offering high-fives and twirls while rocking his collection of custom Melly hoodies. When he’s not charming guests, he’s tackling Colorado’s highest peaks, having summited over 30 14ers. At home, he transitions seamlessly into family dog mode, though he remains convinced that vacuums are creations delivered from an evil, Banshee-like realm. Cudi - Avalanche Rescue Dog Home Mountain: Crystal Mountain Age: 1.5 Breed: Black Field Lab Favorite Treat: Celery sticks with peanut butter Social Tag: @cm_avydogs Cudi is the future of avalanche rescue at Crystal Mountain. As the youngest patroller on the team, she’s training hard and making the most of every moment. She’s happiest when she’s digging in the snow or playing tug with her favorite toy. But the real key to her heart is always going to be celery sticks covered in peanut butter. Missing out on the action is her biggest fear — if there’s a good time happening, she’s making sure she’s part of it. Rooster - Avalanche Search & Rescue Dog (Retiring) Home Mountain: Deer Valley Age: 10 Breed: Red Heeler / Aussie Shepherd Fun Fact: Rooster is retiring this season after ten years of service. He was adopted from Nuzzles & Co. as a stray and has since become a staple of Deer Valley’s patrol team. Resort Social Tag: @deervalleyresort Rooster’s story is one of true mountain spirit. After being rescued as a stray, he found his calling as an avalanche search and rescue dog at Deer Valley, where he has spent the last ten years keeping the slopes safe. He’s a professional on the job but has a playful side, including a deep love for bananas and an obsession with tug-of-war. Retirement is on the horizon, but for now, he’s still out there making sure the patrol shack knows he’s on duty. Sno - Sled Dog at El Tarter Mushing Home Mountain: Grandvalira Resorts Andorra Age: 7 Breed: Alaskan Malamute Favorite Hobby: Rolling in mud in the summer Social Tag: @sno_andorra Sno was born for mountain life. Literally. Born inside the resort during the 2017 winter season, he has grown up as a sled dog at Grandvalira Resorts Andorra, running through snow in the winter and rolling in the mud all summer long. He loves rivers, lakes, and streams, but the ocean is his biggest fear. His treat of choice is sardines, and he’s never met a plush toy he didn’t love. Jetty - Avalanche Rescue Dog Home Mountain: Mt. Bachelor Age: 2 Breed: Golden Retriever Favorite Treat: Any snack that’s left unguarded Social Tag: @jetty_teddy_dog Jetty is always on the move. As a 2-year-old avalanche rescue dog at Mt. Bachelor, he is ready to jump into action at a moment’s notice. His motivation is simple—tennis balls and food. If a snack is left unguarded, he considers it fair game. Chairlifts on windy days are not his favorite, but when there’s work to do or a ball to chase, he’s all in. Maggie - Avalanche Rescue Dog Home Mountain: Revelstoke Mountain Resort Age: 1.5 Breed: Dutch Shepherd Favorite Hobby: Tormenting the cat Resort Social Tag: @revelstokemtnresort Maggie is all drive and no hesitation. As a 1.5-year-old avalanche rescue dog at Revelstoke, she is fearless in the snow and focused on her job. Off duty, she stays busy with tug-of-war battles and making sure the house cat never gets too comfortable. Training days are her favorite, but she’s always ready for a good game of chase. Reba - Certified Avalanche Dog Home Mountain: Schweitzer Age: 1 Breed: Black Lab Fun Fact: Reba is an online sensation whose training updates have gained thousands of followers Handler Social Tag: @jeffthompson1636 Reba has become an online favorite, with videos of her training racking up thousands of views. As the youngest certified avalanche dog at Schweitzer, she is already making a name for herself. Her signature move is an army crawl across the snow, and she never passes up an opportunity to play with her older sister, Annie. Vacuums are a hard no, but she’s happy to take on just about anything else. Jasper - Rentals Greeter Home Mountain: SkiBig3 Age: 3 Breed: St. Bernard Biggest Fear: Skis falling over Social Tag: @nomadic_jasper Jasper brings calm energy to SkiBig3’s rental shop. His favorite activities include welcoming guests, accepting snacks, and taking long naps. Loud noises, like skis falling over, can disrupt his routine, but a good belly rub usually sets things right. Tyroll "Ty"- Avalanche Rescue Dog Home Mountain: Steamboat Age: Almost 2 Breed: English Cream Golden Retriever Biggest Fear: Evil traffic cones and inflatable/animated holiday decorations Social Tag: @tytheavalanchedog Ty has spent her two young years working the mountain at Steamboat, helping keep guests and patrol safe. Her steady presence on the slopes and dedication to work make her a key member of the team. Ty’s best friends are her coworkers on the avy dog team – Alder, Mudd, and Daisy. She is also known for her cuddles and loving pets on her giant fluffy head. Steamboat employees and guests always get excited to see Ty, and she is a joyful presence on the mountain. Indy - Retired Ski Patrol Dog, Now Expert Marketer Home Mountain: Sugarbush Age: 8 Breed: Cattle Dog Mix Favorite Toy: Recycled Polar Seltzer bottle caps Resort Social Tag: @sugarbush_vt Indy has lived many lives—from ski patrol dog to marketing professional, she has seen it all. Her experience stretches from Montana to Vermont, and while she enjoys her office role, she still finds time for white water rafting in the summer. She doesn’t like missing out, and her independence and personality shine in every part of her day. Millie - Avalanche Dog Home Mountain: Sun Valley Age: 2 Breed: Half English Lab, Half English Pointer Favorite Treat: Spilled popcorn on the ski patrol shack floor Social Tag: @mountain.dog.millie Millie blends work and relaxation at Sun Valley. She enjoys mountain life but also prioritizes sleeping in and lounging in the sun. Snacks are always on her radar, with spilled popcorn in the ski patrol shack ranking high on her list. Small dogs and men in ironic hats make her wary, but as long as there’s good food and warm sunshine, she’s happy. Finn - Certified Avalanche Rescue Dog Home Mountain: Taos Ski Valley Age: 3 Breed: Golden Retriever Favorite Treat: Whipped cream Resort Social Tag: @skitaos Finn approaches every day at Taos with enthusiasm and a little bit of mischief. As a 3-year-old certified avalanche rescue dog, he is trained to work hard in the mountains, but he never takes himself too seriously. Off duty, he can be found sprinting after his favorite purple llama toy or demanding a whipped cream snack. He considers himself a professional "menace to society," but the garden hose is one thing he prefers to avoid. Gravy - Avalanche Rescue Dog Home Mountain: Winter Park Age: 4 Breed: Border Collie Biggest Fear: Missing work with his best friend, Dad Social Tag: @gravy_skis Gravy is always on the move, with a smile on his face. As a 4-year-old avalanche rescue dog at Winter Park, he is focused, fast, and dedicated to his job. Whether he’s bounding through deep powder to work on rescue skills or racing alongside his ski patrol team onto the next job, he brings energy and enthusiasm to every day on the mountain and has even helped train other dogs. He is always ready for work when Dad packs his gear in the mountain and takes him to the resort, and if they take a break during the day he leaps as high as possible to show his excitement when Dad comes back to get him from the patrol shack later. On sunny days off in Colorado, his love for sprinting in the snow, early morning walks, and running alongside his parents while cross-country skiing keeps him in top form.

avalanche dogs | Lifted by Ikon Pass | Lifted

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