avalanche dogs | Lifted by Ikon Pass

Welcome to The World Pup – a mountain-dog showdown inspired by the world’s game and its biggest tournament. Here, 16 four-legged standouts represent their home destinations in a battle for pride, glory, and one very cute cup. From avalanche rescue dogs and patrol pups to shop hounds and local legends, these dogs do more than charm the lift line. They work hard, show up big, and bring personality to the mountains they call home. Now, they’re stepping into the spotlight to represent their home turf in a tournament worthy of the world stage of wag. For club. For cuddles. For kibble. 16 dogs are in. One will rise above the pack and lift the cup. Chase the Pack & Cast Your Vote This year’s tournament follows the knockout-style format you know, now with world-stage energy. Each matchup features two mountain dogs going head-to-head, and your vote helps decide who advances. The tournament kicks off June 18 and runs through July 17, with new rounds, matchups, and features rolling out each week. Along the way, you’ll meet the dogs in the field, follow the bracket as it narrows, and help decide who moves one zoomie closer to lifting the cup. Tournament Schedule Launch June 18 – Round of 16 Preview the Pack Week 1: Round of 16 June 22 – Round of 16 Introduction June 23 – Round of 16 Voting, Day 1 June 25 – Round of 16 Voting, Day 2 Week 2: Quarterfinals June 29 – Quarterfinals Introduction June 30 – Quarterfinals Voting, Day 1 July 2 – Quarterfinals Voting, Day 2 Week 3: Semifinals July 6 – Semifinals Introduction July 7 – Semifinals Voting, Day 1 July 9 – Semifinals Voting, Day 2 Week 4: Final July 13 – Final Introduction July 14 – Finalist Feature July 15 – Finalist Feature July 16 – Final Voting July 17 – Winner Announced Here's how to get in the game: Follow Ikon Pass on Instagram Check Stories throughout the tournament to cast your vote Back your favorite pup as they advance round by round Follow along for breed facts, destination pride, bonus awards, and a little match-day bark. Every vote helps decide who stays in the tournament and who gets sent home. Paw-Some Prizes This year's Bark Bracket has some serious hardware for the top dog. And while only one dog will lift the cup, every competitor is still a very good dog and deserves a little treat. What's on the leash: Grand Prize: This year’s champion earns the title of Pinnacle of Pooch plus a $500 donation to their human teammate’s animal rescue or shelter of choice, courtesy of Ikon Pass. Plus, for their bestie in bark, their human World Pup coach will walk away with an Ikon Pass swag bag. All 16 Competitors: Every doggo takes home a custom Bark Bracket goodie bag of dog toys and soccer balls, because showing up for your destination deserves a reward. The Pack Takes The Pitch The field is stacked with avalanche rescue dogs, patrol pups, shop hounds, and local favorites from Ikon Pass destinations. Each one brings something different to the bracket, from high-altitude instincts and working-dog grit to crowd-favorite charm and undeniable fluff. Get started with the pre-game preview below, where you can meet the full field before the first vote is cast. We’ll introduce each dog with a photo, a few quick stats, and a little about what makes them a worthy representative of their mountain, from destination and role to breed and standout traits. So take a look, pick the dogs you want to follow all the way to the final. Olé, olé, olé, olé. Who are we barking for? Moxie - Alyeska Role: Avalanche Dog Breed: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Age: 1 Known for: Avalanche search work and strong loyalty Fun fact: Moxie is Alyeska’s fifth toller avy dog. Pico De Gallo - Copper Mountain Role: Avalanche Dog Breed: Golden Retriever Age: 1 Known for: Athleticism, energy, and a love for search training Fun fact: Pico de Gallo is Copper’s newest avy dog and already a guest favorite. Tichot - RED Role: Mittens Retrieval Specialist / Rental Shop Dog Breed: Setter / Border Collie / Great Pyrenees Mix Age: 2 Known for: Stealing mittens and charming lodge guests Fun fact: Tichot spent his early life road-tripping across Europe in a van. Indy - Crystal Mountain Role: Avalanche Rescue Dog Breed: Golden Retriever Age: 1 Known for: Strong drill work and big mountain energy Fun fact: He doesn't eat shoes but he likes to rearrange them in the house. Cache - Jackson Hole Role: Avalanche Rescue Dog Breed: Dutch Shepherd Age: 6 Known for: Agility, stamina, and elite search skills Fun fact: Cache works year-round and also assists Teton County Search and Rescue. Sancho - Mammoth Mountain Role: Avalanche Rescue Dog Breed: Red Fox Labrador Age: Under 1 Known for: Puppy stoke, ball drive, and a nose for snow work Fun fact: His full name is Sancho Red Fireball. Dynamite "Dyna" - Sierra at Tahoe Role: Avalanche Rescue Dog Breed: Chocolate Lab Age: 5 Known for: Rescue work, sensitivity, and guest-friendly energy Fun fact: Dyna is known for giving hugs. Chilli - Mt Buller Role: Ski Patrol Therapy Dog Breed: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Age: 1 Known for: Matching energy, from zoomies to cuddles Fun fact: Chilli is the first K9 to officially join Mt Buller Ski Patrol. Pacha - Deer Valley Role: Avalanche Search and Rescue K9 Breed: Yellow Lab Age: 1 Known for: Early promise and strong search instincts Fun fact: He’s learning the ropes from Deer Valley’s older avalanche dogs. Ahsoka - Palisades Tahoe Role: Avalanche Dog Breed: Belgian Malinois Age: 5 Known for: Intelligence, agility, and full-send work ethic Fun fact: Ahsoka has a five-foot vertical jump. Abbey - Schweitzer Role: Avalanche Rescue Dog Breed: Yellow Lab Age: 9 Known for: Experience, leadership, and victim location Fun fact: In summer, Abbey copilots with her handler. Ginger - Summit at Snoqualmie Role: Canine Resources Manager Breed: Red Heeler / Australian Cattle Dog Age: 4 Known for: Off-snow morale and nonstop energy Fun fact: Ginger is an uncertified Strava menace. Jolene - Snowbird Role: Avalanche Dog Breed: Yellow Labrador Retriever Age: 2 Known for: Drive, adaptability, and mountain ambition Fun fact: Jolene also loves the desert and paddleboarding. Finn - Taos Role: Avalanche Rescue Dog Breed: Golden Retriever Age: 4 Known for: Search focus, friendliness, and mountain spirit Fun fact: Finn is obsessed with all things round. Ty - Steamboat Role: Avalanche Dog Breed: English Cream Golden Retriever Age: 3 Known for: Intelligence, adaptability, and gentle temperament Fun fact: Ty descends from lighter-colored Golden Retriever lines developed in the UK. Dezi - Solitude Role: Avalanche Rescue Dog Breed: Lab Mix Age: 1 Known for: Scent work, endurance, and avy-dog energy Fun fact: Dezi loves frisbees, ice cubes, and stealing socks. Let’s Roll (dogs, balls, & dog balls) The stage is set. The pack is ready. The chase for the World Pup starts now.

The Bark Is Back & Bigger Than Ever

avalanche dogs | Lifted by Ikon Pass | Lifted

The Bark Is Back & Bigger Than Ever

Bark Bracket 2025

The 2024 Bark Bracket

THE 2023 BARK BRACKET