The Bark Is Back & Bigger Than Ever

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.

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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.