Avalanche Dogs

First Responders On The Slopes

Ruffwear proudly supports avalanche rescue teams around the United States and Canada by providing gear for their highly trained rescue dogs. These dogs are skilled at locating victims buried in and under the snow. Wearing red Ruffwear Web Master Pro™ Harnesses, the rescue dogs serve as visible canine landmarks on the slopes of many ski resorts across North America. Using input from rescue teams, we designed the Web Master Pro™ Harness and the Patroller™ Leash to withstand the extensive wear and extreme weather conditions encountered by avalanche rescue dogs.

The rescue dogs train with their handlers at their home mountains every day during ski season to help keep skiers and snowboarders safe. The key to training and certifying a dog for avalanche rescue is the reward at the end of the dig. Most avalanche rescue dogs enjoy a play session with their handler following a successful search. In addition, these rescue dogs attend avalanche rescue dog training schools, such as Wasatch Backcountry Rescue (WBR), for intensive training.

Ruffwear sends our thanks to these extraordinary teams for their dedication and service. See you on the slopes!

two avalanche dogs being carried by patrollers skiing, one close up of avalanche dog in the snow, group of avalanche dog handlers and dogs in front of helicopter.
Avalanche dog and patroller kneel on corduroy groomed run in the mountains.
Quotation Marks

Dogs do speak, especially when you’ve built a partnership of trust. Everything I’ve learned about search and rescue, I’ve learned from my dogs.

-Tracy D. Christensen, president of Wasatch Backcountry Rescue