Dan and Sarah Piano started Snow Buddy 14 years ago with a lot of broken and borrowed stuff and a big dream. They began in their very small back yard in downtown Oak Creek with 7 dogs, doing all kinds of silly things to keep dogs and humans out of trouble! They took in those first dogs from a kennel shutting down in Glenwood Springs, CO, and have since kept their promise to build a home and kennel for animals with no where else to go, bringing in dogs from all over the world. Since that first group of rag-tag misfits (themselves included), they have brought in, trained in harness or maintained in training and later adopted out as pets over 100 dogs!
Heading into the backcountry takes preparation. Here’s the key info to keep
your ride safe and enjoyable.
GPS is unreliable, and safe access requires both a capable vehicle and driver for winter travel. If in doubt, book our shuttle service.
Backcountry weather changes fast, with temps often below zero. Dress in layers—we provide pac boots and winter gear free of charge.
Our double-driver sleds allow adults to ride together for better control. Kids ride in guided sleds, with assistance as needed; little ones may ride in a parent’s lap.
The more accurate your booking info, the better we can match teams and prepare. Missing details may affect safety and comfort.
With years of experience in dog care, backcountry travel, and the traditions of mushing, our team is here to keep both guests and dogs safe, happy, and thriving.
From teaching you how to harness and drive to sharing stories about the land and the sport, our crew makes sure your adventure is as memorable as it is meaningful.
At Snow Buddy, the heart of every adventure is our dogs. All of our sled dogs are rescues, second chance athletes who found a safe haven with us on the trail. They live out their lives here with us, or they go up for adoption if they prove they can be suitable pets.
We invite guests to meet the pack up close: learn their names, discover their roles in the team, and feel the bond that makes sledding such a powerful partnership between humans and dogs.
