Our Crew

At Snow Buddy, our crew is more than a team—they’re passionate mushers, caretakers, and storytellers who live and breathe sled dogs. Each guide brings years of experience on the trail, along with a deep respect for the dogs, the wilderness, and the traditions of mushing.

From teaching you how to harness and drive to sharing tales of Colorado’s backcountry, our crew makes every adventure safe, educational, and unforgettable. Their goal is simple: to give you confidence, connect you with the dogs, and help create memories that last long after the snow melts.

Meet The Crew

The people behind Snow Buddy bring passion, care, and expertise to every adventure. From guiding sleds to caring for the dogs, they make the journey unforgettable.

Sarah Piano

Owner/Operator

Sarah is a big dreamer and her husband Dan is a doer. They started Snow Buddy 14 years ago when Sarah “had an idea” and it’s been a wild ride ever since. Sarah really loves mushing and is humbled she gets to share her heart for an age old tradition with people from all over the world and every walk of life. She’s met some of her most favorite people on the Snow Buddy trail, a couple of them here with her in this picture! Sarah is pictured here in blue with her best bud Marlen on his 90th birthday celebration, and first time musher Claire.

Dan Piano

Owner/Operator

Dan. Where to begin? There is no Snow Buddy without him. He built everything our guests can see and enjoy at the two camps (our trailhead and backcountry camp), the gorgeous kennel facility and the Piano home. He is a gifted carpenter and exceedingly gifted guide, trail boss and cookie baker. He wasn’t a dog-man when he met Sarah, but his love for his wife and family keep him going when the going gets rough. He thinks he’s blessed and that’s all that matters to him.

Lark Daniel Piano

Future Pack Leader

Lark will turn 7 in January and he’s already planning on taking over the business soon. Dan and Sarah are looking forward to the day!

This terrific little human is not on every trip, but it’s a great day when he is. Lark knows tons of jokes, even more helpful hints for new mushers and he’s already great at fitting boots on guests before each trip. A guide in the making

Giovanni Jeffrey Piano

Junior Dog Wrangler

Von makes sure Sarah’s desk never has any clutter. He also baby proofs the sled dogs. He has a lot to say and he knows a lot about dogs already: My dogs, lots of them. Crazy loud, running fast. Love them!

His favorite dogs are Whisper, Olivia Avocado, Cooper, Tranky-Doo and Quixote (pictured here).

Ben Kowalewski

Right-Hand Man on the Trail

Ben is one of the kindest most genuine people you will ever meet. He loves dogs and people and was a natural here from day one. It’s hard to imagine life around here without him, as he jumps in to help with just about everything we do all year round. He’s had a lot of different jobs over the years, but we are hoping his affection for our little family of dogs and humans (and good fishin in the summer) will park him here for at least a little while longer. Thank you Ben, for being the most loyal coworker and friend these Snow Buddies could ever hope for!